100% Remote Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Actalent; Overland Park (KS); Remote; USD 300,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer for oilseed extrusion with extensive experience in soybean processing equipment. You will develop new extruders, validate designs, and collaborate with R&D, sales, and manufacturing teams to deliver high-performance, code-compliant solutions remotely.

You will ensure designs meet safety, reliability, and regulatory standards while leading prototype testing and international customer interactions.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in designing soybean processing extruders or similar equipment.
• Strong knowledge of soybean processing and application technology.
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.
• Fluency with 3D design software like Autodesk Inventor.
• Knowledge of metallurgy and heat treatments and their impact on performance.
• Knowledge of fluid power systems (hydraulics and pneumatics).
• Knowledge of steam systems.
• Strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Research, design, and develop new soybean processing extruders and enhance existing equipment to improve performance.
• Partner with process engineers and product developers to deliver innovative equipment solutions.
• Ensure designs comply with national and international codes and regulations.
• Read blueprints, drawings, and reports to guide design and refinement of extrusion systems.
• Use CAD to create models, assemblies, and drawings for manufacturing and installation.
• Perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to evaluate component performance.
• Collaborate with process experts to develop integrated bulk material processing solutions.
• Assist in building, testing, and commissioning prototypes and implement improvements.
• Support international sales activities and gather market feedback.
• Travel internationally up to 25% to support projects and global collaboration.

Skills

Soybean processing

Extruder design

3D CAD (Autodesk Inventor)

Metallurgy & heat treatment

Fluid power systems

Steam systems

Communication

Project leadership

Education

Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Autodesk Inventor

Job description

Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer Oilseed Extrusion

Job Description

The Mechanical Design Engineer Oilseed Extrusion leads the development and improvement of extrusion systems for soybean and animal feed applications. This role focuses on innovating dedicated equipment for bulk material processing industries, including aqua feed, pet food, human food, and oilseed, and works closely with R&D, equipment design, and sales teams to deliver high-performance, code-compliant solutions.

Responsibilities

• Research, design, and develop new soybean processing extruders and enhance existing soybean processing extruder equipment to improve performance, reliability, and efficiency.
• Partner with process engineers and product developers to deliver innovative equipment solutions and maintain an equipment innovation grid for soybean and animal feed applications.
• Ensure all mechanical designs comply with relevant national and international codes, standards, and regulations, incorporating safety and reliability into every design.
• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and computer-generated reports to guide the design, analysis, and refinement of extrusion systems and related machinery.
• Use drafting tools and 3D computer-assisted design software to create detailed models, assemblies, and drawings for manufacturing and installation.
• Perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to evaluate structural integrity, durability, and performance of components and systems under operating conditions.
• Apply mechanical design expertise in collaboration with process experts to develop comprehensive, integrated solutions for bulk material processing equipment.
• Assist in building, testing, and commissioning prototypes, working hands-on with equipment to validate design concepts and implement improvements.
• Support international sales activities, including visiting customers and attending regional marketing promotion events to provide technical expertise and gather market feedback.
• Travel internationally up to 25% of the time to support projects, customer engagements, and global collaboration with design and sales teams.

Essential Skills

• At least 15 years of experience in designing soybean processing extruders or similar food or feed processing equipment.
• Strong technical knowledge of soybean processing and application technology, including process requirements and performance drivers.
• Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Fluency with 3D design software, particularly Autodesk Inventor, for creating detailed mechanical models and drawings.
• Solid knowledge of metallurgy and heat treatments and their impact on component performance, wear, and durability.
• Knowledge of fluid power systems, including hydraulics and pneumatics, and their integration into processing equipment.
• Knowledge of steam systems and their role in extrusion and bulk material processing applications.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with R&D, equipment design, sales teams, and customers.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience performing Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to support design validation and optimization.
• Experience in the pet food equipment or food processing machinery industry.
• Experience leading mechanical design initiatives or teams.
• Stable work history demonstrating long-term commitment and progression in mechanical design roles.
• Ability to influence and help build out an engineering and R&D team in a growing organization.

Work Environment

This role operates within a research and development center focused on innovation and the development of equipment for bulk material processing industries such as aqua feed, pet food, human food, and oilseed. The environment involves working with technologies including grain handling equipment, grinding equipment, mixers, and agglomeration equipment such as extruders and dryers. Work can be performed on-site or remotely, with collaboration across global engineering and sales teams and international travel up to approximately 25% of the time. The organization is part of a large, rapidly growing international business with thousands of employees worldwide and a strong emphasis on novel feed machinery technologies that improve raw material utilization, energy efficiency, and global food security. The team in the United States is small and R&D-focused, offering the opportunity to be an early hire, shape the local engineering culture, and influence future hiring and team development.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Overland Park, KS.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $300000.00 - $350000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Candidate Requirements

• must have: 15+ years of experience in designing soybean processing extruders or similar equipment. Possesses technical knowledge of soybean processing and application technology. Possesses a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering. Fluent with 3D design software like Autodesk Inventor. Keen knowledge of metallurgy and heat treatments. Knowledge of fluid power systems (Hydraulics and Pneumatics). Knowledge of Steam Systems. Good communication skills.
• plus: Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Stable work history

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.