Lead Process Mechanical Engineer

Engineering LeaderThis role is ideal for a highly technical engineering leader with strong industrial process knowledge, sound engineering judgment, and an entrepreneurial mindset. You will lead process design efforts for complex industrial projects, collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver safe, efficient, and innovative process solutions that align with our clients' operational goals.The Specifics of the RoleLead process engineering design efforts for pet food, meat processing, and industrial manufacturing projectsDevelop project scopes and establish process design basis documentationCreate and review Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), material balances, and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)Specify process mechanical equipment and support instrumentation design activitiesCollaborate with discipline leads to ensure successful implementation of process designs across all project phasesInterpret plant operating data and develop process solutions, often utilizing engineering assumptions and judgment in early project stagesEnsure process systems are designed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with client operational requirementsUtilize and enhance internal engineering tools and standards to support execution efficiencyPerform process calculations and simulations using software such as AFT Fathom, AFT Arrow, HTRI, and similar process engineering toolsCoordinate with vendors, clients, and internal teams to support equipment selection, process integration, and project executionSupport construction, commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting activities as neededMentor junior engineering staff and contribute to the development of engineering best practicesRequirementsBachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited university or college8–15+ years of experience in process engineering within industrial manufacturing environmentsSuccessfully passed the Professional Engineer (PE) examStrong understanding of process engineering principles, industrial systems, and process safetyExperience developing PFDs, P&IDs, process calculations, and equipment specificationsFamiliarity with lean manufacturing or lean process methodologiesExperience with field construction support, commissioning, and process startup activities preferredStrong engineering judgment and ability to design effectively with incomplete or evolving informationExcellent communication, leadership, and collaboration skillsEntrepreneurial mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, design-build environment.Some Things You Should KnowOur clients and projects are nationwideNo other builder can offer the collaborative design-build approach that Clayco doesWe work on creative, complex, award-winning, high-profile jobsThe pace is fastWhy Clayco and LJC?2025 Best Places to Work – St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal.2025 ENR Top 400 – Top Data Center Contractor (Top 3).2025 ENR Top 100 Design-Build Firms – Design-Build Contractor (Top 5).2025 ENR Top 100 Green Contractors – Green Contractor (Top 3).BenefitsDiscretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company and individual performanceComprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs and moreCompensationThe salary range for this position considers a wide range of factors in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: education, qualifications, skills, training, experience, certifications, internal equity, and location. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.