Lead Mechanical Engineer – Chocolate Manufacturing Projects

Barry Callebaut Manufacturing Iberica SA.; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Comprehensive benefits package

MyFlex PTO (unlimited)

Paid Holidays

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

Barry Callebaut is seeking a Mechanical Engineer (US) to serve as the design lead for chocolate manufacturing expansion across the United States. You will coordinate with engineering, operations, and cross-functional teams to deliver safe, efficient, and compliant manufacturing solutions from concept through commissioning.

The role requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Engineering, 5+ years in food manufacturing, and strong knowledge of P&IDs and process design.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.
• 5+ years of engineering experience in food manufacturing.
• Experience leading major capital project development, execution, commissioning, and start-up activities.
• Strong understanding of P&IDs, process flow diagrams, and industrial process design.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, SAP, and engineering software tools.
• Advanced English language proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design activities for capital projects, including engineering scope development, equipment specifications, piping design, and plant layouts.
• Drive process equipment optimization across refining, conching, tempering, molding, enrobing, cooling, depositing, and packaging operations to improve performance and reduce waste.
• Develop and optimize factory layouts, material flows, piping systems, equipment access, and maintenance-focused designs for new and existing installations.
• Design or modify production equipment to enhance hygiene, safety, reliability, and operational performance.
• Collaborate with automation and controls engineers to improve PLC-driven processes and reduce manual intervention.
• Ensure compliance with FDA, HACCP, GMP, safety, quality, and environmental requirements throughout project execution.
• Lead installation, commissioning, FAT, SAT, and validation activities for new equipment and production lines.
• Coordinate permit-related activities and interface with external authorities as required.
• Partner with Production, FSQR, SHE, Sourcing, R&D, and Center of Excellence teams to support innovation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Track, report, and communicate engineering deliverables, project progress, risks, and milestones to key stakeholders, including senior leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

SAP

Engineering software tools

Job description

Barry Callebaut is seeking a Mechanical Engineer (US) to serve as the design lead for chocolate manufacturing expansion across the United States. You will coordinate with engineering, operations, and cross-functional teams to deliver safe, efficient, and compliant manufacturing solutions from concept through commissioning.

The role requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Engineering, 5+ years in food manufacturing, and strong knowledge of P&IDs and process design.