Sr. Mechanical Manager, Product Engineering/R&D

Position Summary:

We are looking for a forward-thinking Sr. Engineering Manager to lead our mechanical product development team focused on conveyor systems and sorter technologies within the dynamic material handling industry. You will play a key role in advancing our next-gen automation platforms—combining traditional mechanical excellence with integration-ready designs that support robotics, vision systems, and AI-driven sortation workflows.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic & Technical Leadership

• Lead and grow a team of mechanical engineers responsible for the design and development of conveyors, sorters and robotic material handling systems (e.g., belt, roller, cross-belt, shoe sorters, robotic picking and induction).
• Help shape product roadmaps that align with industry trends toward modularity, scalability, and robotics integration.
• Collaborate closely with controls, robotics, and software engineering teams to ensure mechanical systems are optimized for automation, machine vision, and real-time data feedback.

Innovation & Competitiveness

• Evaluate new technologies (smart actuators, sensor integration, predictive maintenance enablers) for inclusion in next-gen equipment platforms.
• Promote design philosophies that support rapid deployment, flexibility, and interoperability with automation cells.

People Management & Mentorship

• Foster a high-performance culture through coaching, mentoring, and technical guidance.
• Identify and develop engineering talent, promote cross-training, and support career growth.
• Lead technical design reviews and champion continuous improvement in design practices.

Product & Project Execution

• Manage the mechanical engineering workflow from concept through release to manufacturing, ensuring timelines and quality standards are met.
• Oversee prototyping, validation testing, and field performance feedback loops.
• Ensure compliance with global safety standards and customer-specific requirements.
• Collaborate with FORTNA’s global engineering team.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 8+ years of experience in mechanical design of industrial machinery, with at least 3 years managing engineering teams.
• Deep knowledge of material handling equipment, particularly conveyors and sortation systems.
• Hands-on experience with 3D CAD (e.g., SolidWorks or Inventor), motion systems, and mechanical-robotic interfaces.
• Understanding of DFM/DFA, modular design, and integrated product development environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience designing equipment for environments integrating conveyance, sortation, robots, and vision systems.
• Exposure to systems like those from Intelligrated, Hytrol, Plus One Robotics, Dexterity, etc.
• Familiarity with product lifecycle management (PLM), FEA tools, and prototyping techniques (e.g., rapid fabrication).
• Experience working with agile engineering methodologies.
• Ability to perform medium level FEA.

Why Join Us?

• Be a key player in the transformation of smart, flexible, and AI-enhanced material handling solutions.
• Work at the intersection of mechanical design, robotics, and automation innovation.
• Lead a team creating machines that will power the warehouses of tomorrow.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work expected of a person assigned to this position. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor.

It is the policy of FORTNA and its affiliated companies to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, citizenship status (if authorized to work in the U.S.), or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, FORTNA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.