Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Senior Mechanical Engineer | Custom Automation and Packaging

Location: Elk Grove Village, IL

Work Arrangement: On‑site

Travel: Up to 10 percent (often less)

We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to support the design and development of fully custom automation and packaging machinery. This role offers the opportunity to own projects end to end, from concept through design, release, build, and final completion, within a highly integrated, in‑house engineering and manufacturing environment.

Within the first 3 to 6 months, this engineer is expected to independently manage mechanical aspects of projects and contribute to multiple machines concurrently.

• Lead mechanical design of custom automation equipment from concept through release
• Develop project timelines, review scope, and define machine layouts and sections
• Create and maintain timing charts, machine flow diagrams, and mechanical concepts
• Design parts and assemblies for large, complex systems
• Interface closely with controls engineering to transfer machine logic and timing
• Support the manufacturing and assembly floor, including troubleshooting and redesign
• Coordinate with internal teams and external vendors
• Follow projects through build, assembly, and completion
• Continuously improve existing designs and develop new mechanical solutions
• Travel to customer sites as needed

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
• 3 to 25 years of experience (flexible based on skill level and depth of experience)
• Strong machine design experience with custom automation equipment
• Packaging machinery experience is highly preferred but not required
• Experience designing custom parts and assemblies for complex machines
• Ability to create and interpret timing charts, air diagrams, and machine flow
• Solid understanding of motors, gearboxes, pneumatics, and mechanical motion>
• Proficiency with Solid Works (PDM experience strongly preferred)
• Experience with AutoCAD and standard office tools (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Comfortable supporting the shop floor and collaborating with manufacturing
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills
• Team‑oriented mindset with the ability to take ownership of projects

• Direct experience with packaging automation (cartoners, case packers, transfers)
• 10 to 15 years of hands‑on mechanical design experience
• Experience working in a fully integrated, in‑house engineering and manufacturing environment
• Exposure to international customers or multilingual capabilities

• Work on fully custom machines with no repetitive or standard designs
• See your designs built and assembled on‑site
• Highly collaborative environment with engineering, manufacturing, and assembly under one roof
• Strong long‑term growth potential for engineers with the right attitude and ownership mentality
• Ideal for engineers who value stability, technical challenge, and end‑to‑end responsibility