Mechanical Design Lead – Chocolate Manufacturing (Hybrid)

Barry Callebaut Group; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

MyFlex PTO (unlimited!)

Paid Holidays

Hybrid environment

Diversity & Inclusion culture

Job summary

Barry Callebaut Group in the United States seeks a Mechanical Engineer (US) to lead mechanical design for chocolate manufacturing expansion and upgrades, guiding projects from concept through commissioning with cross-functional teams.

You will develop plant layouts, specify equipment, ensure FDA/GMP compliance, collaborate with automation, and drive safety and efficiency while reporting progress to senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.
• 5+ years in food manufacturing, food processing, or CPG industry.
• Experience leading major capital projects, commissioning, and startup.
• Strong knowledge of P&IDs, process flow diagrams, and industrial design.
• Proficiency with SAP and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design activities for capital projects, including scope development, equipment specs, piping design, and layouts.
• Drive process equipment optimization across refining, conching, tempering, molding, and packaging operations.
• Develop and optimize factory layouts, material flows, piping systems, and maintenance-focused designs.
• Design or modify production equipment to enhance hygiene, safety, reliability, and performance.
• Collaborate with automation and controls to improve PLC-driven processes and reduce manual intervention.
• Ensure FDA, HACCP, GMP, safety, quality, and environmental compliance in project execution.
• Lead FAT, SAT, and validation activities for new equipment and lines.
• Coordinate permit-related activities and interface with authorities as required.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to support innovation and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Engineering

Tools

SAP

Engineering software tools

Job description

Barry Callebaut Group in the United States seeks a Mechanical Engineer (US) to lead mechanical design for chocolate manufacturing expansion and upgrades, guiding projects from concept through commissioning with cross-functional teams.

You will develop plant layouts, specify equipment, ensure FDA/GMP compliance, collaborate with automation, and drive safety and efficiency while reporting progress to senior leadership.