Mechanical Engineer

About the Role

Stellar Snacks is looking for a Mechanical Engineer to lead engineering initiatives across our food manufacturing operations. This person will lead a team of mechanics and engineers, oversee capital expenditure (capex) projects from concept through startup, and design automation solutions that improve line efficiency, throughput, and product quality. The ideal candidate combines deep mechanical engineering expertise with hands-on food manufacturing experience and a track record of delivering projects on time and on budget.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of mechanics and engineers, setting priorities, assigning work, and reviewing project and maintenance activities
• Own capex project lifecycle: scoping, budgeting, vendor selection, installation, commissioning, and post-startup optimization
• Design, specify, and implement automation and controls solutions to increase manufacturing efficiency and reduce downtime
• Partner with Operations, Quality, and Maintenance to identify continuous improvement opportunities on production lines
• Evaluate and select equipment, machinery, and process technology aligned with food safety and sanitary design standards
• Develop and manage project timelines, budgets, and ROI justifications; present recommendations to plant and senior leadership
• Ensure all engineering work complies with food safety regulations (FDA, USDA, GFSI/SQF) and OSHA safety standards
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues, driving root-cause analysis and permanent corrective actions
• Manage relationships with equipment vendors, integrators, and contractors
• Support new product introductions and line changeovers from an engineering standpoint

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline (required)
• 10+ years of engineering experience, including project management and equipment/process design
• 5+ years of experience in food manufacturing environments (required)
• Demonstrated experience leading capex projects from concept through commissioning
• Experience designing or implementing automation systems (PLCs, robotics, conveyance, controls) to drive efficiency gains
• Proven people-leadership experience managing or supervising mechanics and/or engineering staff
• Working knowledge of sanitary design principles, food safety regulations, and GMPs
• Strong project management, budgeting, and vendor negotiation skills
• Proficiency with CAD software and project management tools
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present to senior leadership

Preferred Qualifications

• PE license or PMP certification
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
• Familiarity with SQF, BRC, or other GFSI-recognized food safety schemes