Automation Engineer - Packaging

Viking Masek Packaging Technologies • Oostburg, WI

2d

About The Position

The Automation Engineer – Packaging leads the design and lifecycle performance of secondary packaging machinery, including cartoning machines, robotic case packers, and robotic palletizing systems. The role combines engineering expertise, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver high-performance, modular, manufacturable, and scalable automation solutions.

The engineer designs and optimizes secondary packaging equipment using CAD, simulation, and engineering tools; develops standardized, modular solutions; and partners with Controls and Electrical Engineering to integrate robotics, vision systems, and machine synchronization. The role supports demonstrations, factory and site acceptance testing (FAT and SAT), and startups to help ensure throughput, reliability, and line performance.

The position provides technical support during sales, evaluates customer specifications, and leads engineering scope from concept through implementation. It collaborates with internal teams, vendors, and customers; maintains engineering documentation and revision control; and helps ensure designs meet customer, company, safety, and regulatory requirements. The engineer also drives improvements in machine performance, manufacturability, serviceability, changeover efficiency, and standardization; explores emerging technologies; and provides technical guidance and mentorship.

Viking Masek describes its workplace as collaborative, inclusive, and supportive, with opportunities for career growth and development. The role may require travel to customer or vendor sites, including internationally, up to 25%.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Strong oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate design.
• Strong customer presence and ability to present to large teams.
• Experience negotiating contracts and managing customer-provided equipment specification documents.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office software, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, PDM, and project and business management systems.
• Innovative and curiosity-based approach to problem solving.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred 10 years of design experience in automation, including robotics and machine vision.
• Packaging machinery experience.
• Ability to balance multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining productivity and project quality.
• Familiarity with applicable safety standards such as ISO 10218-2 or ANSI R15.06.
• Experience mentoring new or young engineers.
• Experience supporting technical sales, applications engineering, or customer-facing engineering.
• Ability to travel to customer or vendor sites, including internationally, as needed; travel may be up to 25%.
• Forward-thinking attitude and ability to adapt to evolving technologies and market demands.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize secondary packaging equipment using CAD, simulation, and engineering tools.
• Develop standardized, modular solutions that meet customer requirements.
• Partner with Controls and Electrical Engineering to integrate robotics, vision systems, and machine synchronization.
• Support demonstrations, FAT, SAT, and startups to ensure throughput, reliability, and line performance.
• Provide technical support during the sales process and evaluate customer specifications.
• Lead engineering scope from concept through implementation.
• Collaborate with Sales, Project Management, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Service, vendors, and customers.
• Maintain engineering documentation and revision control, ensuring designs meet customer, company, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Support design reviews, troubleshooting, and corrective actions.
• Improve machine performance, manufacturability, serviceability, changeover efficiency, and standardization.
• Explore emerging technologies, including robotics, vision systems, AI, and flexible automation.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship, lead design reviews and knowledge sharing, and promote engineering excellence and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and performance-based incentives.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Flexible scheduling.
• Profit sharing.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Onsite fitness center.
• Event space free for employees’ personal use.
• Employee rewards and discounts.
• Collaborative, inclusive, and supportive work environment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior