R&D Engineer - Protein Processing Equipment

Cozzini,-LLC; Elk Grove Village (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Health Savings Account w/ Employer

Flexible Spending Account w/ Employer

Dental Insurance

Company Paid Disability Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Company Paid Life Insurance

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

401k

Vision Insurance

Job summary

Cozzini, LLC. is seeking an R&D Engineer to research, design, develop, and test next‑generation protein processing solutions. You will collaborate across mechanical, electrical, controls, and manufacturing teams to create sanitary, high‑performance equipment that improves efficiency and product quality.

The role emphasizes testing, debugging, and validating concepts, with a focus on meeting food-safety standards and driving sustainable processing technologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 3+ years of R&D engineering experience, preferably in food/protein processing or capital equipment manufacturing.
• Experience designing, developing, and testing industrial machinery.
• Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD).
• Knowledge of sanitary equipment design principles and relevant standards (USDA/FDA).
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Research industry trends and customer challenges to develop innovative protein-processing solutions.
• Transform concepts into prototypes via testing and performance evaluation; support product launches.
• Design, develop, and troubleshoot mechanical systems for protein processing equipment.
• Collaborate with electrical, controls, automation, and manufacturing teams.
• Ensure sanitary design and compliance with USDA, FDA, OSHA, CE standards.

Skills

Engineering fundamentals

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Strong communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Mechatronics

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Description

Cozzini, LLC is looking for an R&D Engineer – Protein Processing Technology to join our growing innovation team. As a leading manufacturer of food processing equipment for the protein industry, we develop world‑class machinery used to grind, mix, pump, emulsify, and process meat and protein products for customers around the globe.

In this role, you'll play a key part in researching, designing, developing, and testing next‑generation protein processing solutions. Working closely with cross‑functional teams, you'll help create sanitary, high‑performance equipment that improves efficiency, enhances product quality, supports food safety, and drives sustainability for our customers.

Job Responsibilities

• Research industry trends, customer challenges, and emerging technologies to develop innovative machinery and processing solutions for the protein industry.
• Transform concepts into functional prototypes by conducting testing, evaluating performance data, identifying improvements, and supporting product launches.
• Design, develop, and troubleshoot mechanical systems, including grinding, mixing, vacuum, pumping, conveying, and material‑handling equipment.
• Collaborate with electrical, controls, automation, and manufacturing teams to ensure successful product development and integration.
• Apply sanitary design best practices and ensure equipment complies with applicable USDA, FDA, OSHA, CE, and food‑processing standards.
• Partner with Sales, Manufacturing, Quality, Service, and customers to develop solutions that address operational needs and market demands.
• Support product improvement initiatives, intellectual property development, and technology roadmaps that strengthen Cozzini's position as an industry leader.

Qualifications

• Strong engineering fundamentals with experience in capital equipment, industrial machinery, food processing equipment, automation, or manufacturing environments.
• Interest in protein processing technologies and commercial food production systems.
• Ability to collaborate across mechanical, electrical, controls, and manufacturing disciplines.
• Hands‑on problem‑solving skills with a passion for testing, troubleshooting, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within cross‑functional teams.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• Health Savings Account w/ Employer contribution
• Flexible Spending Account w/ Employer contribution
• Dental Insurance
• Company Paid Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• 401k
• Vision Insurance

Cozzini, LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EOE/M/F/Vets/Disabled) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of R&D engineering experience, preferably within food processing, protein processing, industrial equipment, or capital equipment manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience designing, developing, and testing industrial machinery or food processing equipment.
• Proficiency with CAD software, including SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
• Knowledge of sanitary equipment design principles and applicable industry regulations, including USDA and FDA standards.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across cross‑functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast‑paced product development environment.
• Willingness to travel as needed to support equipment testing, field trials, customer visits, and equipment installations.