Mechanical Design Engineer

Department: Equipment Manufacturing
Reports to: VP of Engineering

Position Summary

The primary function of the Mechanical Design Engineer role is to design the mechanical systems for Preco’s best-in-class laser, die-cutting, and web converting products.  The multidisciplinary project teams at Preco will rely on this role to be a strong collaborator and to bring creative, technical, and analytical skills. This person will play a key role in continuing Preco’s legacy of excellence in American manufacturing and in building innovative products for the next generation of industrial automation in the packaging, energy, medical, and general web converting markets.   

Job Responsibilities

1. Design mechanical systems for standard product development and custom-engineered solutions, including significant Solidworks 3D design time, detail drawings, and documentation.
2. Design pneumatic systems to include creating models, detail drawings, schematics and documentation.
3. Specify materials, tolerances and machining of fabricated machine parts.
4. Specify purchased components.
5. Create Bills of Materials (BOMs), used in the production of components and assemblies.
6. Coordinate system development with Electrical and Software Engineers, and Technical Writers, as part of highly collaborative project teams.
7. Interface with the Production team in manufacturing, assembly, and debugging of equipment.
8. Learn from subject matter experts at Preco to become a technical go-to expert in product technology. 
9. Support the Sales and quoting teams as a resource for project cost history.
10. Possible occasional assignment as project lead, project manager, or main point-of-contact for customers during equipment design and build projects.
11. Contribute to team process improvement efforts.
12. Spend time hands-on, on the production floor, to learn software and process technology.
13. Exhibit discipline, communication and commitment around project timelines
14. Drive a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
15. Adhere to all safety regulations and company policies.
16. Maintain a clean and organized work area.
17. Leave customers with a positive impression of Preco after every interaction.

Job Requirements

• Three (3) years of Mechanical Engineering, including a background in machine design for converting and web-handling systems.
• BS degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Strong CAD drafting skills, 3D modeling (SolidWorks preferred) essential. 
• Proficient in drawing layouts and industry standards for dimensioning and tolerancing.
• Pneumatics, hydraulics, and/or electrical experience.
• Proven background in machine design.
• Personal computer proficiency.
• Ability to work as part of a design team. Interested in working on custom or "one-off" systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated technical or process experience in several of the following areas:
• Materials handling components (e.g., robotics, actuators, dial tables, feeder bowls, pick-and-place mechanisms).
• Automated material processing systems, such as welding or cutting systems, that process individual metallic parts.
• Automated web and/or sheet converting systems for materials such as paper, plastic, fabric, and composite films.
• Process knowledge relating to processing metallic, composite, or non-metallic materials.
• Industrial controls and/or software experience that uses personal computers (PC) or programmable logic controllers (PLC).
• Tooling and fixture design for locating individual parts.
• Use of AutoCAD or other 2D drafting software would be beneficial

Physical Demands

• Occasional noise exposure (working around loud-functioning machines).
• Working around moving machinery (forklifts & industrial equipment).
• Walking and standing on concrete and other hard surfaces in a shop environment.
• Protective Equipment Required (eye ware, steel-toed foot ware, head/facial hair nets, etc.)
• Extended hours of sitting and viewing a computer screen.

All Preco, LLC employees are empowered to stop production and notify their supervisor/manager if an unsafe act or product quality concern is occurring.  Also, each member of the Preco – Somerset team is responsible for identifying continuous improvement opportunities and participating in problem-solving teams as necessary