What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mechanical Designer/ Draftsman position at Automation Supply & Engineering, Inc.?
Company Description
Automation Supply & Engineering, Inc. (AS&E) is a custom machinery manufacturer specializing in filling and end-of-line packaging solutions. Our product lines include auger fillers, liquid fillers, piston fillers, net weigh systems, conveyors, batch gates, and complete turnkey packaging lines. We serve industries including food & beverage, chemical, pharmaceutical, and personal care. AS&E is an engineering-driven company where every team member’s contributions directly shape the quality and precision of the machinery we build and ship to customers worldwide. For over 25 years, AS&E has been committed to engineering excellence and providing advanced solutions for the packaging industry.
Role Description
This is a full-time on-site role for a Mechanical Designer/Draftsman, located in Houston, TX.You will be responsible for the full-cycle design and documentation of custom filling equipment, conveyors,
batch gates, and other end-of-line packaging machinery. Working closely with engineers and project
managers, you will produce detailed 3D models and 2D manufacturing drawings using 3D modeling software, maintain Bills of Materials, and support the shop floor through fabrication and assembly. The ideal candidate brings at least 5 years of hands-on 3D modeling experience, a strong mechanical aptitude, and familiarity with industrial machinery design.
Key Responsibilities
Design & Drafting
- Develop detailed 3D solid models and 2D production drawings for custom filling machinery, conveyors, batch gates, and end-of-line packaging equipment.
- Create and maintain complete drawing packages including part drawings, assembly drawings, exploded views, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
- Generate accurate 2D documentation with proper dimensions, tolerances, and GD&T callouts from 3D models.
- Design mechanical components and assemblies from concept through release to fabrication.
- Develop change orders and revisions to existing designs based on customer requirements, field feedback, or engineering changes.
Engineering Collaboration
- Work directly with project managers to translate design intent into manufacturable drawings.
- Collaborate with shop floor personnel (machinists, welders, assemblers) to ensure designs are practical, accurate, and buildable.
- Participate in design reviews, providing input on manufacturability, material selection, and component standardization.
- Support the aftermarket and service team in identifying components on existing equipment, updating legacy drawings, and sourcing spare parts.
Documentation & Data Management
- Maintain organized SolidWorks PDM (Product Data Management) files with proper revision control.
- Create and update customer-facing assembly manuals, parts lists, and technical documentation.
- Manage and archive drawing releases, engineering change requests (ECRs), and revision histories.
- Ensure all design documentation meets internal standards and applicable industry standards (ANSI, ASME Y14.5).
Quality & Continuous Improvement
- Review designs for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to engineering best practices prior to release to fabrication.
- Identify opportunities to standardize components across product lines to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
- Support root cause analysis for field issues and recommend design corrections or improvements.
- Assist in developing standard design templates, component libraries, and drafting best practices.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
This position is primarily office/engineering workspace based. Periodic time on the manufacturing floor is required for design verification, assembly support, and machine checkout. Candidates must be comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery noise. Occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs. may be required. Standard work schedule is Monday–Friday during business hours.
Why Join AS&E?
- Work on varied, challenging custom machinery projects from initial concept through to customer delivery.
- Be part of a close-knit team where your designs directly drive the equipment we build and the customers we serve.
- Direct access to engineers, shop technicians, and company leadership — your ideas matter here.
- Opportunity to contribute to and grow an established library of proven designs in filling and end-of-line automation.
- Competitive compensation based on experience.