Automation Design Engineer, Packaging Machinery

Smurfit Westrock plc; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock plc is seeking a mechanical design engineer in Orlando to design packaging machinery and automation systems. You will use 3D CAD to create standard designs, analyze kinematics and dynamics, and develop BOMs for production.

You’ll collaborate across teams to improve safety, cost, and reliability. The role requires 3+ years of relevant experience, a mechanical engineering degree, strong drafting and communication skills, and familiarity with CAD automation, APIs, and data

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in mechanical design of automation equipment, packaging machinery, or related industrial machinery.
• Proficiency in 3D modeling.
• Good analytical and mathematical skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline required.
• Good verbal and written communications skills.
• Knowledge of standard drafting practices.
• Strong documentation and technical communication skills.
• Good understanding of manufacturing practices.
• Capable of construction and implementing mechanical designs.
• Risk assessment and machine safety.
• Experience developing automation tools or software that improve engineering workflows, business processes, CAD automation, data management, or system integration is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with REST APIs, SQL databases, version control systems, and software development best practices is preferred.
• Ability to identify repetitive engineering and business processes and develop practical automation solutions that improve efficiency and data integrity.

Responsibilities

• Provide standard machinery designs for solving our customers’ packaging needs and develop effective packaging processes.
• Utilize 3D CAD software to design and develop packaging machinery and automation systems using established engineering standards and best practices.
• Responsible for accuracy of calculations in the fields of kinematics, dynamics, pneumatics and servo motion analysis required for designing automation mechanisms and equipment.
• Create and maintain mechanical bills of materials, in a structured format and submit to production for manufacturing on the specific equipment.
• Detail working drawing mechanics for economical manufacturing practices.
• Research purchased mechanical components for adequate sizing and selection of mechanical devices.
• Develop working assembly drawings for production and customer usage in component identification.
• Assist in cost reduction and quality improvement of the mechanical designs for our machinery.
• Understand customer's mechanical specifications and needs for their packaging operations.
• Support machine commissioning, troubleshooting, installation, and startup activities as required.
• Participate in design reviews and collaborate with electrical, controls, manufacturing, purchasing, and service teams to ensure successful project execution.
• Develop and maintain engineering automation tools, scripts, and software utilities to improve engineering workflows, automate repetitive business and design processes, increase data accuracy, and enhance productivity.
• This may include integrating CAD systems, engineering databases, ERP/MRP systems, document management systems, and other business applications through APIs, scripting, and custom software solutions.
• Evaluate, implement, and support emerging digital technologies, including AI, scripting, low-code platforms, and custom software, that improve engineering efficiency, standardization, and overall business operations.

Skills

3D modeling

Mechanical design

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Manufacturing practices

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

REST APIs

SQL

Version control

Job description

Smurfit Westrock plc is seeking a mechanical design engineer in Orlando to design packaging machinery and automation systems. You will use 3D CAD to create standard designs, analyze kinematics and dynamics, and develop BOMs for production.

You’ll collaborate across teams to improve safety, cost, and reliability. The role requires 3+ years of relevant experience, a mechanical engineering degree, strong drafting and communication skills, and familiarity with CAD automation, APIs, and data