Associate Engineer, R&D - Mechatronics

Kraft Heinz • Glenview, IL

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

As the Mechatronics Associate Engineer, you will design, build, test, and support electromechanical prototypes and pilot-scale equipment used for new product development and packaging innovations. The technologist will collaborate with R&D Process and Packaging Engineers, Manufacturing Engineers, and external partners to deliver innovative and scalable solutions that meet scale-up and production requirements.

Requirements

• Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Mechatronics Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Electromechanical Technology, or closely related technical diploma.
• 1–4 years of hands-on experience with electromechanical assembly, control systems, smart sensors, and troubleshooting.
• Working knowledge of PLCs and HMIs; ability to read and modify ladder logic or equivalent control code.
• Proficiency interpreting electrical schematics, pneumatic/hydraulic schematics, mechanical drawings, and basic CAD models.
• Practical experience with sensors, servos, stepper motors, pneumatic systems, motor drives, and industrial networking.
• Experience with data collection and basic analysis (Excel, basic scripting, or data-logger tools).
• Experience with SolidWorks or other CAD tools for basic part modification and assembly review.
• Experience with LabVIEW, Python, or other data-acquisition /programming tools.

Responsibilities

• Build, assemble and debug electromechanical and automated prototypes (mechanical assemblies, sensors, actuators, PLCs, HMIs, robotics, pneumatic and servo systems).
• Support concept-to-prototype development for processing and packaging equipment used in pilot trials and small-scale production runs.
• Program, tune, and troubleshoot PLC and HMI implementations (e.g., Rockwell/ Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent).
• Create and maintain detailed technical documentation: electrical schematics, ladder logic, wiring diagrams, BOMs, test protocols, procedures, and change logs.
• Execute lab and pilot-line tests, collect and analyze mechanical, electrical, and process data, and summarize results to R&D and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Design and implement test fixtures, jigs, and data-acquisition setups to validate performance, repeatability, and tolerances.
• Support scale-up activities: transfer successful R&D designs to manufacturing and provide field support during commissioning.
• Participate in root-cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives focused on reliability, throughput, and safety.

Benefits

• Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
• Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
• Employee Assistance Program, Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
• 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree