Sr. Mechanical Engineer - New Product Development

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Why Join Pregis?

Pregis is in the packaging business to protect what matters. We are committed to providing our customers and employees sustainable growth through purpose-driven innovation and customer-centric packaging solutions. If you are looking for a company that is thriving across various high growth industries and is innovative, customer focused, high integrity, believes in strong teamwork and collaboration, Pregis is the company for you. Check out the Pregis Purpose to learn how sustainability and social responsibility is at the very core of our company DNA.


Job Title: Senior Mechanical Engineer - New Product Development

Reports to: Mechanical Engineering Manager

Location: Aurora, IL

Overview

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer within the New Product Development (NPD) team, you will lead the design, development, prototyping, and deployment of innovative packaging systems. This role is critical in transitioning early-stage concepts into scalable, manufacturable solutions, working closely with cross-functional teams from category manager, manufacturing, procurement, and electrical engineering. Responsibilities and projects include technology development and application to machine and system design from concept through commercialization. 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 early-stage development encompassing rapid concept generation, prototyping, and analysis at our Aurora, IL location and 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.
• Generate unique concepts that solve customer challenges followed by execution of prototyping and field testing to validate customer needs.
• Develop proof of concept prototypes to quickly assess design feasibility.
• Engage directly with customers and internal teams to uncover challenges and identify opportunities for innovation.
• 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.
• Strong command of first principles of engineering including heat transfer, material selection, force/load analysis.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers on system integration, component selection (motors, sensors), and sequencing.
• Work with engineering directors and category managers to translate customer needs into measurable design requirements based on critical to success factors.
• 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.
• Electro-mechanical machine design experience required.
• Pneumatics machine design experience preferred.
• Hands-on prototyping in R&D lab/manufacturing environment is required.

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.
• Experience with rapid prototyping methods (3D print, quick turn metal fab, internal shop fab) and proof of concept model creation.
• Ability to work hands on with projects in a research and development 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 between the low $100,000s to $150,000, depending on experience and skills.

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

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Diversity and Inclusion

We believe in diversity of thought and bringing together other traits and characteristics that make an individual bring a unique experience to Pregis. We strive to foster an inclusive environment where behaviors and social norms ensure people are welcome.


Affirmative Action/EEO Statement/Inclusion

We offer equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We support inclusion and believe in welcoming a collective sum of individual differences, thoughts, traits, and characteristics to represent Pregis' culture and achievements.

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