Mechanical Design Engineer
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Overview
Job Description
About the Role: The Mechanical Design Engineer is a hands-on engineering role focused on the design, development, and support of food processing equipment and custom machinery. This position requires strong machine design experience with augers, mixers, conveyors, and power transmission systems, as well as the ability to work within established processes while contributing to long-term improvements. The role also involves mentoring junior engineers and supporting manufacturing through the full equipment lifecycle.
Responsibilities:
Design and develop mechanical systems and food processing equipment including augers, mixers, belt conveyors, chain and sprocket drives, and related assemblies using SolidWorks.
Apply mechanical engineering principles to machine design, equipment development, and custom project execution.
Perform mechanical analysis including load calculations, stress and strain evaluation, and component sizing to ensure safe and reliable designs.
Create, document, and release detailed engineering drawings, assemblies, bills of material, and purchased part specifications.
Support manufacturing activities from design through fabrication, assembly, testing, and commissioning.
Collaborate with manufacturing, purchasing, and suppliers to ensure designs are practical, manufacturable, and aligned with project timelines.
Apply knowledge of food manufacturing equipment, sanitary design principles, and good manufacturing practices in all designs.
Work effectively within existing procedures while helping identify and implement future design and process improvements.
Mentor and support junior engineers and designers through technical guidance and hands-on knowledge sharing.
Qualifications:
Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent practical experience in machine design and manufacturing.
5 or more years of mechanical engineering experience in machine design, industrial equipment, or food processing environments.
Demonstrated experience designing food processing machinery such as augers, mixers, conveyors, and power transmission systems.
Strong working knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, vacuum systems, and mechanical power transmission.
Proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D modeling, assemblies, and production drawings.
Working knowledge of machining, welding, sheet metal fabrication, forming, and mechanical assembly processes.
Understanding of food manufacturing requirements, sanitary design principles, and regulatory standards.
Strong problem-solving ability, sound engineering judgment, and the ability to work independently from written or verbal requirements.
Clear communication skills and the ability to work effectively across engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams.
Desired Qualifications:
Experience designing equipment for protein or meat processing applications.
Prior experience mentoring or training junior engineers or mechanical designers.
Familiarity with MRP or ERP systems in a manufacturing environment.
Experience supporting custom equipment projects from concept through production and installation.
Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and practical, shop-floor-driven design solutions.
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