Mechanical Engineer - Sanitary Design & Manufacturing

Vaco; Delphos (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaco is seeking a Mechanical Engineer in Delphos, Ohio to design, validate, and document mechanical equipment and systems for safe, sanitary and reliable operation. You will create 3D models, perform calculations, and coordinate with fabrication shops to deliver robust tooling and conveyance solutions.

The role requires a BS in Mechanical Engineering with 3+ years of design experience, proficiency in 3D CAD, and knowledge of sanitary design principles and machine safety.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent; 3+ years of manufacturing mechanical design; proficiency in 3D CAD and fabrication drawings; knowledge of GD&T, fits, finishes, materials, drive systems, machine safety, and engineering calculations.
• Experience working with fabrication shops and willingness to support floor operations and off-shift startups.
• Preferred: SolidWorks; ammonia refrigeration and PSM; PE license or progress toward licensure; bilingual English/Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Create 3D models and fabrication drawings for tooling, change parts, guards, chutes, hoppers, frames, and platforms, specifying tolerances and finishes.
• Perform engineering calculations for loads, stress, deflection, fatigue, torque, drive sizing, and power transmission.
• Select food-environment materials and finishes; apply sanitary design principles for cleanability, drainage, corrosion resistance, and product-contact safety.
• Manage fabrication vendors and shop resources, including quoting, drawing release, inspection, and acceptance. Maintain controlled drawings, revisions, and bills of material.
• Design equipment modifications, conveyance systems, guarding, pneumatic/hydraulic circuits, and maintainable mechanical systems; assess safety, sanitation, warranty, and OEM impacts.
• Support mechanical utilities, including refrigeration, steam, compressed air, process water, wastewater, and HVAC. Perform capacity calculations and specify piping, pumps, valves, and heat-transfer equipment.
• Support ammonia refrigeration Process Safety Management, including hazard analysis, mechanical integrity, and management of change.
• Investigate equipment failures, develop predictive maintenance strategies, standardize critical spares, and recommend equipment rebuilds or replacement.
• Maintain engineering standards and documentation; support Maintenance, Manufacturing Engineering, audits, installations, trials, and startups. Provide technical direction to designers, fabricators, and vendors.

Skills

Proficiency in 3D CAD

Fabrication drawings

GD&T

Drive systems

Machine safety

Engineering calculations

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent

Tools

SolidWorks

3-A Sanitary Standards / ASME BPE

Ammonia refrigeration knowledge

P&ID / piping knowledge

Job description

Vaco is seeking a Mechanical Engineer in Delphos, Ohio to design, validate, and document mechanical equipment and systems for safe, sanitary and reliable operation. You will create 3D models, perform calculations, and coordinate with fabrication shops to deliver robust tooling and conveyance solutions.

The role requires a BS in Mechanical Engineering with 3+ years of design experience, proficiency in 3D CAD, and knowledge of sanitary design principles and machine safety.