Chief Mechanical Engineer – Fabrication and Process Equipment

Job Title: Chief Mechanical Engineer – Fabrication & Process Equipment

Job Summary:

The Chief Mechanical Engineer – Fabrication & Process Equipment leads the mechanical engineering design, development, and optimization of fabricated process equipment used in food and beverage manufacturing. This senior technical role oversees mechanical design standards, fabrication methods, and equipment reliability to ensure hygienic, efficient, and compliant production systems. The engineer collaborates with fabrication teams, project management, and operations to deliver high-quality, cost-effective process equipment solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

Mechanical Design & Engineering Leadership

• Lead mechanical engineering design and development of fabricated process equipment, including tanks, piping, valves, conveyors, and custom machinery.

• Define engineering standards and best practices for hygienic and sanitary design compliant with 3-A, FDA, and USDA regulations.

• Review and approve mechanical design drawings, specifications, and fabrication documentation.

Fabrication & Process Equipment Optimization

• Collaborate with fabrication supervisors and teams to ensure manufacturability, quality, and adherence to engineering specifications.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in equipment design, fabrication methods, and maintenance practices to enhance reliability and performance.

• Support troubleshooting and root cause analysis for mechanical failures or process inefficiencies.

Project & Stakeholder Management

• Lead cross-functional engineering projects involving equipment design, fabrication upgrades, and process improvements.

• Interface with suppliers, contractors, and internal teams to coordinate design reviews, vendor assessments, and quality control.

• Manage budgets, schedules, and resource allocation for mechanical engineering deliverables.

Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure all mechanical equipment designs and fabrication processes comply with applicable food safety, sanitary, and safety standards.

• Support internal and external audits, validation, and certification activities related to process equipment.

Team Development & Collaboration

• Mentor and develop mechanical engineering staff and support knowledge sharing.

• Collaborate closely with process engineers, maintenance, quality, and production teams to align engineering efforts with operational goals.

Key Focus Areas:

• Mechanical design and engineering of fabricated process equipment

• Hygienic and sanitary equipment design compliance

• Fabrication collaboration and quality assurance

• Project leadership and cross-functional coordination

• Regulatory compliance and equipment validation

Qualifications & Skills:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline required

• Master’s degree or advanced certification preferred

Certifications:

• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred

• Lean Six Sigma, PMP, or related project management certifications advantageous

Experience:

• 10+ years in mechanical engineering roles focused on fabrication and process equipment within food, beverage, or pharmaceutical industries

• Proven experience designing sanitary equipment compliant with regulatory standards

• Strong background in equipment troubleshooting, project management, and fabrication processes

Skills:

• Expertise in CAD tools, mechanical design, and fabrication technologies

• Deep understanding of sanitary design principles and food safety regulations

• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills

• Ability to manage multiple projects and work collaboratively across teams