Lead Mechanical Engineer, Custom Automation Machinery

Arrow International, Inc.; Brunswick (OH); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Arrow International, Inc. seeks a Lead Mechanical Engineer for Custom Automation Machinery to design production equipment from concept to commissioning, including fabrication packages and integration into our architecture.

You will lead design reviews, mentor peers, and stay hands-on in assembly and testing, leveraging SolidWorks and web-handling expertise to deliver reliable, manufacturable machines for specialized printing applications.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering required; M.S. preferred.
• 7+ years designing industrial machinery with ground-up machine creation.
• Full lifecycle ownership from concept through production commissioning.
• Experience with web handling, printing, or converting machinery preferred.
• Able to generate fabrication drawings, BOMs, and vendor-ready documentation.

Responsibilities

• Invent and deliver original process machinery - from concept sketch to fully commissioned production equipment.
• Model and detail mechanisms and assemblies in SolidWorks (or similar).
• Engineer continuous web systems with precise tension control and registration for printing applications.
• Prepare and release fabrication packages: drawings, BOMs, and procurement documentation.
• Adapt commercial machines and integrate them into Arrow’s manufacturing architecture.
• Document mechanisms for IP protection and patents.
• Lead design reviews and mentor peers to improve quality and reliability.
• Be hands-on during assembly and commissioning - troubleshoot, refine, and drive improvements.
• Codify repeatable design standards and engineering review processes for custom builds.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

7+ years designing industrial machines

Mentoring peers

Strong communication

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

MS preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

PDM

Job description

Build the future of Arrow’s manufacturing one original machine at a time

Do you thrive on transforming a blank page into a production-ready machine? At Arrow International, our Lead Mechanical Engineer, Custom Automation Machinery, designs novel equipment that can’t be sourced commercially - and then sees it through build, installation, and commissioning.

Why this role matters

Our manufacturing advantage depends on machinery that gives us capabilities others don’t have. You’ll collaborate with Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, Automation, Production, Maintenance, and Operations to turn complex needs into reliable, elegant machines.

Your mission

• Invent and deliver original process machinery - from concept sketch to fully commissioned production equipment.
• Model and detail mechanisms and assemblies in SolidWorks (or similar), producing clear, manufacturable designs.
• Engineer continuous web systems with precise tension control and registration for printing applications.
• Prepare and release complete fabrication packages: drawings, BOMs, and procurement documentation for outside fabricators.
• When appropriate, adapt commercial machines and integrate them into Arrow’s broader manufacturing architecture.
• Document innovative mechanisms for potential patents and IP protection.
• Lead design reviews and mentor peers to raise the bar on quality and reliability.
• Be hands-on during assembly and commissioning - troubleshoot, refine, and drive continuous improvement.
• Codify repeatable design standards, documentation practices, and engineering review processes for custom builds.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What sets you apart

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering required; M.S. preferred.
• 7+ years designing industrial machinery with a focus on ground-up machine creation.
• Full lifecycle ownership from concept through production commissioning.
• Significant exposure to web handling, printing, or converting machinery (strongly preferred).
• Fluent in SolidWorks; PDM/data management familiarity preferred.
• Strong command of machine design principles, mechanical systems, fabrication processes, tolerancing, and system integration.
• Proven ability to generate accurate fabrication drawings, BOMs, and vendor-ready documentation.
• Resourceful problem solver who balances innovation with manufacturability.
• Clear communicator who partners effectively with Engineering, Automation, Production, Maintenance, and Operations.
• Comfortable in the shop - supporting design, build, installation, and commissioning.

You should be proficient in

• Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
• Mechanical Design & Engineering