Senior Mechanical Engineer

Serac; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Serac in Chicago seeks a Mechanical Engineer III to design, analyze, and improve automated food-processing systems, ESL equipment, RB and explosion‑proof machinery.

You will develop prototypes in CAD, troubleshoot complex systems, ensure sanitary design and regulatory compliance, and lead improvement initiatives.

The role requires 3–5 years in automation environments and a BS in Mechanical Engineering, with strong communication and vendor collaboration.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering with 3–5 years of mechanical engineering experience, preferably in automation environments.
• Strong understanding of sanitary design and regulatory compliance is expected.
• Experience with RB, food, ESL, and explosion-proof machine design is highly desirable.
• Document control systems experience (e.g., SmarTeam) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize food-processing and ESL equipment with emphasis on sanitary design and regulatory compliance
• Engineer RB machinery and explosion-proof industrial systems in line with safety standards
• Develop and optimize pneumatic and hydraulic systems for efficiency and reliability
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to upgrade and enhance existing machinery
• Diagnose and resolve complex system issues to minimize downtime and maintain operational excellence

Skills

SolidWorks

2D drafting

System-level troubleshooting

Pneumatic systems

Hydraulic systems

Electrical basics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SmarTeam

Job description

The Mechanical Engineer III plays a key role in the design, analysis, and continuous improvement of mechanical systems and industrial machinery. This role focuses on automation-driven equipment, including food processing, ESL (Extended Shelf Life), RB, and explosion-proof (XP) machinery. You’ll collaborate cross-functionally to develop solutions, create prototypes using CAD tools, troubleshoot complex systems, and ensure designs meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

• Design and optimize food-processing and ESL equipment with strong emphasis on sanitary design and regulatory compliance
• Engineer RB machinery and explosion-proof industrial systems aligned with applicable safety standards
• Develop and optimize pneumatic and hydraulic systems for efficiency, reliability, and performance
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to upgrade and enhance existing machinery
• Diagnose and resolve complex system issues to minimize downtime and maintain operational excellence

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in SolidWorks, 2D drafting, and system-level troubleshooting
• Strong understanding of mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and basic electrical systems

Project & Organizational Skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities independently in a fast-paced environment
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes, component selection, QA, and control procedures

Soft Skills

• Strong communication skills for vendor and cross-functional collaboration
• Innovative problem-solver with the ability to work with minimal supervision
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• 3–5 years of mechanical engineering experience, preferably in automation environments
• Experience with RB, food, ESL, and explosion-proof machine design
• Background in filling, capping, or packaging machinery is highly desirable
• Experience with document control systems (e.g., SmarTeam)

#IndustrialMachinery #FoodProcessing #PackagingMachinery