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Columbia Machine, Inc. · 2 weeks ago

Senior Mechanical Engineer IV - Stretch Wrapping Systems -Palletizer Division

Columbia Machine Inc - Vancouver, WA 98661

Full-time

Hybrid

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$101K/yr - $132K/yr

10+ years exp

Columbia Machine, Inc. is seeking a highly experienced and technically proficient Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the design, development, and optimization of mechanical systems with a focus on stretch wrapping technologies. The role involves advanced technical leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and driving innovation in load containment and system commercialization.

IndustrialMachinery ManufacturingManufacturingRobotics

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

Qualification

Autodesk InventorPTC CREOStretch wrapping systemsHydraulic systemsPneumatic systemsMechanical troubleshootingFEAProject ManagementWritten communicationOral communication

Required

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

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

Analytical thinking and mechanical troubleshooting

Project/Process Management

Computer/Technical proficiency

Written and oral communication

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

Preferred

FEA (Finite Element Analysis)

P.E. (Professional Engineer license)

Experience with PDM and manufacturing software systems

Company

Columbia Machine, Inc.

Columbia is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacturing and support of equipment for a variety of industries, with customers in over 100 countries around the world.

Founded in 1937

Vancouver, Washington, USA

201-500 employees