Mechanical Engineer

Oterra • Sturtevant, WI

1d

About The Position

The Mechanical Engineer supports the design, installation, reliability, and continuous improvement of Oterra’s manufacturing equipment and facilities. The role partners with Production, Maintenance, Quality, EHS, and Supply Chain to keep equipment safe, compliant, and efficient, and to deliver capital and process improvement projects on time and on budget.

The position covers mechanical systems and equipment modifications for food-grade manufacturing, including tanks, piping, pumps, dryers, mixers, and filtration systems. It leads or supports capital projects from concept and scope definition through vendor selection, installation, commissioning, and handover. The engineer develops and reviews mechanical drawings, P&IDs, equipment specifications, and bills of materials, and maintains engineering documentation.

The role troubleshoots mechanical and process equipment, performs root cause analysis, and implements permanent corrective actions. It works with Maintenance on equipment reliability, preventive and predictive maintenance programs, spare parts strategy, and failure analysis. It also identifies and implements improvements to throughput, yield, energy efficiency, and OEE while reducing downtime and operating costs.

The Mechanical Engineer ensures equipment and installations meet food safety, hygienic design, regulatory, and applicable code requirements; supports EHS initiatives; and prepares and executes equipment qualification and validation activities as needed. The position manages contractors and equipment vendors, supports new product launches and process changes, and contributes to site engineering standards and shared best practices across Oterra locations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical, Industrial, or Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of engineering experience in food, beverage, ingredients, or a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of process equipment, piping systems, rotating equipment, and hygienic design principles.
• Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and Microsoft Office.
• Experience with project management, including budgeting, scheduling, and vendor coordination.
• Strong problem-solving and data analysis skills, with experience in root cause analysis methods.
• Clear written and verbal communication, with the ability to work across functions and with outside contractors.

Nice To Haves

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience with CMMS and ERP systems (e.g., SAP).
• Lean, Six Sigma, or reliability engineering training or certification.
• Experience with utilities such as steam, compressed air, refrigeration, and wastewater systems.
• Familiarity with automation and controls, and working with electrical and controls engineers.
• Experience with spray drying, extraction, or liquid and powder handling.

Responsibilities

• Design, specify, and implement mechanical systems and equipment modifications for food-grade manufacturing, including tanks, piping, pumps, dryers, mixers, and filtration systems.
• Lead or support capital projects from concept and scope definition through vendor selection, installation, commissioning, and handover.
• Develop and review mechanical drawings, P&IDs, equipment specifications, and bills of materials, and maintain engineering documentation.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and process equipment issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement permanent corrective actions.
• Partner with Maintenance to improve equipment reliability, including preventive and predictive maintenance programs, spare parts strategy, and failure analysis.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve throughput, yield, energy efficiency, and OEE and to reduce downtime and operating costs.
• Ensure equipment and installations meet food safety, hygienic design, regulatory requirements, and applicable codes and standards.
• Support EHS initiatives, including machine guarding, lockout/tagout, pressure systems, risk assessments, and management of change.
• Prepare and execute equipment qualification and validation activities (IQ/OQ) as needed.
• Manage contractors and equipment vendors, including scopes of work, schedules, budgets, and quality of work.
• Support new product launches and process changes by evaluating equipment capability and capacity.
• Contribute to site engineering standards and share best practices with other Oterra locations.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Retirement savings program with 401(k) and company match.
• Bonus program.
• Paid holidays, vacation time, and personal/sick days each year.
• Monthly employee engagement events and team celebrations.
• Collaborative culture that encourages career growth and professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior