Overview:
The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer provides expert-level mechanical design and AutoCAD drafting in support of food processing, packaging, and facility projects. This role leads the mechanical design effort from concept through completion—developing, coordinating, and executing detailed layouts and design documentation. The engineer acts as a technical leader within project teams, driving design excellence and ensuring all deliverables meet performance, safety, and quality standards. This role is fully hands-on in both design and field activities.
Key Essential Functions / Duties
Design / Specification:
Develop mechanical designs and specifications that support the construction, fabrication, installation, and operation of food manufacturing lines. Collaborate closely with engineers and contractors to collect data, verify field conditions, and translate process requirements into high-quality design documents.
Responsible for:
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Creating detailed equipment layouts and installation drawings in AutoCAD.
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Generating, editing, and maintaining Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Process & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
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Developing mass flows for ingredient rates to size pumps and tanks.
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Performing field data collection, verification, and dimensional analysis for construction, equipment, piping, and ductwork.
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Updating and maintaining plant drawings to reflect current and as-built lines.
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Importing and integrating OEM vendor data and other external sources into design documents.
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Developing 3D models in SolidWorks or Inventor for mechanical components, assemblies, and layout visualization.
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Preparing general arrangement drawings, sections, elevations, and bills of material (BOMs).
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Participating in—and when appropriate, leading—design reviews of vendor design drawings and equipment layouts.
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Working cross-functionally to incorporate operational, maintenance, and controls requirements into mechanical designs.
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Developing and verifying utility drawings (ductwork, compressed air, natural gas, steam, power, HVAC, etc.) and as-built documentation.
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Completing as-built design packages for new and modified production lines.
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Responsible for ensuring all design files, drawings, and reference materials are properly cataloged and archived in accordance with company standards.
Field Engagement and Verification:
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Conduct on-site evaluations, field measurements, and layout verification in active manufacturing environments.
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Troubleshoot design challenges in real-world conditions, including confined or hard-to-access spaces, elevated platforms, or operational areas.
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Coordinate with maintenance and operations personnel to validate equipment fit, accessibility, and safety during installation and operation.
Support:
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Provide design and drafting support to Controls Engineers for the development of P&IDs and related electrical documentation.
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Support contractors and technicians during construction and equipment installation.
Education / Experience / Skills / Qualifications:
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Associate degree or Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Design, or related field.
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5–10 years of experience in mechanical design and drafting for manufacturing or industrial environments.
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Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD for equipment layouts and mechanical design.
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Strong understanding of process equipment, plant utilities, and systems integration.
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Demonstrated ability to independently manage design deliverables across multiple concurrent projects.
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Comfortable working in manufacturing environments, including performing hands-on fieldwork such as climbing ladders, taking measurements in tight spaces, and verifying installations on the production floor.
