Mechanical Automation Project Engineer

Instron; Norwood (MA); On-site; USD 91,200 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

Instron is seeking a Mechanical Project Engineer to join our Automation Team, designing custom automation systems for high-profile manufacturers. You will drive engineering projects from concept through delivery, coordinating with engineering, sales, procurement, and manufacturing to meet client requirements.

You will apply SolidWorks for modeling and drawings, oversee schedules and budgets, and help ensure safety and performance across projects.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering with 3+ years in design/manufacturing.
• Project management skills or PMP considered a plus.
• Experience with automation technologies and machine safety is desirable.
• Proficient in SolidWorks for modeling and drawings.

Responsibilities

• Design custom automation systems from concept through delivery.
• Lead projects across engineering, procurement, manufacturing, and service.
• Ensure designs meet specifications, schedules, and budgets.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing to capture customer requirements.

Skills

Project leadership

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Communication

Time management

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

FEA

Automation

Job description

Company Description

Instron is a global organization that designs, manufactures, sells and services materials testing systems.

Job Description

Instron is a global organization that designs, manufactures, sells and services materials testing systems. Have you ever wondered how a potato chip always has the right crispiness level? Or, how your game controller will survive several drops whether you are excited for your win or upset by a loss? How about eyewear being able to withstand impact forces? Visit Instron’s YouTube Channel to see our customer’s applications or watch our Culture video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IC97HOKN-Y . Check out Facebook Watch at https://fb.watch/a8ILPde4GP/ for additional videos. Our systems are trusted by 95% of the world’s largest manufacturing companies to gather critical data, informing the design of materials and components. You will find that our established strength, commitment to our core values and team focus provides an engaging work environment and offers exceptional opportunities for personal and career development. Instron is part of Illinois Tool Works (ITW), a global diversified industrial manufacturer of value-added consumables and specialty equipment with related service businesses.

The Opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our Engineered Solutions Group as a Mechanical Project Engineer on our Automation Team. In this role, you will design custom automation systems used by some of the world's largest manufacturers to test products ranging from medical devices and aerospace components to consumer electronics and packaging materials. Every project is different, offering the opportunity to solve challenging engineering problems from concept through customer delivery. The ESG group consists of a cross‑functional team of multidisciplinary engineers that work closely with Engineering, Sales, and Marketing to provide custom automated solutions for the material testing industry. This team works at a fast pace to design, build, and test a variety of material testing solutions. ESG engineers are involved in all stages of the product and project life cycles, including quoting, designing, procurement, manufacturing, testing, installation, and support. You will have responsibility for meeting design specifications, project schedules, and overall ownership of the activities required to complete the projects. You will work in a highly collaborative and dynamic environment where frequent interaction with other multidisciplinary engineers, manufacturing team, sales team, and service team members, as well as vendors, suppliers, and customers is critical to success. You will also provide input on design, material selection, finishes, manufacturing process and their limitations.

Projects Include

• Robotic specimen handling systems
• Automated material testing cells
• Custom fixturing and motion control systems
• Safety guarding and machine integration
• High-volume production testing solutions

Qualifications

Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent) combined with 3+ years of engineering experience in a design or manufacturing environment. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification, Software, and/or Electrical Engineering skills are a plus!

Preferred Skills Include

• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, constantly changing environment
• Independently lead complex engineering projects from concept through implementation.
• Capability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects with urgency
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
• Collaborative mindset with flexibility to contribute across multiple engineering initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver successful designs on tight project timelines
• Proficient in the use of SolidWorks to complete models, drawings, and FEA
• Experience with industrial automation technologies including motion control, pneumatic systems, robotics, machine safety systems, and automated manufacturing equipment is highly desirable
• Machine design experience that has incorporated machine elements, mechanical drive systems, kinematic principles and/or mechanisms, ergonomics, and design for cost and manufacturability
• System testing and design verification experience that includes setting up and conducting tests, data acquisition, and statistical analysis, summarizing data, and writing reports
• Knowledge of or desire to learn the details of materials testing

Environment

• Primarily onsite office environment with little, if any, exposure to adverse conditions. Periodic exposure to a manufacturing environment.
• Occasional domestic and international travel required.

Compensation Information

This position has a starting salary range of $91,200 to $114,000 per year. Pay is determined by several factors, including a candidate’s experience, relevant skills, and qualifications.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.