JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related field required.

Experience:

• Two to five years of experience as a Mechanical Engineer in the food industry. 
• Experience with Dairy processes, evaporation, drying and membrane filtration (UF/RO/NF), or spray drying preferred.

This position may be based out of a home office and will require frequent travel to Proliant Dairy manufacturing sites, including St. Johns, MI, and Melrose, MN. Candidates located within commuting distance of the St. Johns, MI facility are preferred.

JOB DUTIES:

• Analyzes product or equipment specifications and performance requirements to determine design, which can be produced by existing manufacturing or processing facilities and methods.
• Analyzes engineering proposals, process requirements, and related technical data pertaining to industrial machinery and equipment design.
• Determines feasibility of designing new processes or modifying existing processes considering costs, available space, time limitations, company planning, and other technical and economic factors.
• Provides technical information concerning manufacturing or processing techniques, materials, properties, and process advantages and limitations which affect long range plant and product engineering planning.
• Establishes clearly defined objectives and parameters prior to implementation and then compiles and analyzes operational, test, and research data to establish performance standards for newly designed or modified equipment.
• Develop and prepare concise capital expenditure requests for approval, identifying scope, timelines, justification, alternate considerations, and ROI.
• Updates project design through the use of CAD design tools. 
• Recognizes and implements applicable industry code, recommended practices, and local ordinances.  This could include 3-A Dairy Standard, PMO, NFPA, etc.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge of engineering practices/principles and the ability to develop, analyze, and implement engineering methods and processes.
• Knowledge of industrial engineering designs and drafting and the ability to modify plans to existing facilities.
• Ability to interpret and communicate engineering plans and specifications.
• Knowledge of manufacturing costs associated with implementing engineering designs and equipment and the ability to prepare written product feasibility reports to management.
• Ability to interpret production data, perform production capacity studies, and prepare written recommendations to management.
• Ability to work closely with production personnel to maximize plant efficiency.
• Ability to modify and adapt equipment/machinery to advance product process from the pilot plant to full operational capacity at the manufacturing plant level.
• Ability to operate a variety of software programs, specifically those concerned with computer-aided design.
• Ability to perform basic engineering calculations such as mechanical, structural, and mass energy balances.
• Ability to effectively communicate with contractors, vendors, suppliers, customers, and other business-related contacts.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality related to all duties and responsibilities, such as product development information, engineering methods, techniques, and current or future projects.
• Knowledge of industrial/mechanical engineering, piping, and utility systems. 
• Knowledge of organizational methods and the ability to manage multiple tasks/projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge and experience with AutoCAD.
• Ability to work daily and extended hours as necessary.
• Ability to travel up to 50%
• Ability to be self-motivated.
• Ability to function effectively and proactively in a team environment, but also to work on projects with limited supervision. 
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience with process control design and instrumentation design and selection.
• Knowledge of Food Safety, GMP and HAACP.
• Skill in mathematics, communication, and organization. 
• Ability to draft for mechanical and industrial disciplines. 

BASIC MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

This job requires the mental capabilities to apply engineering practices/principles to develop equipment/machinery processes utilized in the production of products affecting a profitable and high-quality finished product.  Furthermore, the incumbent for this position must have the abilities to organize and manage several tasks/projects simultaneously and possess excellent communication skills in working with a variety of business associates.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND EXPOSURES:

Working conditions vary, a portion of the job duties occur within a general office environment while other job duties occur within the pilot or manufacturing plant setting with exposure to acidic and alkaline substances.  Additional exposures include biohazards, odor, noise, dust, moving machinery, and occasional contact with hazardous chemicals.

Furthermore, this position may require the incumbent to travel on business to production plant in a variety of weather conditions.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS:

• A choice of three quality affordable healthcare coverage options
• Vision coverage
• Dental coverage
• Health savings account with employer contribution/flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off starting at 3 week/annual and 9 paid holidays

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation due to a disability at any stage of the employment application process should contact human resources (515)-829-2378.

This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of the job duties and requirements associated with this job but is intended to represent an accurate reflection of the current job.