Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Description: Mechanical Design Engineer

Company Overview

Maxson Automatic Machinery Company, located in Westerly, Rhode Island, has been designing and manufacturing precision machinery since 1912. The company is a recognized innovator in the design and manufacture of rotary cutting and sheet handling equipment used in the paper converting, printing, and specialty materials industries.

Maxson machines are known worldwide for their durability, precision, and customizable design. With thousands of machines installed globally—many still operating after decades of service—the company has built a strong reputation for engineering excellence and long-term customer partnerships.

At Maxson Automatic, we are committed to delivering high-quality American-made equipment while maintaining a safe, team-oriented workplace that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Job Summary

The Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for designing, testing, and modifying mechanical machinery and systems. This role applies engineering principles to develop and refine machinery designs that meet customer specifications while supporting company goals for quality, cost, and schedule.

The position focuses on the design of mechanical and electromechanical systems including web handling, rotary cutting, and sheet handling equipment. The engineer will work closely with manufacturing, suppliers, and customers to develop reliable and efficient machinery solutions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Other duties may be assigned.

• Design mechanical and electromechanical web handling, rotary cutting, and sheet handling systems using principles of mechanics, machine design, hydraulics, pneumatics, materials science, and finite element analysis.
• Ensure product capabilities meet customer specifications through engineering analysis, testing, and field validation.
• Develop and release mechanical assemblies, detailed parts, and bills of materials based on customer requirements provided by the Sales Department.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to design components that optimize machining, fabrication, assembly, and installation.
• Prepare and release project documentation to Purchasing and Manufacturing using CAD and ERP/MRP systems, ensuring drawings, schematics, and bills of material are accurate and up to date.
• Maintain technical expertise and stay current with evolving technologies by working with suppliers and vendors to improve product designs.
• Support equipment assembly and field service activities as required.
• Contribute to team success by supporting additional engineering or project-related activities as needed.

Character Attributes

• Strong commitment to workplace safety.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments, vendors, and customers.
• Willingness to take on challenging assignments and increasing levels of responsibility.
• Ability to manage tasks efficiently while maintaining high quality standards.
• Reliable, punctual, and professional with strong ethical standards.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering field from an accredited four-year college; or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Proficiency in CAD software.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Experience with Autodesk Inventor.
• Experience using ERP systems such as Global Shop Solutions or similar manufacturing ERP platforms.
• Experience managing engineering projects with responsibility for quality, cost, and schedule objectives.
• Lean Six Sigma certification or training.
• Familiarity with CNC machining or CNC programming.
• Experience with industrial electrical systems including machine wiring, sensors, and control panels.
• Familiarity with industrial automation systems including PLCs, VFDs, servo drives, and machine control wiring.
• Ability to collaborate with electrical engineers or assist in troubleshooting automated machinery control systems.

Communication Skills

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety procedures, operating instructions, and technical manuals.
• Ability to write reports, documentation, and professional correspondence.
• Ability to effectively communicate technical information to coworkers, vendors, and customers.

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to apply engineering mathematics including statics, dynamics, and solid mechanics.
• Understanding of geometry, trigonometry, and applied engineering calculations.
• Ability to apply fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical engineering and manufacturing situations.
• Ability to interpret and apply mathematical analysis to support machine design, motion systems, and mechanical component performance.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to solve practical engineering problems involving multiple variables.
• Ability to interpret instructions presented in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regularly required to communicate verbally and hear.
• Frequently required to walk within office and manufacturing environments.
• Occasionally required to stand, sit, use hands, and reach with arms.
• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, on-site position. The Mechanical Design Engineer works in both an office environment and regularly on the manufacturing and assembly floor.

• Regular exposure to moving mechanical equipment and machinery.
• Occasional exposure to electrical equipment and vibration.
• Noise levels in the work environment are typically moderate.

Travel of approximately 5–10% within North America may be required. A valid driver’s license is required, and the ability to obtain a passport may be necessary.

Job Type

Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement

Work Location 

In person