Design Engineer - Food Processing

Description We are seeking a skilled, detail-oriented Design Engineer to play a key role in the design, development, and execution of custom food processing equipment and systems . This position is ideal for an engineer who understands the challenges of food manufacturing and enjoys designing equipment that improves production efficiency, food safety, sanitation, and operator performance.

In this role, you will be responsible for transforming customer requirements into innovative equipment solutions, supporting projects from concept through fabrication, assembly, testing, and installation. You will work closely with manufacturing, project management, customers, and vendors to ensure equipment designs meet stringent food industry standards, operational requirements, and customer expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Design and develop food processing equipment, material handling systems, and sanitary machinery using CAD software and industry best practices. Create, refine, and maintain detailed engineering drawings, assembly layouts, fabrication drawings, and bills of materials. Design equipment with a focus on food safety, cleanability, sanitation, durability, and manufacturing efficiency .

Generate equipment layouts and calculate critical design specifications including dimensions, tolerances, clearances, load requirements, and material selections. Support the fabrication and assembly teams by providing technical guidance throughout the manufacturing process. Verify equipment and component dimensions during production to ensure compliance with engineering drawings and project specifications.

Collaborate with project managers, customers, and production personnel to develop customized solutions for food processing applications. Participate in design reviews, prototype evaluations, equipment testing, and troubleshooting activities. Analyze engineering sketches, customer specifications, process requirements, and technical documentation to determine equipment design requirements.

Evaluate and implement engineering changes, drawing revisions, and specification updates throughout the project lifecycle. Monitor engineering activities, project schedules, and design milestones to support on-time project completion. Prepare project documentation, operating information, technical reports, and installation support materials.

Partner closely with suppliers and vendors to source components and optimize equipment performance. Travel periodically to customer facilities and vendor locations to support equipment installations, start-ups, and project coordination. Perform other duties as assigned.

What We Offer

Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Opportunity to work on innovative food processing equipment and custom-engineered solutions used by leading food manufacturers. A collaborative, team-oriented work environment. Hands-on involvement from concept through fabrication, testing, and installation. Opportunities for professional growth, technical development, and project ownership.

Cozzini, LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EOE/M/F/Vets/Disabled) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants.

Benefits

Medical Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution Flexible Spending Account (FSA) with employer contribution Company-Paid Life Insurance Company-Paid Disability Insurance Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Paid Holidays Paid Time Off (PTO) 401(k) Plan Principals only, please no third parties Requirements Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline preferred.

3+ years of experience in machine design, equipment design, or industrial machinery engineering , preferably within the food processing, food manufacturing, packaging, or sanitary equipment industries . Strong proficiency with CAD software such as Solid. Works, Inventor, or AutoCAD . Experience designing fabricated equipment, conveyor systems, processing equipment, or other custom industrial machinery.

Understanding of sanitary design principles, stainless steel fabrication, hygienic equipment standards, and food industry requirements strongly preferred. Knowledge of manufacturing processes including welding, machining, fabrication, and assembly. Ability to analyze complex technical requirements and develop practical engineering solutions.

Strong project coordination and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Excellent communication and collaboration skills with customers, vendors, production personnel, and cross-functional teams. Comfortable working in both office and manufacturing environments and supporting hands-on equipment development.

Willingness to travel as required to support customer projects and equipment installations. NO RELOCATION PROVIDED