Mechanical Design Engineer - Food Processing

Cozzini•Elk Grove Village, IL

15d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a skilled, detail-oriented Design Engineer to support the design, development, and execution of our food processing equipment projects. In this role, you will bridge the gap between initial concept and final production—coordinating design activities while ensuring all projects meet strict technical, manufacturing, and customer requirements. If you have a strong background in machine design, excellent CAD capabilities, and love seeing your designs come to life on the shop floor, we want to hear from you.

Requirements

Proven experience in machine design, mechanical design, or a closely related engineering role (experience with food processing or sanitary equipment is a major plus).
Strong CAD proficiency (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, or AutoCAD) and a deep understanding of manufacturing tolerances, layouts, and component arrangement.
Ability to analyze complex technical data and resolve engineering challenges on the fly.
Exceptional collaboration skills to work effectively with shop floor fabricators, cross-functional internal teams, vendors, and clients.
Thrives in a fast-paced environment and is comfortable splitting time between the desk and the manufacturing floor.
Willingness to travel periodically as required by project needs.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field
3–5 years of experience in machine design engineering or related engineering roles
Experience working with sheet metal, machined parts, cast components, welding, and dimensional/geometric tolerancing
Proficiency with AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor
Strong understanding of mechanical design principles and manufacturing processes

Nice To Haves

Experience with FEA software and engineering analysis tools
Experience within food processing equipment or capital equipment manufacturing environments

Responsibilities

Utilize CAD and drafting software to create, refine, and maintain detailed engineering drawings and machine designs.
Create rough layouts and calculate critical specifications (dimensions, angles, surface areas, tolerances, and clearances).
Provide direct engineering support to our fabrication and assembly departments.
Measure machines and components during production to ensure 100% compliance with engineering drawings.
Manage engineering activities related to project scheduling, design reviews, testing, and problem resolution.
Monitor project-related expenditures to stay within budget guidelines.
Analyze engineering sketches, specifications, and technical data to determine design requirements.
Evaluate and approve design changes, drawing revisions, and specification updates.
Prepare comprehensive project status updates, interim reports, and final project documentation.
Partner closely with internal departments, customers, and vendors throughout the project lifecycle.
Travel periodically to customer and vendor locations to support project coordination and implementation.
Other duties as assigned.