Mechatronics Designer III

About the Company:

Bell and Howell delivers technology-driven Automation Services and Automation Solutions that help businesses optimize performance, reduce downtime, and improve customer experiences.

Our Automation Services bring a dedicated team of expert mechatronic service engineers completely covering North America and backed by our Integrated 360™ advanced technology enabling remote repair, diagnostics, automated SmartOps Dispatch™ and 24/7/365 technical assistance for our clients. We provide a comprehensive and certified level of support for thousands of diversified clients.

Our Automated Solutions product portfolio consists of next-generation equipment delivering best-in-class performance enhancing workflow efficiency and elevating customer experiences across multiple markets including retail, pharmaceuticals, packaging, mail production, ecommerce and manufacturing – all backed by the best service in the industry.

Position Title: Mechatronics Designer III

Location: Durham, NC (Company HQ); not a remote position

Position Summary:

The Mechatronics Designer III supports the design, development, documentation, release, and ongoing improvement of innovative mechatronic products and systems from concept through commercialization.

This position works independently on moderately complex design assignments and partners closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, Service, and Quality to ensure designs are manufacturable, serviceable, properly documented, and released in accordance with established engineering standards.

The Mechatronics Designer III creates and maintains engineering models, drawings, Bills of Materials (BOMs), product documentation, and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), while also supporting prototype builds, testing, troubleshooting, and product improvements.

This position offers opportunities for continued technical and professional growth within the Engineering organization.

Position Responsibilities:

Product Development

• Create, modify, and maintain 2D engineering drawings, 3D CAD models, assemblies, layouts, and related product designs.
• Support mechatronic product development initiatives from initial concept through prototype, testing, production release, commercialization, and ongoing product support.
• Translate engineering concepts and requirements into accurate, executable engineering documentation for Manufacturing, Service, Procurement, and Quality.
• Apply established engineering, drafting, dimensioning, tolerancing, and documentation standards to design work.
• Support the design and documentation of mechanical components, assemblies, electromechanical systems, and electrical cabinet layouts, as applicable.
• Participate in prototype builds, design reviews, testing, troubleshooting, and design verification activities.
• Incorporate design changes resulting from testing, manufacturing feedback, supplier changes, field performance, product obsolescence, or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Evaluate designs for manufacturability, assembly, serviceability, quality, cost, and reliability.
• Support multiple concurrent design assignments while meeting established scope, schedule, and quality expectations.

Document Organization & Oversight

• Create, organize, release, maintain, and revise engineering drawings, specifications, CAD files, Bills of Materials, and related technical product documentation.
• Develop and maintain accurate multi-level Bills of Materials for mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical assemblies.
• Initiate, prepare, process, and manage Engineering Change Orders through the established ECO process.
• Ensure released engineering documentation accurately reflects approved product configurations and design requirements.
• Maintain appropriate document revision control and configuration accuracy throughout the product lifecycle.
• Identify and resolve documentation discrepancies in collaboration with Engineering and other cross-functional partners.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as a technical resource and key liaison between Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, Service, and Quality.
• Communicate design status, technical issues, risks, documentation needs, and potential impacts to Engineering leadership and project stakeholders.
• Collaborate with suppliers and external partners to resolve technical, manufacturing, material, and component-related issues.
• Support Manufacturing and Service teams with technical questions related to released products.
• Participate in engineering design reviews and cross-functional project meetings.
• Collaborate with customers or external partners as needed to support product development or technical issue resolution.

Technical Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Independently complete moderately complex design assignments with limited supervision.
• Identify and recommend solutions to design, documentation, and product configuration issues.
• Provide technical guidance or informal support to less-experienced designers when appropriate.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of engineering standards, design practices, documentation processes, and product development procedures.
• Identify opportunities to improve design efficiency, product quality, manufacturability, and serviceability.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Associate's degree in Mechanical Design, Electrical Design, Mechatronics, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field required.
• Bachelor's degree in a related technical or engineering discipline preferred.
• Three to five or more years of progressively responsible experience in mechanical or electromechanical design, mechatronics, automation, product development, or a related engineering environment.
• Experience supporting products from concept or prototype through production release preferred.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with 3D modeling and 2D drafting using CAD software such as NX, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or comparable systems.
• Strong working knowledge of engineering drawings, drafting practices, dimensioning, tolerancing, and applicable drafting standards.
• Demonstrated ability to create and maintain complex, multi-level Bills of Materials.
• Experience with Engineering Change Order or Engineering Change Notice processes.
• Understanding of mechanical and electrical interfaces within automated or electromechanical equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, assembly drawings, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and cabinet layouts, as applicable.
• Working knowledge of common manufacturing processes, materials, fabrication methods, and assembly techniques.
• Experience with product lifecycle management, product data management, or engineering document control systems preferred.

Business & Professional Skills

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and assignments.
• Effective analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across technical and nontechnical functions.
• Attention to detail and commitment to accurate engineering documentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and other standard business applications.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Work is performed approximately 60% in an office/design environment and 40% in laboratory, manufacturing, or production environments.
• Regular use of computers, CAD software, and other office and engineering tools is required.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use a computer for extended periods.
• May occasionally be required to bend, reach, move around equipment, or use basic tools while supporting prototype, laboratory, or production activities.
• Occasional travel of approximately 10–15% may be required.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Key Relationships

•Internal 90% Engineering, Service, Manufacturing, and Quality

•External 10% Mechatronic suppliers, Customers

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Bell and Howell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is company policy to administer employment based solely on an individual’s qualifications, ability and performance without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed servicemember status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.