R&D (Packaging Machine Design) Engineer

Our client is a designer and manufacturer of advanced packaging automation equipment used across food, beverage, personal care, and industrial manufacturing environments. Their machinery supports high-speed production lines through precision filling, capping, container handling, and integrated automation systems.The company focuses on building reliable, efficient equipment that helps manufacturers improve throughput, reduce downtime, and maintain consistent product quality. As their engineering initiatives continue to grow, they are expanding their product development team in the Atlanta area.Position OverviewThe R&D (Packaging Machine Design) Engineer will play an important role in designing, improving, and developing packaging machinery used in automated production environments.This position combines hands-on mechanical design with creative engineering problem solving. The engineer will work closely with the product development and engineering teams to support multiple machine development initiatives, including improvements to existing platforms and development of new automation solutions.The ideal candidate has experience designing packaging machinery or special-purpose automation equipment and enjoys solving complex mechanical challenges.This position is based in the Winder, Georgia area and offers a hybrid work arrangement. The expectation is for the candidate to be onsite two to three days per week.Key ResponsibilitiesPackaging Machinery DesignDesign and develop mechanical systems for packaging equipment including filling, capping, container handling, and automation modules.Create detailed machine assemblies and component designs using SolidWorks.Develop modular machine concepts that support flexible product formats and efficient production changeovers.R&D and Product DevelopmentContribute to the development of new packaging equipment concepts and machine platforms.Identify creative engineering solutions to improve machine functionality, reliability, and performance.Evaluate opportunities to integrate existing technologies or components that accelerate development timelines.Machine OptimizationImprove existing equipment designs to enhance performance, reliability, and manufacturability.Support engineering teams in identifying improvements that reduce complexity and development time.Cross-Functional CollaborationWork closely with engineering, manufacturing, and project teams to ensure designs are practical and manufacturable.Support machine builds, troubleshooting, and design refinement during development.Engineering DocumentationCreate detailed drawings, assemblies, and design documentation.Maintain accurate BOMs and engineering records.QualificationsEducationBachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related engineering discipline.ExperienceApproximately 3–8 years of experience in mechanical design for packaging machinery, industrial automation, or special-purpose equipment.Experience designing complex mechanical assemblies and motion systems.Technical SkillsStrong SolidWorks proficiency (large assemblies, configurations, detailed drawings).Experience with machine design involving mechanical motion systems and automation.Familiarity with packaging equipment such as:Filling systemsCapping machinesContainer handlingRotary machineryExposure to simulation or CFD tools is beneficial but not required.Soft SkillsStrong problem-solving and analytical thinking.Ability to balance creative ideas with practical engineering solutions.Effective communication and collaboration skills.Why This Opportunity Stands OutWork on innovative packaging automation equipment used in real production environments.Be part of a growing engineering initiative focused on product development and machine innovation.Collaborate closely with experienced engineering leadership on multiple machine development projects.Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on new equipment designs and product platforms.