Mechanical Engineer

Watershed Foods; Gridley (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits with Employer Contributions

Dental, Vision, Life insurance

401K with competitive company match

Vacation accrual and PTO

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Referral bonuses

Job summary

Watershed Foods is seeking a skilled Mechanical Engineer located in Gridley, IL, to design, develop, and implement advanced mechanical systems in a fast-paced food production environment. The successful candidate will engage in hands-on projects to enhance efficiency and reliability.

With 3+ years of experience and a strong foundation in CAD, you will collaborate across departments to manage projects, improve processes, and contribute to new product development. Comprehensive benefits, including medical and 401K matching, are provided.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in mechanical design, manufacturing, or engineering roles.
• Experience in a manufacturing, automation, or product development environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design parts, assemblies, and systems using 3D CAD.
• Work with production teams and suppliers to solve problems.
• Manage multiple projects while keeping schedules and budgets on track.
• Look for ways to improve designs and processes.

Skills

3D CAD skills (SolidWorks, Creo, Inventor)

Understanding of manufacturing processes

Problem-solving skills

Comfortable working hands-on

Multi-project management

Clear communication

Experience reviewing drawings and materials

Motivated to learn and improve

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field

Job description

Job Details
Level: Experienced
Job Location: Gridley, IL - Gridley, IL 61744
Position Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 Salary/year

Job Summary:
We’re looking for a skilled and innovative Mechanical Engineer to help design, develop, and implement advanced mechanical systems in a factory environment. This role supports new equipment development, lean improvement projects, and new process design through hands‑on work in design, procurement, testing, and real‑world deployment. You’ll work on projects that integrate automation, mechanical design, and manufacturing improvements to increase efficiency, precision, and reliability in a fast‑paced, highly regulated food production environment. Expect a mix of research, prototyping, troubleshooting, and implementation on the production floor.

Key Responsibilities

Build Cool Things (Design & Development)

• Use 3D CAD (SolidWorks or similar) to design parts, assemblies, and systems that can actually be built and maintained.
• Create clear drawings with proper tolerances, materials, and specs so designs work the way they should in production.
• Run practical engineering checks for strength, heat, flow, motion, and fit, and help troubleshoot when designs don’t behave in the real world.

Make It Work in the Real World (Manufacturing & Supplier Development)

• Work directly with production teams and suppliers to solve problems, improve designs, and keep projects moving.
• Review parts for machinability, welding, assembly, and cost to make sure designs are realistic and buildable.
• Help develop tooling, fixtures, and processes, and support continuous improvement that makes equipment faster, safer, and more reliable.

Keep Projects Moving (Project Management & Teamwork)

• Work across departments to align project goals, priorities, and timelines.
• Manage multiple projects at once while keeping schedules, budgets, and details on track.
• Communicate clearly with engineers, production, suppliers, and leadership so everyone stays informed.

Make Things Better Every Day (Continuous Improvement & Innovation)

• Look for ways to improve designs and processes to reduce cost, increase quality, and simplify production.
• Stay current on new technology, materials, and manufacturing methods and bring ideas to the team.
• Support testing, R&D, and new equipment development to keep factory operations moving forward.

Skills & Qualifications

• Strong 3D CAD skills (SolidWorks, Creo, Inventor, or similar) and the ability to design parts that work in the real world.
• Good understanding of manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, fabrication, and assembly.
• Comfortable working hands‑on with the shop floor, suppliers, and prototypes.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot issues and find practical solutions.
• Able to manage multiple projects and stay organized in a fast‑moving environment.
• Clear communicator who works well with engineers, operators, suppliers, and leadership.
• Experience reviewing drawings, tolerances, and materials to ensure parts are reliable and cost‑effective.
• Motivated to learn, try new ideas, and continuously improve designs, processes, and equipment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in mechanical design, manufacturing, or engineering roles.
• Experience in a manufacturing, automation, or product development environment preferred.

Benefits

• PPO or HSA medical benefits with Employer Contributions.
• Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, Disability insurance.
• 401K with a competitive company match.
• 8 Holidays, Vacation accrual, PTO program, Parental Leave.
• Attendance, Safety, Service Awards.
• Tuition Reimbursement Program.
• Uniform and Boots provision.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Chaplain Program.
• Smart Dollar.
• Company Events and Luncheons.
• Paid Volunteer Days.
• Referral bonuses.