Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

The Mechanical Engineer provides high-level engineering leadership and technical expertise to the plant and distribution center. This role is responsible for the full lifecycle of production equipment, from designing and specifying new printing and bindery machinery to evaluating material handling systems and optimizing complex workflows. The Mechanical Engineer acts as a bridge between customer needs and operational capability, ensuring that all equipment is safe, reliable, and high-performing.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

• Custom Design & Modification: Refine or redesign existing machinery to meet unique, niche applications. Design creative mechanical solutions and implement controls to ensure the long-term sustainability of equipment modifications.
• Product & Business Development: Lead mechanical development for new product opportunities based on customer specifications; provide the technical framework to turn concepts into manufacturable products.
• Capital Investment Analysis: Research and present technical solutions for new equipment. Develop comprehensive cost analyses, ROI projections, and specification reports for senior management regarding capital expenditures.
• Quality Resolution: Collaborate with Production and Quality departments to resolve Quality Non-Conformance Reports (QNCR). Identify root causes and implement mechanical or process-based corrective actions.
• Technical Documentation & Layout: Create detailed system layouts, including precision drawings, process flow charts, and schematics using CAD software.
• Equipment Lifecycle Management: Direct the manufacturing, installation, and commissioning of new equipment. Perform "Make vs. Buy" analyses with a strict focus on safety, serviceability, and maintainability.
• Validation & Testing: Develop and execute rigorous test plans for new systems to ensure they meet performance specifications and safety standards before full-scale production.
• Continuous Improvement: Establish performance metrics and strategic programs to increase manufacturing capabilities while reducing operational costs.
• Standards & Compliance: Audit and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Quality standards, providing the technical authority to ensure compliance with industry benchmarks.
• Facilities Support: Provide secondary technical support for facilities management and infrastructure maintenance as needed.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mechanical, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Experience: 5+ years of experience in a high-precision manufacturing environment.
• Technical Proficiency:
• Expertise in AutoCAD or related 3D design software.
• Strong proficiency in MS Office and Project Management software.
• Advanced "hands-on" mechanical troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Preferred Industry Skills:
• Direct experience in the printing industry (web press and bindery/finishing) is highly preferred.
• Experience with precision machining and CNC programming is a significant plus.
• Working knowledge of Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written skills; ability to present complex technical data to customers, executive leadership, and shop-floor teams.

Physical Demands

• General: Frequently required to stand, walk, and sit while navigating a production environment.
• Dexterity: Ability to handle tools, feel for mechanical tolerances, and reach within machinery for inspections.
• Lifting: Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Vision: Close vision and color vision are essential for inspecting high-precision print work and mechanical components.
• Education: Bachelor's degree preferred, or equivalent high-level professional experience.