Mechanical Engineer – Automation

The Mechanical Engineer – Automation & Robotics is responsible for designing, analyzing, and supporting the mechanical subsystems of robotic automation systems used in poultry-processing operations. This includes conceptual and detailed design of robot integration, end-of-arm tooling, actuators, guards, and wash-down-rated mechanical assemblies. The role requires expertise in engineering analysis (FEA, DFMEA, PFMEA, tolerance analysis, and Design for X) and the ability to generate accurate, manufacturable designs and drawings and production data in the company's ERP system, including routings, bills of materials, and assembly structures.

The focus of this position during the first year will be learning a specific robotic application, supporting the final stages of development including extensive onsite support during testing, and preparing the system for manufacturing.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Mechanical Design & Development

• Design and develop robotic and automation components and systems for high-throughput poultry-processing environments, ensuring compliance with requirements.
• Generate 3D CAD models, detailed drawings, and assembly layouts.
• Perform Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), Design for Service (DFS), and Design for Installation (DFI) analyses and implement improvements.
• Collaborate with electrical and controls teams to integrate sensors, actuators, and cabling into mechanical designs.
• Perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA), tolerance stackups, dynamic/motion analyses and other engineering analyses and simulations to verify designs.
• Conduct DFMEA and PFMEA to identify and mitigate design and process risks.

Manufacturing & ERP Integration

• Create and maintain bills of materials (BOMs), routings, and item masters in the ERP system (Infor Syteline).
• Ensure part numbering, revision control, and engineering change data are accurate and compliant with company standards.
• Work with purchasing and manufacturing to release and support production builds.

Testing & Commissioning

• Support prototype builds, alpha/beta testing, and design validation.
• Participate in system factory acceptance tests (FAT), field testing, and field commissioning.
• Develop and execute test plans. Document test results and coordinate and execute corrective actions.
• Document and validate operating, maintenance, and service procedures.

Troubleshooting & Support

• Diagnose and correct mechanical issues.
• Provide on-site and remote support to production and field service teams to resolve operational issues.

Continuous Improvement & Design Feedback

• Identify opportunities for mechanical design standardization, cost reduction, and reliability improvement.
• Support ECOs/ECRs and lead mechanical changes through formal release processes.
• Lead root-cause analyses and reliability improvement initiatives.
• Analyze system data to identify sources of downtime, mechanical failures, or system inefficiencies.

General

• Develop and execute project plans related to core responsibilities
• Plan and manage work with the goal of on-time delivery
• Work collaboratively with customers and across the company in a manner representing the company with the highest integrity and focusing on meeting customer needs.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Robotics, Automation, or Systems Engineering from an ABET accredited program.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in automated or robotic systems development including on-site testing and support in industrial settings.
• Proven experience developing and supporting industrial automation or robotic systems.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks, Inventor, or Creo) and PDM/PLM systems.
• Experience with Fanuc robots including programming and troubleshooting is preferred.
• Ability to read schematics and troubleshoot electrical component issues is a plus.
• Must be able to work collaboratively and execute autonomously with a high degree of transparency and integrity, considering multiple sources of input and executing the consensus direction.
• Team oriented; able to interact with all internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

Knowledge/Skills

• Strong knowledge of materials, fabrication methods, and component design for corrosive or wash-down environments (stainless steel, FDA-approved polymers, etc.).
• Ability to perform FEA, DFMEA, PFMEA, and Design for X methodologies.
• Understanding of motion system design, linkages, bearings, and robotic EOATs.
• Familiarity with pneumatic and servo-mechanical actuation.
• Strong understanding of tolerance analysis, and mechanical stack-up principles.
• Experience creating manufacturing data: routings, work centers, BOMs, and costing structures.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and documentation skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork across mechanical, electrical, and controls disciplines.
• Ability to work in plant environments, troubleshoot mechanical systems, and provide on-site support.
• Excellent communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and technical training delivery. Oral and written fluency in English.
• Willingness to travel domestically for up to 50% of time.

Location: Gainesville, GA or Springdale/Rogers, AR with willingness to relocate to Gainesville, GA in the future.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described herein 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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk and hear. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Ability to work for extended periods of time at a workstation on a computer or similar device. Occasional extended periods of standing, bending, kneeling.

Working Conditions

This job operates in both an office setting and a manufacturing warehouse. This role routinely uses standard office equipment, hand tools, and material handling equipment.

Employment with Cantrell-Gainco is contingent upon successfully completing both a pre-employment background check and a drug screening. All candidates hired must be able to provide proper documentation of their eligibility to work in the US (I-9 form). Cantrell-Gainco is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minorities / Females / Disabled / Veterans (M/F/D/V)