Design Applications Engineer

Chicago Metalcraft Inc; South Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Health/dental/vision

Retirement plan

Job summary

Chicago Metalcraft Inc. is seeking a Design & Applications Engineer to develop conveyors, process machinery, packaging equipment, and precision metal fabrications for the food industry.

This hands-on, project-driven role sits on the shop floor and travels occasionally for on-site design capture and project support. You will prototype, design, and guide projects from concept through build, with strong collaboration with workshop leads and sales engineering.

Qualifications

• Mid-career mechanical design and development experience; mechanical engineering background preferred.
• Strong SOLIDWORKS background in design; ability to demonstrate complex designs.
• Strong project management and time management skills; ability to plan, coordinate, and drive projects to completion.

Responsibilities

• Drive prototyping and development work hands-on on the shop floor with workshop support.
• Take new concepts from investigation through design, prototype, and build.
• Design conveyors, process machinery, packaging machinery, and precision metal fabrications for the food industry.
• Carry strong project management responsibility for work under development; drive schedule, scope, and execution.
• Manage time across multiple concurrent projects, meeting shop and customer deadlines.
• Provide oversight and technical direction to detailing engineers to support their work.

Skills

Mechanical design

SOLIDWORKS

Project management

Shop floor prototyping

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Design & Applications Engineer

7:30-5:00pm Full Time M-F, Chicago Metalcraft Inc. 885 Schneider Drive, South Elgin IL.

About Us

Chicago Metalcraft Inc. is a custom application development company for equipment in the food industry. We design, engineer, and build OEM-quality stainless steel equipment and solutions tailored to our customers' production needs, delivering reliable, hygienic, and precision-engineered results that meet stringent industry standards. We value craftsmanship, collaboration, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

We are hiring a mid-career Applications Development Engineer to develop conveyors, process machinery, packaging equipment, and precision metal fabrications for the food industry. This is a hands-on, project-driven role built around prototyping and development work on the shop floor, paired with strong mechanical design, close collaboration with workshop leaders and sales engineering, and significant project management responsibility. It includes occasional travel for on-site design capture and project support.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive prototyping and development work hands-on, building out and proving new designs on the shop floor with workshop support.
• Take new concepts from investigation through design, prototype, and build.
• Design conveyors, process machinery, packaging machinery, and precision metal fabrications for the food industry.
• Carry strong project management responsibility for work under their development, driving schedule, scope, and execution.
• Manage time across multiple concurrent projects, prioritizing meeting shop and customer deadlines.
• Provide oversight and technical direction to one or more detailing engineers to support their work.
• Collaborate with workshop leads and sales engineering for application development and technical support.
• Provide applications development support for sales as a minor part of the role.
• Perform on-site visits as needed for design detail capture, with possible overnight stays to support projects.

Qualifications

• Mid-career level mechanical design and development experience and/or education; mechanical engineering background preferred.
• Strong SOLIDWORKS background in design, ability to demonstrate complex designs.
• Strong project management and time management skills, with the ability to plan, coordinate, and drive projects to completion.
• Required: Engineering background, Solidworks equipment design experience, high level of detail and organization, advanced use of technology to increase accuracy and productivity of work.
• Preferred: multidisciplinary engineering; mechatronics; controls; mechanical assembly & troubleshooting; automation; project leadership; food production equipment and standards experience; advanced SOLIDWORKS skills.

Preferred — Advanced & Investigative Engineering

As a custom application development company, we value engineers who work well in open-ended, undefined problem space. The following capabilities are a strong bonus, though not core requirements:

• Investigative work for new engineering projects, including time studies, failure analysis on existing equipment, and risk analysis on new projects.
• Evaluation of new technologies such as controls, automation, food process, packaging, and filling, inspection systems.
• Development of new engineering concepts and exploratory work.
• A creative, investigative approach to engineering problems.

Additional Skills

• Prototyping and development work, building out items hands-on with the workshop and shop floor in support of projects.
• Strong time management across competing priorities.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving across design and production.Effective labor management and process efficiency mindset.
• Clear communication and team coordination in a high-responsibility environment.
• Ability to work hands-on while planning and guiding project execution.
• Familiarity with food-industry equipment standards and quality expectations.
• Experience in fabrication, machining, assembly, electrical controls, and automation.

Role Details

• Benefits: Benefits-eligible; company offers excellent benefits.
• Compensation: Commensurate with experience.
• Schedule: Some weekend work as projects require, with flextime opportunity.

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly rate or salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, vision, retirement).
• Paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Career development opportunities.
• Training in related systems, plus our specific equipment, processes, and quality systems.
• A collaborative culture focused on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

Company Description

Chicago Metalcraft Inc. designs and manufactures high-quality stainless steel fabrications, conveyors, and custom machinery for the food production industry. Our team is committed to craftsmanship, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.