Sr Mechanical Engineer - New Product Implementation

Pregis; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading packaging company based in Aurora, IL is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer for new product implementation. The role involves designing advanced packaging machinery, collaborating across teams, and ensuring manufacturability and product reliability. Candidates should have a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering and over 10 years of relevant experience, particularly in packaging machinery design. The position offers a salary range of $120,000 to $140,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in machine design, packaging machinery preferred.
• Hands-on prototyping in R&D lab/manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Strong command of first principles of engineering including heat transfer.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of new designs to commercialized products.
• Design and develop advanced packaging machinery using SolidWorks.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers on system specifications.

Skills

Advanced 3D CAD modelling skills

Manufacturing knowledge

Problem solving mentality

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Job Title: Senior Mechanical Engineer – New Product Implementation

Reports to: Mechanical Engineering Manager

Location: Aurora, IL

Overview

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer within the New Product team, you will lead the implementation of new designs to commercialized products. This will include in-depth design reviews for manufacturability, cost reduction and product reliability. This role is critical in transitioning early-stage concepts into scalable, manufacturable solutions, working closely with cross-functional teams from manufacturing, procurement, and electrical engineering. The candidate will work in a dynamic and collaborative environment as part of a team and will be held directly accountable for delivering results quickly and continually. The position requires a self-motivated and enthusiastic individual that is driven to directly contribute to beating the competition. This role focuses on product commercialization encompassing VAVE and DFM/A working out of our Aurora, IL location and in close collaboration with engineering teams across sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop advanced packaging machinery using SolidWorks and ePDM, ensuring safety, performance, reliability, and cost-efficiency.
• Evaluate conceptual prototypes for scalability, manufacturability and robustness to redesign for commercialization.
• Apply Value Analysis / Value Engineering best practices to existing machine designs to meet cost targets without sacrifice to form/fit/function.
• Work closely with internal and external manufacturing teams to ensure parts meet engineering requirements while offering the most cost effective option available.
• Generate and review detailed drawings, assemblies, and BOMs, and manage data within ERP systems. This requires complete proficiency for both execution and oversight of work.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers on system specifications, component selection (motors, sensors), and sequencing.
• Design for relevant safety and compliance standards (CE)
• Present and release design documentation, analysis, and layouts for internal and external stakeholder review.
• Ability to work with machinery in the field, troubleshoot and implement long-term design solutions.
• Drive continuous improvement by analyzing field feedback, competitive equipment, and emerging technologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Mechanical Engineering
• 10+ years’ experience in machine design; packaging machinery preferred.
• Hands‑on prototyping in R&D lab/manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
• Advanced 3D CAD modelling skills for part design, assemblies, and tolerance analysis. SolidWorks preferred.
• High proficiency with engineering drawing creation and standard best practices, including GD&T.
• Wide breadth and depth of knowledge in manufacturing methods including machine parts, injection mold, weldments and sheet metal.
• Wide breadth and depth of knowledge of purchased components. This includes a deep bench of vendors/ suppliers of practical solutions (linear guides, motors/ actuators, etc.)
• Proficiency in working with key partners to optimize designs (fabrication vendors, automation distributors, and internal/external machine builders)
• Strong command of first principles of engineering including heat transfer, material selection, force/load analysis.
• Ability to work hands on with projects in an operations environment.
• Problem solving mentality with ability to think creatively to troubleshoot machine issues, design constraints, and other roadblocks.
• Must be detail orientated, have strong organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize.
• A self‑starter with excellent communication skills.
• Must have a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to partner with internal customers.
• Prior experience with tools, fixtures and data acquisition devices is a plus.
• Experience with firmware, software is a plus.
• Experience with packaging consumables such as poly and paper is a plus.

Compensation

The listed annualized base pay range is primarily based on analysis of similar positions. Actual base pay could vary and may be above or below the listed range based on factors including but not limited to performance, proficiency and demonstration of competencies required for the role. The base pay is just one component of Pregis’ total compensation package. The base pay range for this role is estimated to be $120,000 to $140,000.

Compensation details listed in US job postings reflect base salary only and do not include benefits. Learn more about Benefits at Pregis.