Senior Mechanical Engineer – Stretch Wrapping Systems

Columbia Machine, Inc.; Vancouver (WA); Hybrid; USD 100,700 - 132,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) and matching

Employee assistance program

Flexible spending account

Health, Life, and Vision insurance

Paid time off

Referral program

Job summary

A specialized packaging engineering company is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer with expertise in stretch wrapping systems. This role involves leading the design and development of advanced machinery, optimizing film mechanics, and mentoring junior engineers. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and extensive experience in this field. Competitive compensation ranging from $100,700 to $132,500 per year is offered, along with comprehensive benefits and a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

• 7 years of direct, hands-on experience with stretch wrapping systems required.
• 10+ years in mechanical engineering for capital equipment or packaging machinery.
• Proficiency in Autodesk Inventor, PTC CREO, and Microsoft Office Suite required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of film carriage mechanics and prestretch gearing.
• Collaborate with controls engineers to integrate feedback systems.
• Create complete machine assemblies from concept using CAD software.

Skills

Stretch wrapping expertise

Mechanical design

Collaboration skills

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Autodesk Inventor

PTC CREO

AutoCAD 2D

Job description

Senior Mechanical Engineer – Stretch Wrapping Systems

Employment Type: Full-Time

Pay: $100,700.00/yr - $132,500.00/yr

Location: Remote/Hybrid (Vancouver, WA)

We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer with proven, hands‑on experience designing and optimizing stretch wrapping systems. This is not a general mechanical engineering role—stretch wrapping expertise is an absolute requirement. If you’ve spent years perfecting prestretch/post‑stretch film mechanics, designing film carriage systems, and integrating them into high‑speed automated packaging lines, we want you on our team.

About the Role

In this role, you will take ownership of the design, development, and optimization of advanced stretch wrapping machinery in a fast‑paced, capital equipment environment. You will lead mechanical system innovation that improves load containment, reduces film usage, and enhances equipment reliability. You’ll collaborate with product management, controls engineering, manufacturing, and field service to bring next‑generation wrapping systems to market—systems that set new standards for performance and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Stretch Wrapping Expertise: Lead the design of film carriage mechanics, prestretch gearing, and post‑stretch tensioning systems.
• Serve as the company authority on prestretch/post‑stretch film technologies, film memory, and film force control.
• Engineer roller and drive mechanisms for optimal prestretch ratios and consistent film performance.
• Collaborate with controls engineers to integrate feedback systems (dancer arms, analog sensors) for consistent stretch across load types.
• Develop load‑specific wrapping profiles for varying product types.
• Mechanical Design Leadership: Create complete machine assemblies from concept using Autodesk Inventor and/or PTC CREO.
• Integrate hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromechanical subsystems.
• Generate Bills of Materials (BOMs), part numbers, and PDM structures.
• Provide engineering support for aftermarket parts, retrofits, and conversions.
• Mentor junior engineers and field technicians in film mechanics and system diagnostics.
• Travel up to 20% for field testing, product launches, and customer site support.

Required Qualifications – No Exceptions

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (P.E. preferred).
• Minimum 7 years of direct, hands‑on experience with stretch wrapping systems.
• 10+ years in mechanical engineering for capital equipment, packaging machinery, or automation.
• Proficiency in Autodesk Inventor and/or PTC CREO, AutoCAD 2D, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Deep understanding of prestretch/post‑stretch mechanics, film force, film memory, and mechanical tensioning systems.
• Experience designing linear and rotary drive trains, hydraulic/pneumatic subsystems, and high‑reliability repetitive‑motion packaging equipment.

Preferred Skills

• PDM/manufacturing software systems (InforM3 preferred).
• Strong mentoring, project management, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

Why Join Us

This is your chance to be the go‑to mechanical expert in a specialized field, leading innovations that shape the future of automated packaging. You’ll work in a collaborative environment where engineering excellence is celebrated, and your expertise will directly impact product success worldwide.

Apply Now

If you are a Mechanical Engineer with extensive stretch wrapping system experience, apply today and help us build the most advanced wrapping equipment in the industry.

Benefits

• 401(k) and matching
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health, Life, and Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program