Senior Mechanical Engineer IV - Stretch Wrapping Systems -Palletizer Division

Columbia Machine World Headquarters•Vancouver, WA

73d•$100,700 - $132,500•Onsite

About The Position

Highly experienced and technically proficient Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the design, development, and optimization of mechanical systems, with a specialized focus on stretch wrapping technologies. This role combines advanced technical leadership with product line ownership in a fast-paced capital equipment environment. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in prestretch and post-stretch film mechanics, along with comprehensive experience designing complex automation and packaging machinery. This role requires cross-functional collaboration with product management, controls engineering, manufacturing, and field service teams. You will drive innovation in load containment, reduce consumable costs, enhance reliability, and support the successful commercialization of advanced wrapping systems.

Requirements

Software: Autodesk Inventor (2016–2018) & PTC CREO, AutoCAD 2D, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), PDM (e.g., InforM3) and manufacturing software systems
Knowledge of materials, mechanical components, and their applications
Knowledge of film force, film memory, prestretch and post-stretch systems, and film feed control
Strong understanding of prestretch mechanisms including gearing, roller dynamics, and mechanical elongation
Knowledge of high-reliability, repetitive-motion packaging equipment
Hydraulic power and motion systems and the application of hydraulic components: Valves, Motors, Cylinders; Understanding of hydraulic circuits and schematics
Pneumatic power and motion systems and the application of pneumatic components: Valves, Motors, Cylinders; Understanding of pneumatic circuits and schematics
Mechanical / Electric drives: Design of linear and rotary drive trains for specific applications; Understanding of mechanical elongation and tensioning systems
Knowledge of electromechanical film force systems (e.g., torque modulation, motor-driven carriage systems)
Integration of mechanical systems into automated packaging and palletizing lines
Machine Safety and Industrial Safety Practices: Machine Guarding, Risk Assessments, Safety aspects of wrapping and palletizing systems
Divisional Product Knowledge: Principal engineer for one or more models of palletizers or wrapping systems; Good understanding of palletized product handling, pallet dynamics, and stretch wrapping applications; Ability to support Applications and Sales with engineering estimates and cost evaluations
Skills: Analytical thinking and mechanical troubleshooting, Project/Process Management, Computer/Technical proficiency, Written and oral communication
Abilities: Ability to perform mechanics of solids, stress/strain calculations, Ability to complete both manual and software-assisted engineering calculations, Ability to estimate engineering project hours, scope, and timelines, Ability to evaluate and understand cost accounting for applications and proposals, Ability to lead and mentor within a team environment
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent work experience
10 or more years of relevant engineering experience in capital equipment, packaging, or automation systems
Minimum 7 years of hands-on experience specifically related to stretch wrapping systems and film mechanics
Experience with PDM and manufacturing software systems preferred

Nice To Haves

P.E. (Professional Engineer license) preferred
FEA (Finite Element Analysis) preferred
Experience with PDM and manufacturing software systems preferred

Responsibilities

Lead the design and optimization of stretch wrapper mechanical systems including film carriage mechanics, prestretch gear ratios, and post-stretch tensioning.
Serve as company expert on prestretch and post-stretch film technologies (film memory, film force, feed control).
Configure roller systems and drive mechanisms for optimal prestretch ratios and consistent film performance.
Collaborate with controls engineers to optimize feedback systems (e.g., dancer arms, analog sensors) and maintain consistent film stretch across various load types.
Design load-specific wrapping profiles (e.g., fragile, lightweight goods) to maximize containment and minimize film waste.
Lead full-cycle mechanical design of large and small assemblies using Autodesk Inventor and/or PTC CREO.
Develop complete machine assemblies from concept, including hydraulic and pneumatic subsystems.
Generate and manage Bills of Materials (BOMs), part numbers, and PDM structure.
Integrate new vendor components and systems into product designs.
Estimate costs and timelines for engineering projects and support Application Engineering with custom system proposals.
Own and manage a CPD equipment product line and support aftermarket part sales, conversions, and retrofits as full engineering projects.
Mentor junior engineers and field technicians in film mechanics, diagnostics, and mechanical system design.
Support field service teams with troubleshooting and resolve mechanical and system integration challenges.
Travel up to 20% to support customer sites, field testing, and product launches.