Manufacturing STEM OPT Jobs in Kentucky

Job Description:

About Packsize,

Packsize is redefining the way businesses and their customers use and experience packaging around the world. We build the technology, design the right solutions, and automate the processes that propel the industry forward. To us, packaging is much more than a box—it’s delivering what’s right for our customers, their customers, our people, and the planet.

The Role

Packsize is looking for a Mechanical Engineer to join the R&D Hardware team in Louisville, KY. This role is focused on reducing the cost and complexity of Packsize machines through thoughtful engineering analysis, redesign, and system-level optimization.

You will work across mechanical and electrical subsystems to identify opportunities for BOM cost reduction, part simplification, part longevity and increased modularity, while preserving or improving machine performance, reliability, and serviceability.

By lowering material cost, reducing part count, improving reuse, and enabling scalable configurations (modularity), this role plays a direct part in lowering the barrier to entry for customers and improving Packsize’s competitive position.

What You’ll Do

• Lead BOM cost-reduction initiatives through redesign of major machine components and subsystems
• Analyze existing machine architectures for standardization, simplification, and reuse opportunities
• Drive modularity and platform thinking across mechanical and electro-mechanical systems
• Partner with Procurement, Service, Quality and Supply Chain to evaluate suppliers, quotations, and cost drivers
• Support redesign efforts focused on reduced part count and improved manufacturability
• Report out on cost savings goals
• Provide system-level design input during design and architecture reviews
• Document and implement design changes using ECOs in a PLM system
• Collaborate with sustaining and development engineers to balance cost, reliability, safety, and compliance
• Participate in testing and validation of redesigned components and assemblies
• Support transfer of redesigned systems into production
• Engage in continuous improvement activities with a lean mindset

What You’ll Bring

• BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field
• Experience in industrial machine design or sustaining engineering
• Demonstrated experience with design-to-cost or value engineering initiatives
• Strong mechanical design background with working knowledge of automation systems
• Proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks preferred)
• Understanding of DFM, DFA, and design for serviceability principles
• Ability to read mechanical drawings, GD&T, and electrical schematics
• Experience with PDM/PLM tools and engineering change processes
• Strong analytical, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills

Nice to Have

• Exposure to electrical systems, sensors, PLCs, and general industrial controls
• Experience working directly with suppliers and contract manufacturers
• Background in modular product platforms or configurable machine systems
• Hands-on prototyping and machine build experience

A Few Other Things

Up to 15% travel as needed.

What We Offer

Packsize considers several factors when determining compensation when extending a job offer, including but not limited to, the role being offered, the associated responsibilities, the candidate's prior work experience, education/training, and any special skills.

If this role excites you but you don’t meet each requirement listed, we encourage you to apply anyway. At Packsize, we welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences and understand that the best candidates may come from the most unlikely of places.

Packsize is an Equal Opportunity employer and is committed to diversity in its workforce. In compliance with applicable federal and state laws, Packsize policy of equal employment opportunity prohibits discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, veteran’s status, status as a qualified person with a disability, or genetic information. Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities and protected veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Packsize considers several factors when determining compensation when extending a job offer, including but not limited to, the role being offered, the associated responsibilities, the candidate's prior work experience, education/training, and any special skills. At Packsize, we’re committed to supporting the health, well-being, and financial security of our team members. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(k) retirement plan; Paid Time Off; Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts (HSA/FSA); and life and disability insurance. Additional voluntary benefits include critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident, and legal/ID theft protection. We also provide access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support your overall well-being.

Packsize is an Equal Opportunity employer and is committed to diversity in its workforce. In compliance with applicable federal and state laws, Packsize policy of equal employment opportunity prohibits discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, veteran’s status, status as a qualified person with a disability, or genetic information. Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities, and protected veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities.