Mechanical Design Engineer - Protein Industry

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.

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

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field preferred.
• 3+ years of machine, equipment, or industrial machinery design experience.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks, Inventor, or AutoCAD.
• Experience designing custom machinery, food processing equipment, or conveyor systems.
• Knowledge of sanitary design principles, stainless steel fabrication, and manufacturing processes preferred.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Willingness to travel as needed to support customer projects and equipment installations.

This position is based in Elk Grove Village, IL. No relocation assistance is provided.
Principals only. No third-party recruiters, please.