Mechanical Engineer II

Vaco; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 115,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Benefits package

Job summary

Vaco Recruiter Services in Sarasota, FL is seeking a Mechanical Engineer II to design and develop automated packaging equipment from concept through production release. This hands-on role requires delivering reliable machinery for fast-paced OEM environments.

The ideal candidate has 4–6+ years in mechanical design, strong CAD skills (Inventor/SolidWorks/AutoCAD), and experience with BOMs, drawings, and pneumatic systems.

Qualifications

• 4–6+ years designing manufacturing machinery in an OEM environment.
• Experience designing custom packaging/automation equipment.
• Proficient with Inventor and/or SolidWorks; strong CAD skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop automated packaging machinery from concept to production release.
• Create 3D models, assemblies, and drawings; manage BOMs and fabrication drawings.
• Design sheet metal, machined components, and pneumatic systems.
• Support NPD and continuous improvement projects; coordinate with cross-functional teams.
• Review vendor proposals and ensure designs meet specs and standards.
• Interface with customers, suppliers, and internal teams as needed.

Skills

Mechanical design

Pneumatic systems

Project ownership

Education

BSME

Tools

Inventor

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

An industry-leading manufacturer of automated packaging equipment is seeking a Mechanical Engineer II to join its engineering team in Sarasota, Florida. This position is ideal for a hands‑on, driven engineer who thrives in a fast‑paced OEM environment and enjoys designing highly customized automated machinery from concept through production.

This role will focus on the design and development of complex packaging equipment, mechanical assemblies, pneumatic systems, and automation‑related machinery used by customers across the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, and industrial manufacturing sectors.

The ideal candidate is an energetic, accountable engineer who takes ownership of projects, collaborates effectively across functions, and is eager to contribute to innovative machinery solutions.

Location: Sarasota, FL (Onsite)

Relocation Assistance Available

Salary: $115,000 - $135,000

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop automated packaging machinery and mechanical systems from concept through production release.
• Create detailed 3D models, assemblies, and engineering drawings using Inventor, SolidWorks, and AutoCAD.
• Generate and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs), fabrication drawings, assembly drawings, and technical documentation.
• Design sheet metal, machined components, mechanical assemblies, and pneumatic systems.
• Support new product development initiatives and continuous improvement projects.
• Coordinate with manufacturing, purchasing, service, and sales teams to ensure successful project execution.
• Process and implement Engineering Change Orders (ECOs).
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement engineering solutions to improve equipment performance and reliability.
• Support prototype development, testing, and validation activities.
• Review vendor proposals and technical quotations for components and assemblies.
• Ensure designs meet customer requirements, regulatory standards, and company engineering specifications.
• Maintain drawing databases and documentation control systems.
• Interface directly with customers, suppliers, and external partners when required.

Required Qualifications

• 4-6+ years of mechanical engineering experience designing manufacturing machinery in an OEM environment.
• Strong experience designing custom machinery, automation equipment, or packaging systems.
• Proficiency with Inventor and/or SolidWorks.
• Strong AutoCAD skills and experience creating detailed engineering documentation.
• Experience generating BOMs, fabrication drawings, and assembly documentation.
• Ability to independently manage complex mechanical design projects with minimal supervision.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, pneumatics, fabrication methods, and manufacturing processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME).
• Experience designing complex automated packaging or material handling equipment.
• Background supporting machinery from concept through manufacturing and field deployment.
• Experience coordinating across engineering, manufacturing, service, and supply chain functions.
• Knowledge of machine design best practices, reliability improvements, and design‑for‑manufacturing principles.
• Exposure to pouching, cartoning, flexible packaging, thermoforming, or other packaging machinery applications.

Travel & Schedule

• Primarily onsite in Sarasota, Florida.
• Occasional travel may be required to support customer installations, testing, or project activities.
• Typical business hours with flexibility based on project demands and deadlines.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Join a growing engineering organization that designs highly customized automation and packaging equipment.
• Work on complex machinery projects from concept through final production.
• Gain exposure to advanced mechanical systems, automation technologies, and new product development initiatives.
• Collaborate with experienced engineering leaders and cross‑functional teams.
• Stable, long‑term opportunity with a market‑leading manufacturer serving essential industries.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement savings plan with company match, and generous paid time off.
• Benefits eligible on day one of employment.

Ideal Backgrounds

Candidates coming from OEM machinery manufacturers, packaging automation companies, material handling equipment manufacturers, or custom industrial equipment builders will be especially attractive. Experience with equipment such as cartoners, pouching systems, form‑fill‑seal machinery, case packers, robotic automation, thermoforming equipment, or other high‑speed packaging systems is highly preferred.