Mechanical Automation Designer - Johns Creek, GA

Role: Senior Automation Designer - Mechanical

Location: Johns Creek, GA

Key Skills: Mechanical Automation, SPM, Pneumatics, pick n Place, Low-cost automation, vision inspection, Bowl feeder, converyors, Robots

Key Technical Skills Required:

Mechanical Design & Automation:

• Pick & Place systems: Automated devices that pick up items and place them in another location.
• SPM (Special Purpose Machines): Custom machines built for specific tasks in manufacturing.
• Low-Cost Automation: Cost-effective solutions using simple components and mechanisms.
• Bowl Feeders, Conveyors, Robots: Common in automated assembly lines for material movement and sorting.
• Vision Inspection Systems: Cameras and sensors that inspect parts for defects or quality.

Engineering Expertise:

• Mechanical calculations (e.g., pressure, force, torque, temperature, material strength).
• Selecting appropriate pneumatics, hydraulics, electrical components (switches, sensors, actuators, load cells, etc.).
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and SolidWorks for 3D and 2D mechanical drawings.
• Strong knowledge of material selection, standards (e.g., OSHA, CE), and hardware components (LM guides, servo motors).

Key Responsibilities:

Design & Development:

• Design mechanical parts and systems from sketches, verbal inputs, or existing drawings.
• Create detailed BOMs (Bills of Materials), working drawings, and design documentation.
• Review and analyze drawings for material accuracy, finish, strength, and manufacturability.
• Ensure compliance with standards (like OSHA and CE).

Collaboration & Supervision:

• Lead and manage up to 15 offshore designers.
• Coordinate with:
• Project Managers and Mechanical Design Directors.
• Electrical designers (to align input/output device requirements).
• Programmers (to review machine sequences).
• Vendors (for component specifications).
• In-house teams (fabricators, toolmakers, electricians) to resolve design or build issues.

Project & Documentation Management:

• Manage design schedules, time estimates, and resource planning.
• Organize and maintain design documentation (quotes, schedules, drawings, revisions).
• Provide regular progress updates.

Support & Troubleshooting:

• Assist in machine integration, testing, debugging, and issue resolution.
• Guide in fixture/tool selection for fabrication and assembly.
• Help in developing internal design and departmental standards.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• 10+ years in mechanical automation design.
• Strong in custom machine design and practical engineering.
• Hands-on, detail-oriented, and capable of independently managing projects and junior designers.
• Comfortable with both design leadership and technical execution.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.