Machine Design Engineer

Reports to
Director of Manufacturing Engineering 

Date
05 Aug 2024

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary/Objective 

The Wooster Brush Company was established in 1851 and is one of the oldest manufacturers of paint applicators in the USA.  The Wooster Brush Company produces more than 2,000 high quality and innovative products to support the growing professional and DIY painter’s market.  The machine design engineer will manage projects that require the in-house design and fabrication of capital equipment that supports the manufacture of consumer products.

Essential Functions

1. Machine Design Engineering including but not limited to:

a. Specifying, designing, and implementing new machines.

b. Developing mechanical schematics (parts and assemblies).

c. Specifying mechanical components and systems for new and legacy equipment / machines.

d. Designing, implementing, and altering safety system components.

e. Troubleshoot mechanical assemblies/sub-assemblies.

2. Manage projects focusing on:

a. Project justification.

b. Procurement of equipment; purchased and/or in-house design/build; including management of:

i. development of equipment performance specifications

ii. management of the design, fabrication, and assembly process with an emphasis on ease of maintenance, operation, setup, and safety

iii. implementation of the appropriate safety requirements

iv. testing, debugging and qualification of assembled equipment

v. facilitate deployment of equipment into production

c. Legacy equipment management

i. Ensure all equipment runs in a safe manner.

ii. Optimize legacy equipment to ensure efficient operation and minimize the need for maintenance intervention.

d. Identify potential risks and ensure all operational impacts are minimized.

e. Manage other project engineering duties as assigned.

3. Demonstrated ability to work with and support personnel from multiple disciplines:

a. Production / Manufacturing / Shipping / Receiving

b. Maintenance and machine shop

c. Purchasing

d. Product Development

e. Quality Assurance

4. Assist in the administration of a multimillion-dollar annual engineering budget.

a. Preparation and review of capital funding requests.

b. Periodic reviews of active projects – compared to projected schedule, performance, and budget.

Competencies

1. Demonstrated ability to design custom equipment and machinery for high volume consumer products, including

a. functional knowledge and ability to select the proper mechanical components, including bearings, roller chain and belt drives, gearing, clutches and brakes, linear and rotary actuators, cam, and follower systems

b. functional knowledge of low-pressure pneumatic systems; including air preparation and handling, manual and solenoid valves, cylinder and actuators, and pneumatic logic

c. functional knowledge of material properties and available treatments for hardening and coating

d. functional knowledge to properly size actuators and motors

e. functional knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, servo drives, stepper drives, variable frequency drives, robotics, and vision systems 

f. a willingness to adapt to using employer standardized mechanical and electrical components

g. functional knowledge and proper application of required safety requirements; including:

i. hard guarding, guard switches, safety relays, light curtains, or other safety devices

ii. dual redundant safety circuits

iii. participation in risk assessments to identify and resolve potential hazards

2. Basic understanding of common machine shop practices, including the ability to effectively communicate with machinists and tool makers.

3. Good communication skills, both written and verbal.

4. Ability to identify and develop proposals aimed at improving manufacturing operations.

5. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

6. Working knowledge of PC based 3D-CAD systems (preferably Siemens Solid Edge or NX, plus Team Center or similar PLM software).

7. Understanding of and appreciation for working in cross-functional and multidiscipline environments.

8. Ability to carry projects from inception through completion, including ongoing support during the project lifecycle.

9. A willingness to pursue continuing education and training.

Required Education and Experience 

1. Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering; other engineering disciplines with applicable work experience may be considered.

2. At least three years of full-time engineering experience designing machinery and equipment; preferably for high-speed manufacturing processes.

3. Must be familiar with project management and be able to work as both an individual contributor and as a team member and/or team leader, as required.

Preferred Education and Experience

1. Basic understanding of machine control systems, fluid power systems, automation, and productions systems.  

2. Experience in project engineering and/or program management.

3. Practical knowledge of manufacturing processes such as metal and wire forming, plastics molding and extrusion, assembly, and inspection.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment

This job operates in both a professional office environment and a manufacturing facility. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, etc. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may experience certain tasks or work areas that require hearing protection to be worn.  The employee may also be working in areas where fumes, airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock and vibration are present – appropriate personal protection equipment must be worn in those areas.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed mostly in office and/or manufacturing settings using standard office equipment and basic hand tools.  

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 45 pounds. 

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work 

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Short term circumstances may require variance from these hours of work.)

Travel

Moderate travel can be expected to attend training, seminars, trade shows and/or equipment evaluations.  Some travel could be overnight and/or international.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications 

None required for this position.

Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Machine Design Engineer