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Entry Systems Engineer / Machine Designer
The role in one line: an entry-level engineering position in Hackett, Arkansas designing conveyor systems, material handling equipment, and custom machinery — building 3D models, system layouts, detail drawings, and BOMs in SolidWorks under the guidance of senior engineers, then following your designs through the shop to run-off and installation. Ideal for a recent mechanical engineering or engineering technology graduate, or a designer with equivalent CAD experience. Office and shop-based with occasional customer-site travel, full benefits, and a company-matched retirement program.
Position Overview
J+H Automation Solutions is seeking an Entry Systems Engineer / Machine Designer to join our growing engineering team in Hackett, Arkansas. This role supports the design of industrial automation equipment — conveyor systems, material handling systems, robotic cells, and custom machinery — from initial concept and plant layout through detailed design, fabrication support, assembly, run-off, and installation. The position reports to the Engineering Manager.
Working closely with senior systems engineers, project managers, controls engineers, and the fabrication and assembly teams, you'll turn customer requirements into buildable, documented designs — and develop the skills to own projects of your own.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Design & Documentation
- Create and revise 3D models, assemblies, and 2D detail and assembly drawings in SolidWorks for conveyor systems, material handling equipment, and custom machinery
- Develop plant and system layout drawings, including equipment placement, elevations, and clearances
- Generate and maintain bills of material (BOMs) and support purchasing with accurate part specifications
- Perform basic engineering calculations (loads, speeds, throughput, drive sizing) under the direction of senior engineers
- Select commercial components — bearings, gearboxes, motors, pneumatics, conveyor components — from vendor catalogs to meet design requirements
- Maintain drawing revision control and engineering documentation standards
Project & Build Support
- Participate in project kickoff meetings, design reviews, and production planning
- Coordinate with fabrication, assembly, controls, and project management to resolve design questions during the build
- Support equipment testing, debugging, run-off, and customer acceptance activities in the shop
- Assist with installation and startup support at customer facilities when required
- Assist in developing proposals, concept sketches, and preliminary layouts for new opportunities
- Identify opportunities to improve designs, standards, and engineering processes
Tools & Systems You'll Work In
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related field — or equivalent machine design experience
- Proficiency in SolidWorks (and/or AutoCAD) for 3D modeling and 2D drawing creation
- Ability to read, interpret, and produce mechanical drawings and assembly prints
- Working knowledge of GD&T, fits and tolerances, and standard fabrication practices
- Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills
- Strong communication, organizational, and time-management skills
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to travel occasionally for installation and customer support
- Clean driving record and valid US driver's license
- Able to pass a background check
Preferred
- Internship, co-op, or 0–2 years of experience in machine design, conveyor / material handling, automation, or manufacturing engineering
- Familiarity with conveyor systems, robotic cells, or automated material handling equipment
- Exposure to pneumatic systems, sensors, and basic controls concepts
- Hands-on experience with fabrication, machining, welding, or mechanical assembly
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices
Desired Characteristics
- Curious and eager to learn from experienced engineers and tradespeople
- High attention to detail and commitment to accurate, buildable designs
- Comfortable moving between the desk and the shop floor
- Takes ownership of assigned work and follows through to completion
- Positive attitude and commitment to safety, quality, and teamwork
Physical Requirements
- Primarily office-based at a computer workstation, with regular time on the shop floor and at customer sites
- Occasionally lift and carry up to 50 pounds
- Stand, walk, bend, kneel, and reach during shop and field support activities
- Work safely around operating machinery, power tools, forklifts, and overhead lifting equipment
- Ability to climb ladders and work from elevated platforms when required
Compensation & Benefits
Equal Opportunity Employment
J+H Automation Solutions is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Employment is on an at-will basis. All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of background checks and verification of eligibility to work in the United States.
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at (479) 638-8398. Personal information submitted through our application process is used solely for recruitment purposes and handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Design It. Build It. Watch It Run.
Start your automation engineering career where the systems you model get fabricated, assembled, and commissioned under one roof.
Our StoryAs a representative of several major conveyor manufacturing companies, J+H has completed installations in 23 states. With nearly 150 years of combined experience, our personnel are poised to deliver our customers the service they deserve. J+H Automation Solutions will continue a 40-year tradition of high standards and a superior commitment to the products we produce and companies we represent.
Our Automation engineering experts are unique with specialized skills and work as a team to accomplish complete customer satisfaction with every project. Our professional engineering business carries over $5,000,000.00 in contractors liability insurance so that we can provide turnkey installations for our clients whenever necessary.
J+H Automation Solution’s conveyor and control manufacturing staff is also pleased to offer custom fabrication and installation services through our material handling division.