Electro-Mechanical Engineering Specialist

Job Title: Electro-Mechanical Engineering Specialist

Reports to: Equipment Division General Manager

Job Summary

Responsible for developing, optimizing, and supporting engineering design solutions for packaging and palletizing equipment, with a focus on fresh produce systems. This role collaborates with internal teams, customers, and international equipment manufacturers to ensure efficient equipment layouts, smooth commissioning, and high-performance production workflows. The Engineering Specialist serves as a technical expert across multiple phases of the product lifecycle—design, installation, troubleshooting, and training.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• N/A

Essential Duties

• Develop specific engineering design upgrades, modifications, and system layouts for proprietary packaging and palletizing equipment.

• Analyze fresh produce packaging workflows to identify performance gaps and implement solutions that optimize product flow and machine uptime.

• Perform on-site consultation and design reviews with customers and internal team members to align on technical specifications.

• Coordinate with international vendors (e.g., Manter) to influence equipment design and redesign based on U.S. market demands.

• Lead and support equipment installation and commissioning, including calibration and troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, and control systems.

• Generate and validate 2D/3D engineering designs, equipment models, and bill of materials to support build accuracy and system integration.

• Serve as a subject matter expert and escalation point for complex field service issues, including training, debugging, and layout redesigns.

• Support sales and layout teams by designing custom machinery configurations and validating space, workflow, and automation compatibility.

• Deliver training to customers and internal teams on proper use, installation, and maintenance of equipment.

• Travel to customer sites to provide engineering support and ensure project success during system commissioning and after-sale service.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong mechanical and electrical engineering knowledge

• Proficiency in packaging system layouts, workflow optimization, and process design

• Experience with ladder logic programming and text-based automation control systems

• Proficiency with CAD software (2D and 3D modeling) and technical documentation

• Ability to interpret technical diagrams, wiring schematics, and process flows

• Excellent communication and customer-facing collaboration skills

• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills

• Ability to manage multiple engineering projects and deadlines

• Commitment to safety, compliance, and continuous improvement

Education and Experience

• Knowledge of automated packaging systems, equipment design, and process optimization normally acquired through an associate or bachelor’s degree in mechanical or electrical engineering, or related field, and/or equivalent work experience.

• Minimum two (2) years of engineering experience in packaging system design and commissioning, preferably within the fresh produce or food processing industry.

• Familiarity with ladder logic programming, 2D/3D modeling, and production flow analysis required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move around for extended periods of time.

• Capability to lift and carry objects of various weights up to 50 pounds occasionally. 

• Proficiency in using hands, fingers, and arms for tasks such as typing and writing.

• Sufficient visual acuity to read documents and recognize details at close and distant ranges.

• Ability to hear and understand verbal communication.

• Flexibility to bend, stoop, and reach low or high objects.

• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, such as lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying heavy objects.

• Adaptability to work in varying environmental conditions, such as temperature extremes, noise, dust, or fumes, depending on the nature of the job.

• Willingness to adhere to safety protocols and wear protective gear, including helmets, goggles, gloves, and safety shoes, as required by the job.

Company Culture & Values

• A Commitment to Our Purpose (COMMITTED PEOPLE) – Our mission is to serve and build up our customers, suppliers, communities, and each other, guided by the principles of our Lord Jesus Christ.  The commitment to serving and building up is easily seen in those employees that exemplify this value.

• Without Our Customers We Are Nothing (CUSTOMER FIRST) – We realize that we are blessed to serve our customers and without them, our company does not exist.  They rely on us for their success and that is a responsibility we cannot take lightly.  Our focus must be on serving them with as seamless communication and access to products as possible.

• Kind, Humble and Positive (HUMBLE) – These positive traits do not mean being a doormat to others.  But when a person is kind, humble and positive it comes through in their genuine caring for those around them.

• A Desire For “Expert” (EXPERTS) – Our people want to be seen as the experts in their specific roles.  From how we convert a bag efficiently and with highest quality, to knowledge of the product portfolio, to desiring to know more about tax or human resource policy – the desire for “expert” drives us in each of our roles.

• Intentional Growth – Developing of Self and Others (PERSONAL GROWTH)– Times, tools, and customer expectations change.  Our team members are interested in developing themselves and those around them.   We know that a stronger team is one that makes our customers and our fellow employees happier.

• Strong Work Ethic (HARD WORKERS) – The commitment to serve those around us is honorable and we respond to this by putting our strongest effort into that purpose.

• High Expectations of Self and Others (HIGH EXPECTATIONS) – We expect ourselves, and those around us, to put in our best effort.  When others struggle, we help them align towards perfection.  When we struggle, we are open and humble to hear it and course-correct accordingly.

• If It Isn’t Safe, We Don’t Do It (SAFETY) – All people deserve to return home to their loved ones safely and work in an environment where they can best execute their tasks safely.  When choosing between safety and profit, safety and efficiency, safety and feelings, safety, and “x” – we choose safety.

Travel Requirements 

This position requires frequent overnight travel and routine travel within the workday.   

Driver Qualification

The ability to drive a company owned/leased vehicle or personal vehicle on behalf of the company is required. Inclusion in the company’s driver qualification program is required to drive a company owned/leased vehicle or personal vehicle. 

Becoming a qualified driver includes:

• Agree to the company driving policies that apply to company owned/leased vehicle or personal vehicle as applicable.

• Possess and maintain a valid driver license and be a minimum of 21 years of age.

• Maintain an acceptable driving record, as evidenced by completion of a baseline motor vehicle record check and ongoing monitoring.

• When driving a personal vehicle on behalf of the company, must provide a copy of the declaration page from personal auto insurance that shows the policy dates and minimum coverage amounts ($300,000 bodily injury per accident/$100,000 property damage per accident or if driving less than 5 hours/200 miles a year $50,000 bodily injury per accident/$10,000 property damage per accident or the state minimum, whichever is more). This requirement is initially and then annually thereafter.

This job description is intended as a general outline of the primary responsibilities of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or activities that may be required. The employer reserves the right to modify, add, or remove any responsibilities, duties, or activities as deemed necessary with or without notice. 

Volm Companies is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and other protected characteristics. If you require reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job, please inform us and we will work with you to address your needs.