Senior Machine Design Engineer

At IPG, we are a global leader in packaging and protective solutions, developing innovative products like tapes, films, packaging, protective materials, engineered coated materials, and advanced packaging machinery. We value safety, people, passion, integrity, performance, and teamwork, and are expanding our team to drive further growth and innovation.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Machine Design Engineer to develop custom automated packaging machinery, including cartoners, case packers, palletizers, and related end-of-line equipment. In this role, you will take customer projects from an approved machine concept through detailed design and release for manufacturing. Projects range from modifications of proven machine platforms to completely new machine concepts requiring original engineering solutions.

The successful candidate will be a highly capable machine designer who can work independently, make sound engineering decisions, manage multiple priorities, and deliver complete machine designs on aggressive schedules. Our projects typically range from $500,000 to $2.5 million, move quickly, and involve the design and delivery of highly customized automated machinery. Engineers in this role are entrusted with significant ownership and responsibility and are expected to do what is necessary to meet commitments.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed mechanical designs for custom packaging machinery and automation systems.
• Create and validate machine concepts through timing studies, motion analysis, and engineering calculations.
• Design complete machine assemblies and mechanisms using 3D CAD software.
• Generate production-ready 2D fabrication drawings, assembly drawings, and bills of material.
• Ensure designs are manufacturable, serviceable, reliable, and cost-effective.
• Review and improve existing machine designs for performance, cost, and ease of manufacture.
• Own engineering execution for assigned projects from concept through release.
• Deliver complete drawing and documentation packages that support procurement, manufacturing, assembly, testing, installation, and service.
• Manage engineering schedules and priorities to meet project milestones.
• Communicate project status, risks, and deliverables with engineering leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Work closely with Sales, Project Management, Manufacturing, Assembly, Controls Engineering, Purchasing, Service, and Field Installation teams.
• Support machine build, testing, startup, and troubleshooting activities.
• Provide technical support during manufacturing, commissioning, and customer installation as needed.
• Participate in design reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• 7+ years of machine design experience.
• Advanced 3D CAD proficiency.
• Experience creating production drawings, assembly drawings, and bills of material.
• Strong understanding of machine design principles including:
  • Mechanical Power Transmission
  • Servo-Driven Motion Systems
  • Pneumatics (e.g., knowledge of a 5/3 valve)
  • Design For Manufacturing
  • Mechanical Timing
  • Machine Kinematics
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving ability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with machining, fabrication, welding, and assembly processes.
• Experience supporting machine commissioning and field installations.
• Experience designing packaging machinery such as Cartoners, Case packers, Palletizers, and Robotic packaging systems preferred.
• Experience with high-speed automated manufacturing equipment preferred.

What Success Looks Like

• Take ownership of complex machine design projects.
• Produce accurate and complete release packages with minimal supervision.
• Make practical engineering decisions under schedule pressure.
• Effectively coordinate with multiple departments to keep projects moving forward.
• Balance technical excellence with project deadlines and business objectives.
• Consistently deliver solutions that can be purchased, built, tested, installed, and supported successfully.

Benefits

At IPG, you will find a culture built around strong relationships, where every team member plays a crucial role in our growth. We offer:

• Competitive pay and extensive benefits that support you and your family.
• Exciting career development opportunities, including ongoing training and support.
• Cross-department collaboration and continuous training.
• A commitment to sustainability, influencing eco-friendly product design and waste minimization.
• A stable, secure environment with over 40 years of industry expertise and a proven track record of growth and innovation.