Principal Machine Design Engineer — Custom Process Equipment

Design what doesn’t exist yet

At Arrow International, we build machines you can’t buy off the shelf. As our Principal Machine Design Engineer, you’ll architect original process equipment from a blank screen, guide it through build and commissioning, and elevate our manufacturing capabilities across the enterprise.

A day in the life

You start by whiteboarding a new continuous-feed print line concept—mapping web paths, sizing rollers, and laying out tension control and registration strategies. After translating the concept into detailed SolidWorks models, you review fabrication drawings and a full BOM with external fabricators. In the afternoon, you’re on the production floor, supporting assembly, troubleshooting a motion issue, and refining the design for smoother commissioning. You close the day mentoring a teammate on design standards and documenting a novel mechanism for potential patent filing.

What you’ll take from concept to production

• Own the full lifecycle of novel process machinery—from initial concept through build, installation, and commissioning.
• Create detailed mechanical designs and assemblies using SolidWorks (or a comparable CAD platform).
• Engineer web-handling systems for continuous-feed applications, including tension management and precise registration.
• Deliver complete fabrication drawing packages, BOMs, and procurement documentation for outside vendors.
• Assess commercial equipment and adapt it to Arrow’s manufacturing architecture when appropriate.
• Contribute to patent/IP documentation for original mechanisms and machine designs.
• Provide design reviews and mentorship to internal engineering peers.
• Partner cross-functionally with Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, Automation, Production, Maintenance, and Operations to turn requirements into practical machines.
• Support hands-on troubleshooting, make iterative refinements, and drive continuous improvement during build and commissioning.
• Help formalize repeatable design standards, documentation practices, and engineering review processes for custom equipment projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What makes you successful here

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (required); M.S. preferred.
• 7+ years designing industrial machinery, including ground-up machine creation—not just modifications.
• End-to-end experience taking machines from concept through production commissioning.
• Background in web handling, printing, or converting equipment is strongly preferred.
• Expert-level proficiency in SolidWorks; PDM/data management experience is a plus.
• Deep knowledge of machine design fundamentals, mechanical systems, tolerancing, fabrication methods, and system integration.
• Proven ability to produce precise fabrication drawings, BOMs, and vendor-ready procurement packages.
• Creative, pragmatic problem solver who delivers manufacturable solutions.
• Clear communicator who collaborates effectively with Engineering, Automation, Production, Maintenance, and Operations.
• Hands-on mindset—comfortable moving between design, build, installation, and commissioning on the factory floor.

You should be proficient in

• Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
• Mechanical Design & Engineering