Mechanical Lead Bakery Engineer

Coperion UK; Peacehaven; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology provider in the food industry is seeking a Mechanical Design Team Lead to manage a team of engineers. You will provide technical leadership, oversee the design of bakery equipment, and ensure compliance with industry standards. The ideal candidate has an engineering degree and extensive experience in mechanical engineering, with strong design and problem-solving skills. If you're a passionate leader, apply today.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in mechanical engineering or product development.
• Preferably in capital equipment.
• Experience leading a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for bakery projects.
• Lead mechanical design and resolve design issues.
• Drive product innovation for equipment performance.

Skills

Design and analysis skills

Problem-solving skills

Leadership abilities

Communication skills

3D CAD proficiency

Education

Engineering degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Baker Perkins, a Technology Brand of Coperion – owned by Hillenbrand, is a globally trusted technology provider for the food industry. Operating from the UK and USA, we offer comprehensive solutions, from process expertise, engineering excellence to lifetime support for leading brands worldwide. Our continuous innovation in equipment and processes, whilst utilising the latest technology, ensures we provide our customers with highly efficient and cost-effective solutions.

We are now searching for:

Mechanical Design Team Lead

Role Overview

Lead a team of mechanical design engineers to design world‑leading machinery used in the bakery industry and integrate them into turnkey solutions. The role requires hands‑on technical design leadership, including design, managing the team workload, communication, quality, and long‑term professional development of the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide daily technical leadership and overall design responsibility for bakery projects from launch to completion, ensuring all deliverables are met, within schedule and budget.
• Lead the mechanical design for all bakery equipment by developing sound engineering solutions, resolving any design issues and supporting testing.
• Drive product innovation to maintain our position as best‑in‑class on equipment performance, safety and hygiene.
• Maintain equipment design standards, quality documents and compliance with industry safety legislation.
• Provide technical guidance to other departments throughout the project lifecycle, develop best practice and lead improvement initiatives where needed.

Team Leadership

• Direct line management of a team of 3–5 mechanical bakery engineers.
• Oversee daily team activities, recruitment, training, and mentoring.
• Manage project costs, schedules, and quality.
• Provide feedback and support succession planning.
• Deputise for the engineering manager as needed.

Candidate Profile

• Engineering degree or equivalent experience.
• Extensive experience in mechanical engineering or product development, preferably in capital equipment.
• Strong design, analysis, and problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstratable leadership abilities with excellent communication skills.
• Fluent with 3D CAD design software and experience with engineering tools and software.

If you are a passionate leader with a strong technical background in mechanical engineering in capital equipment, we invite you to join our innovative team – apply today and contribute to Shaping What Matters For Tomorrow.