Engineering Manager

Job Description

Job Description

The Engineering Manager is responsible for leading and developing a team of mechanical engineers supporting the design, fabrication, installation, and continuous improvement of food processing and material-handling systems. This role provides technical leadership, project oversight, and cross-functional coordination to ensure solutions meet customer requirements, regulatory standards, budget, and schedule commitments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of mechanical engineers, designers, and project engineers.
• Oversee engineering execution for food processing equipment and systems, from concept through commissioning.
• Establish engineering standards, best practices, and design guidelines aligned with food industry requirements.
• Review and approve designs, calculations, drawings, and specifications for accuracy, safety, and compliance.
• Coordinate with operations, fabrication, quality, safety, and field installation teams to ensure seamless project delivery.
• Support project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards (USDA, FDA, OSHA, ANSI, ASME, and 3-A where applicable).
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, cost reduction, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Participate in customer meetings to define scope, resolve technical issues, and support business development efforts.
• Manage performance, conduct reviews, and support professional development and succession planning.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience managing and leading a team of mechanical engineers.
• Demonstrated experience in the food processing, food production, or related regulated manufacturing industries.
• Strong background in mechanical design of processing equipment, conveyors, material-handling systems, or similar machinery.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and budget targets.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline (preferred).
• Professional Engineer (PE) license a plus.
• Experience working in a fabrication, OEM, or system-integration environment.
• Familiarity with sanitary design principles and hygienic equipment standards.

Core Competencies:

• Technical leadership and team development.
• Project management and execution.
• Regulatory and food safety compliance.
• Problem-solving and root-cause analysis.
• Cross-functional collaboration.

Work Environment

This position is primarily office-based with regular interaction on the shop floor and occasional travel to customer sites and project locations as required.