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.
About Steelial Constructions & Metal Fabrication:
In 1997, Steelial was established because our founder, Larry A. Hedrick Jr., saw an opportunity. After noticing a need in the food production industry, he decided he wanted to make an impact on food production manufacturing by offering high-quality services, engineering, and manufacturing. After seeing success in this field, he decided to expand to mechanical installation, process engineering, and project engineering and management.
