Senior Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

Senior Mechanical Process Engineer / Leadership Track (Succession Role)

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Overview

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Our client is seeking a highly experienced Mechanical Process Engineer with the potential to step into a critical succession role supporting the transition of a long-tenured executive and technical authority. This individual will work closely with leadership to assume ownership of key client relationships, lead complex industrial projects, provide oversight to cross-disciplinary teams, and drive new business growth.

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This individual will serve as both a technical authority and a strategic business driver, with responsibility spanning complex process engineering design, client coordination, and operational leadership. For the right candidate, this role is designated as a succession-track position with a clear path to executive leadership.

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All inquiries and applications will kept confidential.

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Key Traits for Success

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• Deep technical expertise with a practical, plant-focused mindset
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• Strong understanding of real-world operations and constructability
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• Ability to step into and grow client relationships with confidence
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• Commercial awareness and ability to connect engineering decisions to business outcomes
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• Leadership presence with the ability to influence teams and clients alike
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• Desire to play a long-term role in shaping and leading an organization
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Responsibilities

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Technical & Process Engineering Leadership

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• Serve as Engineer of Record (EOR) and provide PE oversight on projects
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• Ensure all designs meet applicable codes, standards, and operational requirements
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• Provide hands-on technical guidance and mentorship to engineering staff
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• Lead the design, evaluation, and execution of complex industrial and process systems, including:
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• Milling systems (corn, wheat, grain, and bulk solids processing)
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• Process piping systems and fluid/thermal distribution networks
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• Steam and boiler systems (low and high pressure)
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• Central utility plants and chilled water systems
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• Fermentation and specialized process systems
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• Mechanical and process equipment integration within manufacturing facilities
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Industry & Facility Expertise

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• Apply engineering leadership across a range of industrial sectors, including:
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• Agri-chemical processing plants
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• Food ingredient and food production facilities
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• Biotech and nutraceutical processing plants
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• Livestock and pet food production facilities
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• Commodities processing (corn, wheat, grain, oilseed, sugar)
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• Milling operations and bulk material handling systems
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• Plastics and composite manufacturing
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• Minerals processing plants
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• Packaging and industrial manufacturing facilities
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• Data center power and cooling infrastructure
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Client Relationship Ownership & Business Development

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• Partner with current leadership to transition and maintain long-standing client relationships
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• Establish credibility quickly as a trusted technical advisor
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• Actively identify, pursue, and develop new client opportunities
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• Lead client meetings, site visits, and technical discussions
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• Develop and execute proposals including scope, fee, and schedule
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• Contribute to long-term revenue growth and market expansion
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Project & Financial Leadership

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• Oversee projects ranging from $10K feasibility studies to multi-million-dollar capital projects
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• Ensure strong project execution, financial performance, and client satisfaction
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• Manage scope, schedule, and risk across multiple concurrent projects
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• Mentor and guide project managers and engineering teams
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Operational & Strategic Leadership

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• Collaborate with executive leadership on company growth strategy and market positioning
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• Support staffing, team development, and technical capability expansion
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• Play a key role in succession planning and future leadership transition
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• Contribute to the long-term vision and operational direction of the company
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Qualifications

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Required

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• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or closely related field)
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• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license (Mechanical)
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• Proven experience leading complex engineering projects
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• Strong client-facing experience, including participation in proposals and business development
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• 15+ years of experience in:
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• Mechanical and process engineering design
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• Industrial, manufacturing, or plant-based environments
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• Demonstrated expertise in:
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• Milling systems and/or bulk material handling
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• Steam and boiler systems
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• Process piping design and integration
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Preferred

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• Ability and willingness to obtain additional state PE licenses over time
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• Experience in consulting engineering or design-build environments
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• Existing client relationships or demonstrated success in growing business
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• Experience in one or more of the following industries:
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• Food & beverage / ingredient processing
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• Agri-processing / commodities (grain, oilseed, sugar)
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• Biotech / fermentation / nutraceuticals
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• Chemical, plastics, or heavy industrial manufacturing
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