Senior Machine Design Engineer

IPG; Schaumburg (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

IPG is seeking a Senior Machine Design Engineer to lead the development of custom automated packaging machinery. You will guide projects from concept through release, delivering complete drawings and BOMs while coordinating with cross-functional teams.

The role requires extensive 3D CAD proficiency, 7+ years in machine design, and strong problem-solving skills to ensure manufacturability, reliability, and cost control across projects ranging from $500k to $2.5M.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• 7+ years of machine design experience.
• Advanced 3D CAD proficiency.
• Experience creating production drawings, assembly drawings, and bills of material.
• Strong understanding of machine design principles including Power Transmission, Servo-Driven Motion Systems, Pneumatics, DFM, Mechanical Timing, and Kinematics.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed mechanical designs for custom packaging machinery and automation systems.
• Create and validate machine concepts through timing studies, motion analysis, and engineering calculations.
• Design complete machine assemblies and mechanisms using 3D CAD software.
• Generate production-ready 2D fabrication drawings, assembly drawings, and bills of material.
• Ensure designs are manufacturable, serviceable, reliable, and cost-effective.
• Review and improve existing machine designs for performance, cost, and ease of manufacture.
• Own engineering execution for assigned projects from concept through release.
• Deliver complete drawing and documentation packages that support procurement, manufacturing, assembly, testing, installation, and service.
• Manage engineering schedules and priorities to meet project milestones.
• Communicate project status, risks, and deliverables with engineering leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Work closely with Sales, Project Management, Manufacturing, Assembly, Controls Engineering, Purchasing, Service, and Field Installation teams.
• Support machine build, testing, startup, and troubleshooting activities.
• Provide technical support during manufacturing, commissioning, and customer installation as needed.
• Participate in design reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Machine design

3D CAD

Manufacturing knowledge

Troubleshooting

Project coordination

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

3D CAD software

Job description

Join the IPG Team! Are you ready to elevate your career? At IPG, we are more than just a global leader in packaging and protective solutions—we are a community that values safety, people, passion, integrity, performance, and teamwork. From tapes and films to packaging and protective products, as well as engineered coated materials and advanced packaging machinery, we develop innovative solutions that protect the world. Now, we are expanding our global team and looking for talented individuals like you!

Position Description

Title: Senior Machine Design Engineer

Department: Engineering

Immediate Supervisor: Engineering Manager

Status: Exempt Salaried

Position Purpose: We are seeking an experienced Senior Machine Design Engineer to develop custom automated packaging machinery including cartoners, case packers, palletizers, and related end-of-line equipment. In this role, you will take customer projects from an approved machine concept through detailed design and release for manufacturing. Projects range from modifications of proven machine platforms to completely new machine concepts requiring original engineering solutions. The successful candidate will be a highly capable machine designer who can work independently, make sound engineering decisions, manage multiple priorities, and deliver complete machine designs on aggressive schedules.

Work Environment: Our projects typically range from $500,000 to $2.5 million, move quickly, and involve the design and delivery of highly customized automated machinery. Engineers in this role are entrusted with significant ownership and responsibility and expected to do what is necessary to meet commitments. The successful candidate thrives in a fast-paced, project-driven environment, enjoys solving complex engineering challenges, and is comfortable adapting to evolving priorities and schedules. Our project timelines are measured in weeks, not months.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed mechanical designs for custom packaging machinery and automation systems.
• Create and validate machine concepts through timing studies, motion analysis, and engineering calculations.
• Design complete machine assemblies and mechanisms using 3D CAD software.
• Generate production-ready 2D fabrication drawings, assembly drawings, and bills of material.
• Ensure designs are manufacturable, serviceable, reliable, and cost-effective.
• Review and improve existing machine designs for performance, cost, and ease of manufacture.

• Own engineering execution for assigned projects from concept through release.
• Deliver complete drawing and documentation packages that support procurement, manufacturing, assembly, testing, installation, and service.
• Manage engineering schedules and priorities to meet project milestones.
• Communicate project status, risks, and deliverables with engineering leadership and cross-functional teams.

• Work closely with Sales, Project Management, Manufacturing, Assembly, Controls Engineering, Purchasing, Service, and Field Installation teams.
• Support machine build, testing, startup, and troubleshooting activities.
• Provide technical support during manufacturing, commissioning, and customer installation as needed.
• Participate in design reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• 7+ years of machine design experience.
• Advanced 3D CAD proficiency.
• Experience creating production drawings, assembly drawings, and bills of material.
• Strong understanding of machine design principles including:

• Mechanical Power Transmission
• Servo-Driven Motion Systems
• Pneumatics (can you tell me what a 5/3 valve is?)
• Design For Manufacturing
• Mechanical Timing
• Machine Kinematics
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving ability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with machining, fabrication, welding, and assembly processes.
• Experience supporting machine commissioning and field installations.
• Experience designing packaging machinery such as Cartoners, Case packers, Palletizers, and Robotic packaging systems preferred.
• Experience with high-speed automated manufacturing equipment preferred.

What Success Looks Like

• Take ownership of complex machine design projects.
• Produce accurate and complete release packages with minimal supervision.
• Make practical engineering decisions under schedule pressure.
• Effectively coordinate with multiple departments to keep projects moving forward.
• Balance technical excellence with project deadlines and business objectives.
• Consistently deliver solutions that can be purchased, built, tested, installed, and supported successfully.

Why Choose IPG?

At IPG, you will find more than just a job—you will find a place where your success is our success. We pride ourselves on a culture built around strong relationships, where every team member plays a crucial role in our growth. Whether it is through cross-department collaboration, continuous training, or sustainability-driven initiatives, we create an environment where you can thrive.

Our commitment to sustainability influences everything we do, from designing eco-friendly products to minimizing waste in our production processes. We are dedicated to building a greener future while providing safe, supportive workplaces for our people.

With over 40 years of industry expertise and a proven track record of growth and innovation, IPG offers a stable, secure environment where you can flourish!

We offer competitive pay, extensive benefits that support you and your family, and exciting career development opportunities. Whether you are looking to enhance your skills or advance your career, we offer ongoing training and the support you need to succeed. Think big, dream bigger, and make an impact with IPG.

You belong here. Join us today!