Mechanical Engineer

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

As part of Barry Callebaut's Americas footprint strategy and supply network optimization, the Mechanical Engineer (US) will serve as the mechanical design lead for chocolate manufacturing expansion and upgrade projects across the United States. Working closely with engineering, technical, operations, and cross-functional teams, this role will support projects from concept through commissioning, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant manufacturing solutions while delivering key engineering milestones and stakeholder updates.

Key Responsibilities Include

• 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, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (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.

About You

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering is required.
• 5+ years of engineering experience within the food manufacturing, food processing, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.
• Demonstrated experience leading major capital project development, execution, commissioning, and start-up activities.
• Strong understanding of P&IDs, process flow diagrams, and industrial process design.
• Experience working with a broad range of mechanical assets and manufacturing equipment platforms.
• Knowledge of project budgeting, cost control, and financial management principles.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, SAP, and engineering software tools.
• Familiarity with TPM, Initiative Management (IM), Stage-Gate Project Management, or similar continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Advanced English language proficiency and the ability to perform effectively in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

What you can expect from Barry Callebaut

• Salary Range of $75,000-$100,000, depending on factors such as experience and location, plus annual bonus and our comprehensive benefits package
• MyFlex PTO (unlimited!) and Paid Holidays
• Environment that welcomes workplace flexibility and hybrid environment
• An atmosphere where diversity is embraced, and inclusivity is second nature. We call it #OneBC!
• Just ask our champions with the Americas Women's Forum and the Racial Equality Forum!
• Ability to grow personally and professionally within an organization that values development and internal career growth

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Be part of our mission in making sustainability the norm through Forever Chocolate with priorities centered around prospering farmers, zero child labor, carbon and forest positive, and creating 100% sustainable ingredients in all our products.