PROJECT DESIGN ENGINEER

Project Design Engineer

REPCO specializes in manufacturing high-quality nutritional premixes tailored for food manufacturers. We understand the challenges posed by expensive raw materials and blending difficulties that impact production and profits. By delivering reliable ingredients, we help our clients achieve consistent results, avoid waste, and focus on their mission of feeding the world.

At REPCO, we are dedicated to supporting the success and sustainability of the food production industry.

Status: Full-time

Work Location: Remote with travel as needed

Job Purpose

Our Project Design Engineer is responsible for translating customer requirements and sales concepts into accurate, executable engineering designs for REPCO's Milling Solutions projects. This role owns the detailed system and equipment design phase of projects, ensuring designs are safe, cost-effective, manufacturable, and installable.

Working cross-functionally with Sales, Project Coordination, Fabrication, Service, and Milling Operations, the Project Design Engineer supports projects from proposal development through installation and startup, serving as the primary technical design resource throughout the project lifecycle.

Essential Functions

In addition to upholding our Core Values, the essential functions include, but are not limited to:

Project & System Design

• Develop detailed mechanical and process designs for milling, material handling, and related industrial systems.
• Create and maintain engineering drawings, layouts, bills of material, and specifications using CAD/SolidWorks or equivalent software.
• Ensure designs comply with REPCO standards, applicable codes, safety requirements, and food safety (HACCP) principles.
• Design systems that are manufacturable, serviceable, and cost-effective.

Sales & Proposal Support

• Support Sales, domestic and international, by providing technical input during proposal development and customer discussions.
• Assist with system layouts, budgetary designs, scope definitions, and technical clarifications.
• Participate in customer meetings, site walks, and technical reviews as required.

Cross-Functional Execution

• Collaborate with the Project Coordinator / Install Scheduler to support smooth handoff from design to fabrication, installation, and commissioning.
• Work closely with the Shop Foreman and Fabrication Technicians (Mechanical and Electrical/Chlorine) to ensure designs are practical and build-ready.
• Provide technical support to Service Technicians and the Online Support Specialist during installation, startup, and post-install troubleshooting.

Documentation & Change Management

• Maintain accurate project documentation, revision control, and engineering records.
• Support change management by evaluating design changes for cost, schedule, and technical impact.
• Communicate design updates clearly to internal teams and stakeholders.

Technical Support & Continuous Improvement

• Provide technical troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for field or installation issues.
• Identify opportunities for standardization, design improvements, and efficiency gains.
• Share lessons learned and best practices across the engineering and project teams.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Promote safe work practices in all engineering activities.
• Ensure designs align with OSHA requirements and applicable industry standards.
• Coordinate with the Chlorine Systems & Compliance Specialist on projects involving chlorine systems.

Qualifications and Requirements

Employee must be able to safely perform the essential functions. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, competencies, and/or abilities required.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3–7+ years of experience in industrial, mechanical, or process system design preferred.
• Experience in grain handling, milling, food processing, or similar industrial environments preferred.
• Willingness to travel as needed (approximately 20–40%).

Technical Knowledge

• Proficiency with CAD and SolidWorks or equivalent design tools.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, material handling equipment, and industrial processes.
• Working knowledge of fabrication methods and field installation practices.
• Familiarity with OSHA, HACCP, and general food safety requirements.

Communication & Collaboration

• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to sales, fabrication, service, and customers.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively across functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to interpret technical data, drawings, and specifications.
• Sound judgment in evaluating design trade-offs related to cost, schedule, and performance.

Technology & Tools

• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Experience working within ERP, project tracking, or document control systems is a plus.

Other Requirements

• Valid driver's license and insurable driving record.
• Ability to pass respirator physical and fit testing if required.
• Ability to work safely in shop, field, and industrial environments.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; frequently required to hear and talk; regularly required to sit, stand, and walk; occasionally required to climb staircases, ramps or similar building structures; occasionally required to lift to 150 pounds; occasionally required to carry up to 150 pounds for a distance of 25 feet; occasionally required to make repeated movements; specific vision abilities include color, ability to see up-close and to see from a distance.
• Employee is required to don personal protective equipment where required.
• Employee is regularly exposed to work indoors and outdoors and is regularly exposed to dust/dirt, loud noise, and odors/fumes.
• Employee may be exposed to extreme heat, confined spaces, poor lighting, elevated workspaces, and/or mechanical, electrical, and fire hazards.

REPCO offers a competitive salary along with a comprehensive benefits package for you to choose from!

REPCO Provides a Drug-Free Workplace and is an EEO Employer