Senior Mechanical & Automation Hardware Engineer

CHEP helps move more goods to more people, in more places than any other organization on earth via our 300 million pallets, crates and containers. We employ 11,000 people and operate in more than 55 countries. Through our pioneering and sustainable share-and-reuse business model, the world’s biggest brands trust us to help them transport their goods more efficiently, safely and with less environmental impact. 

What does that mean for you? You’ll join an international organization big enough to take you anywhere, and small enough to get you there sooner. You’ll help change how goods get to market and contribute to global sustainability. You’ll be empowered to bring your authentic self to work and be surrounded by diverse and driven professionals. And you can maximize your work-life balance and flexibility through our .

Job Description

Position Purpose:

As a Senior Mechanical & Automation Hardware Engineer at CHEP, you will assume a pivotal role in the design, development, and optimization of mechanical systems and automation hardware, supporting the advancement of future automation initiatives. Leveraging your expertise in mechanical engineering and automation technologies, you will lead projects to conceive and implement innovative hardware solutions, driving efficiency, reliability, and performance. This is an exciting opportunity to engage in challenging projects, collaborate with cross-functional and regional teams, and make a significant contribution to the development of cutting-edge automation technologies that will revolutionize CHEP's product processing capabilities in the years ahead.

In this role you will be responsible for ensuring all developmental mechanical designs adhered to CHEP equipment standards and specifications and all system are commissioned, verified, and supported post installation. In this role you will provide solutions to meet technical challenges through development and continuous improvement of future automated systems at CHEP.

Major/Key Accountabilities

Lead the design and development of mechanical systems and components for automation hardware, including robotics, conveyor systems, actuators, and other electromechanical devices.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate mechanical components with electrical, software, and control systems, ensuring seamless interoperability and optimal performance.

Lead the Design and build of prototypes and proof-of-concept models to validate mechanical designs, assess performance, and iterate on design improvements.

Conducted tolerance analysis studies using statistical methods and computer-aided engineering tools to optimize system designs and mitigate manufacturing variability.

Work closely with manufacturing partners and suppliers to ensure the successful production and assembly of mechanical components and systems, optimizing for cost, quality, and scalability.

Develop and execute test plans and procedures to validate mechanical designs and ensure compliance with performance specifications, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.

Identify opportunities for process optimization, cost reduction, and performance enhancement in mechanical design and manufacturing processes, and drive initiatives to implement improvements.

Review detailed design documentation, engineering drawings, and technical specifications, and prepare reports and presentations to communicate findings, recommendations, and project status to stakeholders.

Analyses and interprets engineering drawings with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) applications to the specified ANSI, ASME, and or ISO standards.

Support the development of Future Automation at CHEP to deliver all projects and business objectives.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate mechanical solutions and systems, ensuring seamless interoperability and alignment with overall project goals and requirements.

Implement rigorous testing strategies and practices, including unit testing, integration testing, and automated testing, to ensure the reliability, performance, and security of mechanical systems.

Ensure suppliers adhere to standards and where multiple suppliers are working on the same project ensure seamless integration of each other’s equipment.

Challenges

Working extended periods, including weekends during project implementation

Working across time zones or cultures

Working autonomously and independently

Supporting project teams through influence and process rather than direct authority

Key contacts

Internal

Plant Operations Reps, Managers, Directors, Planning, Logistics, Finance, Global Engineering

External

Equipment suppliers, Integrators/Vendors, Plant/Service Centre Management Groups

Qualifications

Required:

Minimum Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field

Desirable:

Project Management certification or equivalent relevant experience

Lean certification, Six Sigma

Experience

Proven experience 8-10 years in mechanical design and engineering, with a focus on automation hardware and electromechanical systems.

Strong proficiency in CAD software such as SEIMENS NX, SolidWorks, AutoDesk Fusion, Inventor or CATIA, and experience with FEA and simulation tools for mechanical analysis and optimization.

Solid understanding of automation technologies, including actuators, motors, sensors, and control systems, and experience with electromechanical system integration.

Experience in developing, designing, and optimizing mechanical hardware solutions for automation systems, with a focus on end effectors and tool changers, to enhance functionality, versatility, and efficiency in industrial and manufacturing environments.

Experience with prototype development, rapid prototyping techniques, and hands-on fabrication and assembly of mechanical components and systems.

Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyse complex mechanical challenges, propose innovative solutions, and implement them effectively.

Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment and interact professionally with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.

Skills and Knowledge

Experience with motion control systems, robotics kinematics, and dynamics, and familiarity with robotic control algorithms and programming languages.

Proficiency in geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).

Knowledge of materials science, manufacturing processes, and supply chain management, and experience with design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles.

Familiarity with industry standards and regulations related to mechanical design and automation, such as ISO 9001, ISO 13485, or ANSI/RIA R15.06.

Experience with project management methodologies and tools, and the ability to lead projects from concept to completion, adhering to schedules, budgets, and quality standards.

Project management skills.

Operations experience, supporting production in continuous improvement opportunity.

Familiar with project management methods and tools such as MS Project.

Effective Communication and Collaboration with multiple levels within the organization.

Basic financial management skills with a focus on capital expenditure.

Ability to meet deadlines.

Languages

Required

English

Desirable

Spanish

Preferred Education

Bachelors, Bachelors - Mechanical Engineering

Preferred Level of Work Experience

7 - 10 years

Remote Type

Fully Remote

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to developing a diverse workforce in which everyone is treated fairly, with respect, and has the opportunity to contribute to business success while realizing his or her potential. This means harnessing the unique skills and experience that each individual brings and we do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.