ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
Our client is a well-established integrator of automated packaging and material handling systems, serving manufacturers across food, beverage, consumer goods, and industrial markets. They design, build, install, and commission complete end-of-line systems, integrating best-fit equipment from multiple OEMs into cohesive, high-performing production lines. The company is growing quickly and building out its engineering team. This is a confidential search; the company will be disclosed upon mutual interest.
THE ROLE
The Project Engineer owns the successful execution of integrated packaging and material handling systems, bridging mechanical design, project management, and field execution. The role ensures systems are not only well-designed but buildable, installable, and successful in real-world operating conditions, owning projects from concept through commissioning.
This is not a desk-only design role. The team places a premium on a hands-on, “dirty-hands” engineer who is comfortable on the floor and in the field, not only at the CAD station. The work is essentially all post-sale: once a project is sold, the Application Engineer hands it off to the Project Engineer, who carries it through design, build, integration, testing, and on-site startup.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Project Ownership and Execution
• Lead engineering execution of projects from kickoff through commissioning
• Translate customer requirements into functional system designs and layouts
• Manage project scope, timelines, and technical deliverables across internal and external teams
• Serve as the technical point of contact for customers, vendors, and internal stakeholders
Mechanical Design and System Layout
• Develop and refine system layouts in AutoCAD / SolidWorks for integrated packaging lines
• Design conveyor systems, equipment integration points, guarding, and structural elements
• Ensure designs reflect real-world constraints: product flow, accumulation, ergonomics, serviceability, and safety
Integration and Vendor Coordination
• Integrate best-fit equipment from multiple OEMs into a cohesive system
• Review vendor drawings, coordinate mechanical and controls interfaces, and support procurement with technical validation
Robotics and Automation (Preferred)
• Support design and integration of robotic systems, primarily palletizing (FANUC preferred)
• Participate in reach studies, end-of-arm-tooling concepts, and cell layouts; collaborate with controls engineers on robot integration and safe cell design
Testing, Commissioning, and Field Support
• Lead or support Integrator Acceptance Testing (IAT) in-house and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) with OEMs
• Travel to customer sites for installation support, startup, and commissioning; troubleshoot mechanical and system-level issues during ramp-up
Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work with Applications Engineering during project handoff and Controls Engineering on system functionality and sequencing
• Support Sales with technical input when needed (not a primary sales role) and coordinate with Service for long-term support
TRAVEL
Travel runs roughly 25 to 40%, and is project-driven rather than constant. It is a blend of customer site visits, on-site installation and commissioning support, factory acceptance tests at OEMs, and trade shows. A given month might involve two to three weeks on the road, followed by stretches with little or no travel. The primary territory is the Midwest (Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Arkansas), with the broader footprint running roughly North Dakota to North Texas and Colorado to Tennessee. Projects can occasionally take the engineer coast to coast. As the team grows, the travel percentage is expected to trend down.
LOCATION
Kansas City metro (Kansas or Missouri side) is preferred, given how much work is done on-site and the value placed on in-office collaboration (ideally at least three days a week). There is some flexibility on hybrid scheduling, but when a project calls for full-time on-site or in-office presence, that is the expectation.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and/or related field experience in industrial equipment, automation, or system integration
• Strong proficiency in AutoCAD (SolidWorks preferred) and mechanical system design and layout development
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• A hands-on, “dirty-hands” approach: willing to get into the field and onto the floor, not desk-only
• Willingness to travel ~25–40% without it becoming a concern down the road
• Roughly 4–5+ years of relevant industry experience (7+ ideal); strong candidates who can plug in quickly and be assigned projects right away
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience in packaging, material handling, or end-of-line automation (the strongest signal, prioritized over robotics)
• Robotics experience (FANUC highly preferred; palletizing applications a plus)
• Exposure to controls systems (PLC/HMI fundamentals)
• Experience with conveyors, case handling, filling systems, or palletizing
• Demonstrated ownership of projects from design through startup
IDEAL BACKGROUND
The strongest fit is a mechanical (or mechanical design) engineer from within the industry, ideally from an integrator, manufacturer, or direct competitor in the automation, industrial automation, or packaging space, who has moved beyond pure design into owning projects in the field. Material handling, packaging, or end-of-line automation experience is weighted most heavily; robotics is a strong plus but can be coached if the industry foundation is there. Controls-only or electrical engineers are not the target, as a dedicated controls group handles most controls work.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
• Base salary generally in the $115,000 to $125,000 range, up to roughly $130,000 for candidates with 10+ years of directly relevant industry experience
• Mileage reimbursement (IRS rate) and gas covered for drive travel; air travel covered for longer trips
• Full benefits package