Independent Contractor Telecom Structural Engineer Jobs in Appleton, WI

We are an innovative leader in the food processing and packaging machinery industry, specializing in high-performance, automated equipment. Operating in a dynamic, dual development and production environment, we take pride in bridging the gap between cutting-edge engineering and hands-on manufacturing to deliver top-tier, custom solutions for our clients.

We are seeking an experienced and tech-savvy Mechanical Design & Automation Engineer to lead the design, specification, and testing of our automated Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) machines and systems. This role is unique: beyond traditional mechanical design (flexible film tracking, heat sealing, conveying, and scaling systems), you will act as a key systems innovator—utilizing SolidWorks, VBA, and Excel macros to automate drawing creation and streamline data integration with our ERP/inventory systems.

If you thrive in a hybrid role that demands sharp analytical calculation, robust 3D modeling, and custom workflow automation, we want you on our team.

• Mechanical & Systems Design: Lead the design, specification, and testing of automated packaging machinery, including film tracking, heat sealing technologies, conveying mechanisms, product handling, and scale systems.
• CAD & Data Workflow Automation:
  
  • Develop and implement custom SolidWorks macros to export structured data directly from machine models, simplifying Bill of Materials (BOM) data entry.
  • Create VBA, Excel, and Batch macros to organize, clean, and automate machine drawing and manufacturing documentation, eliminating manual data handling.
• ERP & Bill of Materials Management: Maintain strong data integrity for BOM creation and inventory tracking utilizing Infor CRM / ERP software.
• Technical Engineering & Calculations: Perform critical engineering calculations (including mass and energy balances, load, strength, and tolerances) to ensure robust machine integrity.
• Production & Floor Support: Conduct regular quality and design conformance inspections on the manufacturing floor for work-in-progress machinery. Provide immediate technical direction to resolve configuration or performance discrepancies.
• Project Direction & Collaboration: Plan, coordinate, and direct activities involved in the fabrication, installation, and repair of electromechanical systems. Provide clear work direction to mechanical designers and drafters as needed.

• Experience: Proven experience working in a dual development and production environment, specifically designing complex machinery (experience with automated packaging, MAP systems, or food processing equipment is highly preferred).
• SolidWorks Mastery: Deep expertise in SolidWorks for mechanical design, data storage, and data management.
• Automation & Scripting Skills: Demonstrated ability to write SolidWorks macros, VBA, and Batch scripts to automate repetitive design, drawing creation, and data cleaning processes.
• Systems Exposure: Experience utilizing Infor (or similar enterprise ERP/CRM software) for structural Bill of Materials (BOM) management.
• Core Engineering Principles: Strong grasp of mechanical and electromechanical systems, fluid/thermal dynamics (mass/energy balance), and structural engineering calculations.
• Professional Attributes: Highly self-directed when working independently, yet collaborative and communicative when guiding floor technicians, drafters, or cross-functional teams.

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• A collaborative environment where your automation tools directly improve daily operational efficiency.
• Opportunity to manage complex engineering projects from the initial sketch to final deployment on the manufacturing floor.

Middleby Packaging Solutions LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EOE/M/F/Vets/Disabled) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants.

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Health Savings Account w/ ER contribution
• Flexible Spending Account w/ ER contribution
• Dental Insurance
• Company Paid Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Company Paid Life insurance
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• 401k
• Vision insurance

· Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent work experience in capital equipment design and service.

· 5-10 years of related mechanical design experience.

· Proficient in the use of CAD software for design documentation utilizing SolidWorks, Inventor, AutoCAD or similar system.

· Ability to develop reporting macros to better export to secondary programs such as CRM.

· Extensive knowledge of manufacturing processes for fabricating parts and component selection for the meat products and food industries.

· Experience in food packaging, wash down requirements, line integration, and scaling systems, specific experience in the flexible packaging or packaging industry a plus.

· Good organization, communication, analytical and project management skills. Good verbal and written skills utilizing office software (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

· Advanced knowledge of Excel to create macros and other formulas.

· Valid drivers license and ability to travel, up to 10%, including internationally