Senior Mechanical Engineer — Emerging Capabilities (New Product Development)

Laitram LLC; Harahan (LA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Laitram LLC in Harahan, LA is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to join the Emerging Capabilities team. You will design and industrialize complex mechanical and electro-mechanical systems at the intersection of Industrial Automation and Advanced Product Handling.

You will own CAD development from concept to production, validate designs with prototypes, and collaborate across engineering, manufacturing and commercial teams to deliver scalable solutions for customer needs.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in new product development, machine design, or electromechanical systems.
• BS in Mechanical Engineering; MS is a plus.
• Extensive experience with 3D CAD programs (SolidWorks/ProE/Creo/Inventor).
• Depth in machine design and rapid prototyping (machining, 3D printing, molding).
• Experience with controls automation components (PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, sensors, actuators).
• Willingness to work on-site in New Orleans, LA with travel (<15%).

Responsibilities

• Research, ideate, and design next-gen conveyance and product platforms.
• Create specifications and select components based on needs.
• Lead validation and de-risking through prototypes and tests.
• Own design and drawings in CAD from concept to production.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and commercial teams to meet requirements.
• Contribute to cost estimation, manufacturing specs, testing, and training.

Skills

Product development

Machine design

Conveyor systems

3D CAD

Prototype

Validation

Controls automation

Communication

Self-management

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

MS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

ProE/Creo/Inventor

Creo

Inventor

Job description

Join our Emerging Capabilities team to design, develop, and industrialize complex mechanical and electro-mechanical systems that open new product and platform opportunities. You will work at the intersection of Industrial Automation, Conveyor Systems, and Advanced Product Handling, translating customer needs into scalable, manufacturable solutions that create measurable value in customers’ applications.

Responsibilities

• Research, innovate, ideate, and design next-gen conveyance and product platforms aligned with customer value creation.
• Create product specifications and make component selection based on needs and trends.
• Lead validation and de-risking through prototype builds, testing and failure analysis to reduce technical and commercial risk.
• Own design, drawing creation and development in CAD to move project from concept to prototype to production.
• Align and collaborate with cross-functional Engineering, Technical, Manufacturing and Commercial teams to define requirements and specifications to ensure project success.
• Participate in cost estimation, engineering & technical specifications, manufacturing, testing, commissioning, and customer training as part of the new product development team.
• Plan and execute internal testing and field-test; incorporate Voice of Customer feedback for iterative design improvements.
• Partner with patent attorneys on disclosures, claims, drawings and filings for novel concepts to protect IP.
• Prepare technical documentation, specifications, test plans/reports, and O&M material to support manufacturing, service, and customer adoption.
• Perform additional duties as needed to ensure project and company success.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in new product development, machine design, test equipment, conveyor systems, mechanical systems and/or electromechanical Systems.
• BS in Mechanical Engineering (MS a plus).
• Extensive knowledge, competence and experience with 3D CAD programs (SolidWorks/ProE/Creo/Inventor/etc.)
• Depth in machine and mechanical design, and rapid prototyping (machining, 3D printing, molding).
• Demonstrated validation rigor and hands-on troubleshooting mindset.
• Working knowledge of controls automation systems and components such as PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, sensors, or actuators, with the ability to collaborate effectively with controls and electrical engineering partners.
• Clear, practical communicator who can simplify complex trade-offs for partners in engineering, manufacturing, and commercial teams.
• Self-managed, creative, and driven with high standards for quality and execution.
• On-site work in New Orleans, LA; willingness to travel occasionally (<15%).