Mechanical Project Leader

Company Summary

We have a strong heritage in converting machinery and a rapidly expanding robotics and automation division. Our site is a small, agile team of under 100 employees (with plans to double in size), maintaining close ties with our European parent company and major North American clients. This role supports the growing robotics and automation business serving North American customers while collaborating with global teams.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Design Project Leader (Project Engineer) specializing in robotics and automation to lead mechanical design projects from prototyping through deployment and industrialization. This role combines technical mechanical design leadership, project management, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver innovative, scalable automation solutions for major clients. The position reports to the Engineering Manager and is ideal for a hands-on engineering leader looking to drive high-impact projects in a growing, multicultural environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and industrialization of robotics and automation systems, from prototypes through qualification testing and deployment.
• Execute and oversee mechanical design activities.
• Manage cross-functional teams (mechanical, electrical, and software engineers) to ensure seamless system integration.
• Define project scope, timelines, budgets, and deliverables; manage feasibility studies and project forecasting to deliver on schedule and within budget.
• Oversee system architecture, focusing on scalability, reliability, and maintainability.
• Work directly with internal and external customers to gather requirements and translate them into technical specifications.
• Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies in robotics, AI, and automation.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and quality benchmarks.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously (typically 1-3 at a time) with varying phases and team sizes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field
• Several years of hands-on robotics and/or robotics integration experience (ideally in warehouse automation, robotics integrators, or similar industries).
• Proven project leadership experience, including ownership of technical projects, cross-functional collaboration, and direct customer interaction.
• Strong mechanical design proficiency with Solid Modeling skills (Solid Edge preferred; SolidWorks, Inventor, NX/UniGraphics acceptable).
• Experience in manufacturing or integration environments
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively in a small, agile, multicultural team.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% (customer sites across North America and occasional trips to Italy).

Preferred Requirements

• Experience leading small teams of up to 3 designers (indirect reports).
• Exposure to a variety of robotics platforms and large-scale, multi-million dollar automation projects.
• Flexibility to work across different CAD platforms based on customer needs.
• Combined experience in both design and project management roles.
• Familiarity with industrial automation systems and control technologies.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $90,000 – $110,000
• Company-wide profit sharing
• 401(k) with 4.5% company match
• Health insurance: Company covers 90% of employee premium (PPO or HSA options); 50% for family coverage.
• Free dental insurance
• Generous PTO: 18 days from day one (vacation/PTO/sick time combined) + 10 paid holidays.
• Company credit card for travel expenses.

Location

West Chester, OH (Cincinnati area) – Hybrid schedule (1 day per week remote / 5 days per month, with approval). Up to 30% travel required.