Mechatronics Engineer

Schweid & Sons; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligible

PTO

Health benefits

401(k) match

Paid holidays

Job summary

Schweid & Sons in College Park, GA is seeking a Mechatronics Engineer to design, implement, and optimize automated systems across food manufacturing. You will lead projects, collaborate with maintenance and operations, and apply PLC, HMI, and CAD skills to improve reliability, safety, quality, and throughput.

This on-site role requires a Bachelor’s in engineering and 3+ years of experience in automation, with strong problem-solving and leadership abilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechatronics, Electrical, Mechanical, Automation, or Controls).
• 3+ years designing, programming, testing, or improving automated manufacturing equipment.
• Experience leading technical project teams in manufacturing.
• Working knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, sensors, drives, robotics, and networks.
• Experience with CAD software and maintenance management systems.
• Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage priorities.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement control solutions for automation of industrial tasks.
• Program and troubleshoot PLC and HMI platforms and industrial networks.
• Research and select sensors and control devices; ensure sanitary-design requirements.
• Upgrade equipment and create electrical drawings and specifications.
• Model, test, and commission mechatronic solutions; document results.
• Lead root-cause analysis and drive reliability improvements.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Safety, and vendors.

Skills

Automation design

PLC programming

HMI programming

CAD (AutoCAD/SolidWorks)

Root-cause analysis

Leadership

Safety compliance

Electrical controls

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics or related engineering field

Tools

PLC/HMI software

CAD (AutoCAD/SolidWorks)

Job description

Mechatronics Engineer

About Us

Schweid & Sons is a family-owned and operated premium ground beef company with a proud heritage spanning four generations. We supply top-quality beef to Retail, Foodservice, and National Account customers across the U.S. and are committed to quality, customer service, and innovation in protein manufacturing.

The Role

The Mechatronics Engineer is a professional engineering position responsible for researching, designing, developing, and testing automation, intelligent systems, and industrial control systems used in Schweid & Sons’ food manufacturing operations. Applying principles of mechanical, electrical, controls, and engineering, the Mechatronics Engineer designs and implements automated solutions and electromechanical and control-system improvements that increase the reliability, safety, quality, and throughput of production and facility systems. The position leads engineering analysis of equipment performance and failures, and provides technical direction to maintenance technicians and contractors in implementing engineered solutions.

What You’ll Work On

• Automation Design. Design, develop, and implement engineering systems and control solutions for the automation of industrial tasks, including the automated transfer, handling, processing, and packaging of materials, components, and finished goods.
• Controls Engineering. Design, develop, program, and implement control circuits, algorithms, and PLC, HMI, servo, and motion-control programs for electromechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic devices and systems.
• Component Selection. Research, select, and apply sensors, communication technologies, industrial networks, and control devices for motion control, position sensing, pressure sensing, and electronic communication, and identify materials appropriate for mechatronic system designs, including sanitary-design requirements.
• Equipment Upgrades and Design Documentation. Upgrade the design of existing production equipment by adding mechatronic elements; create mechanical design documents, electrical drawings, and specifications for parts, assemblies, and modifications using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
• Modeling, Testing, and Commissioning. Create models or simulations to evaluate mechatronic design concepts; implement, test, and commission design solutions; and document qualification test results before release to production.
• Feasibility and Cost Analysis. Determine the feasibility, costs, and performance benefits of new mechatronic equipment and capital or continuous-improvement projects; prepare engineering cost estimates and project justifications, and monitor project and equipment-related costs against budget.
• Engineering Analysis and Process Improvement. Analyze existing manufacturing procedures and equipment performance, downtime, and failure data; lead engineering root-cause analysis; and recommend and implement design or process improvements that increase reliability, safety, quality, throughput, and maintainability.
• Calibration and Optimization. Monitor and calibrate automated systems, industrial control systems, and system components to maximize efficiency of production.
• Reliability Engineering. Define the engineering requirements of preventive and predictive maintenance programs for automated production equipment, utilities, and facility systems; evaluate equipment condition and lifecycle; and recommend repairs, replacements, upgrades, and lifecycle plans.
• Technical Troubleshooting Support. Provide engineering support in diagnosing complex mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, instrumentation, robotics, PLC, HMI, servo, sensor, and controls failures, and direct the restoration of safe operation to minimize downtime.
• Technical Direction and Training. Provide technical guidance, consultation, and training on mechatronics and automated control to maintenance technicians, operations personnel, and management; assign, schedule, and review the technical work of maintenance technicians in accordance with company policies.
• Contractor Oversight. Oversee the work of contractors, integrators, and vendors in accordance with project requirements, including scope, specifications, schedule, safe work practices, quality, and acceptance testing.
• Technical Records. Maintain technical project files and publish engineering reports documenting design details; maintain electrical drawings, control-program backups, technical documentation, spare-parts specifications, and standard operating procedures.
• Standards and Compliance. Ensure designs and work comply with applicable electrical and mechanical codes and standards, workplace safety requirements (including lockout/tagout), food-safety and sanitary-design practices, company procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration. Partner with Operations, Quality, Safety, and vendors to define equipment requirements, prioritize engineering work, and plan shutdowns and project execution.
• On-Call Engineering Support. Participate in an on-call rotation and provide after-hours engineering support when required by operational needs.
• Complete additional responsibilities as assigned, consistent with the professional engineering nature of the position.

What You BringMust-Haves

• Bachelor’s degree, or foreign equivalent (including a Mexican licenciatura or Canadian baccalaureate degree), in Mechatronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation or Controls Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• At least 3 years of professional engineering experience designing, programming, testing, or improving automated manufacturing equipment, including PLC-controlled electromechanical systems.
• At least 2 years of experience leading technical project teams, contractors, or technical personnel in a manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of the engineering design and application of PLCs, HMIs, variable-frequency drives, sensors, motors, servo systems, industrial networks, robotics, electrical controls, pneumatics, hydraulics, and mechanical power transmission.
• Experience programming and modifying PLC and HMI platforms and troubleshooting industrial networks.
• Proficiency with CAD software (such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks), PLC programming software, Microsoft Office, and a computerized maintenance management system.
• Demonstrated ability to apply engineering principles, mathematics, and scientific methods to root-cause analysis, reliability improvement, and the development of preventive and predictive maintenance requirements.
• Strong understanding of workplace safety practices, including lockout/tagout and safe electrical and mechanical troubleshooting.
• Strong critical-thinking, problem-solving, technical-writing, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, manage competing priorities, and respond to urgent equipment issues.

Nice-To-Haves

• Experience in food, beverage, protein, consumer packaged goods, or another highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Experience with embedded or industrial software development (such as C, C++, Python, or LabVIEW), HMI/SCADA platforms (such as AVEVA InTouch), or simulation software.
• Experience with reliability-centered maintenance, predictive maintenance technologies, OEE improvement, and capital equipment design and installation.
• Familiarity with USDA, SQF, HACCP, GMP, and sanitary-design requirements.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license, Engineer in Training (EIT) designation, or equivalent professional engineering credential.

Core Competencies

Mechatronic System Design

• Automation and Controls Engineering
• PLC/HMI Programming
• Engineering Analysis and Root-Cause Analysis
• Equipment Reliability
• Technical Leadership
• Project Execution and Cost Estimation
• Safety and Compliance
• Cross-Functional Collaboration

What We Offer

• Base Salary: Final compensation will be discussed during the interview process.
• Bonus Program: This position is bonus incentive eligible.
• Time Off: PTO, Safe & Sick Time, and Paid Holidays.
• Health Benefits: Medical, vision, dental, and voluntary disability benefits.
• Financial Benefits: 401(k) + employer match and life insurance.

Work Environment

This is an on-site position located in College Park, GA. The role works in an active manufacturing facility and may require extended periods in refrigerated areas below 40°F. The employee must be able to move throughout the facility, stand or walk for extended periods, climb stairs or ladders, bend, reach, and safely lift items consistent with maintenance work. Schedule flexibility, including occasional nights, weekends, shutdowns, and emergency support, is required based on operational needs.

Our Culture

At Schweid & Sons, our culture is built on our core values: Trust, Respect, Innovation, Passion, and Pride. We believe in creating an environment where people can collaborate, contribute ideas, and grow their careers while delivering the very best burger experience to our customers. Joining our team means becoming part of a company that values its people as much as its product.

Equal Opportunity & Accommodations

At Schweid & Sons, we believe that to build the best team, we must hire using an objective lens. We are committed to fair hiring practices where we hire people for their potential and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. We do not discriminate or make decisions based on race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status (as protected by law), age, military service eligibility, veteran status, marital status, disability, or any other protected class. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please let your recruiter know how we can make your interview process work best for you.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the team member(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of individuals in this position. Position expectations may be subject to change as the needs of the organization change.