Engineer – Packaging

McKee Foods Corporation•Collegedale, TN

4d•$64,000 - $90,700•Hybrid

About The Position

McKee Foods is seeking a Project Engineer to join our Corporate Engineering team – Packaging Group. In this role, you will gain exposure and grow in areas of automation and robotics, machine design, kinematics, sanitary design, facilities layout, teamwork, safety, ergonomics, and user experience; continuous improvement, innovation, and complex problem solving. This job is a balance of design and critical thinking at-your-desk and being on the floor immersed in a live, fast paced food production environment with a strong culture, long-term view, and respect for people in multiple production facilities across three states. Through successful projects, we deliver new capability to our business and carry on the story of our iconic brands and products.

Requirements

B.S in Mechanical, Industrial, or similar Engineering degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program
Or anticipated graduation in spring 2026, start date after graduation
High level of initiative, assertiveness, and self-direction
Demonstrated record of successful project management
Aptitude for organizing and prioritizing multiple project activities
Ability to excel in a project team environment
Strong analytical problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
Excellent ability to communicate with people of all backgrounds at various levels

Nice To Haves

Prior CPG or Food/Beverage Manufacturing experience
Knowledge and interest of kinematics and machine design
Interest in robotics and high-level automation
Interest in sanitary design and ergonomics
Interest in quantitative methods for system sizing, tolerance evaluation, and robustness
Experience engineering capital projects including equipment and product flow design, equipment selection, integration and design, equipment installation and commissioning
Hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment
Experience in sanitary design for a food-manufacturing environment
Lean or six sigma training and/or experience
Experience using CAD and/or design software
Familiarity with electrical controls (Rockwell/Allen Bradley)
Knowledge of shop practices (machine and fabrication)

Responsibilities

Design and implement highly automated, efficient, and reliable production equipment for capital projects across facilities in the Southeastern US
Optimize production lines for seamless operation, redundancy, and long-term viability
Balance project metrics (budget, schedule, quality, risk) while considering long-term impact
Take ownership of projects while collaborating to solve production challenges
Analyze and validate packaging systems for efficiency and future capabilities
Design equipment layouts for optimal flow, accessibility, cleanability, and maintainability
Optimize user experience in areas such as ergonomics, safety, and intuitive use
Assess and mitigate risks through calculations, simulations, testing, and documentation
Plan for equipment obsolescence and implement aftermarket modifications
Build strong relationships with OEMs, integrators, and internal teams to drive innovation
Stay informed on market trends in packaging and material handling technology
Integrate multiple equipment pieces into seamless production solutions
Lead installations, manage startups, and ensure smooth transitions for new or upgraded equipment
Function independently as a project manager or within a larger team
Support continuous improvement through collaboration, analysis, and problem-solving
Work with technical professionals to bring ideas to reality