Lead Mechanical Engineer
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<\/h2>Mission of the Role
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This role exists to bring structure, technical excellence, and operational discipline to a growing manufacturing business serving major food production companies.
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The Lead Mechanical Engineer will own the integrity of our engineering systems while installing the processes that allow the organization to scale.
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This is not simply a design role. It is a leadership seat.
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You will be the technical authority in the room, the steward of engineering standards, and the operational stabilizer when complexity rises. Long\-term, this position is designed to evolve into broader company leadership for the right individual.
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Commander\u2019s Intent
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We need someone who can:
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Be exceptional in SolidWorks and machine design.
<\/p><\/li>Clean up and standardize a disorganized drawing and PDM environment.
<\/p><\/li>Create repeatable engineering processes.
<\/p><\/li>Lead cross\-functionally when the owner is out with customers.
<\/p><\/li>Firefight when necessary \u2014 and install the systems that prevent the next fire.
<\/p><\/li><\/ul>This role balances 50% hands\-on engineering and 50% operational leadership influence.
<\/p>6 Performance Objectives (What Success Looks Like)
<\/h2>Restore Engineering Integrity<\/b>
<\/p>Audit and restructure the existing drawing database.
<\/p><\/li>Implement clear standards in SolidWorks and PDM.
<\/p><\/li>Establish repeatable workflows for BOMs, revisions, and documentation.
<\/p><\/li><\/ul><\/li>Design the Next Generation of Equipment<\/b>
<\/p>Lead development of standardized machine platforms.
<\/p><\/li>Improve manufacturability using stainless steel sheet metal best practices.
<\/p><\/li>Reduce custom variability through modular design thinking.
<\/p><\/li><\/ul><\/li>Drive Operational Accountability<\/b>
<\/p>Ensure parts are ordered accurately and on time.
<\/p><\/li>Coordinate between shop, service, and accounting.
<\/p><\/li>Run after\-action reviews post\-build to improve future performance.
<\/p><\/li><\/ul><\/li>Install Process Discipline<\/b>
<\/p>Build SOPs that eliminate recurring inefficiencies.
<\/p><\/li>Push adherence to engineering standards across departments.
<\/p><\/li>Move the team from reactive firefighting to proactive system control.
<\/p><\/li><\/ul><\/li>Lead Through Influence<\/b>
<\/p>Provide daily direction to department heads (ops, shop, service/install).
<\/p><\/li>Serve as the technical decision\-maker when ownership is traveling.
<\/p><\/li>Align engineering output with sales commitments.
<\/p><\/li><\/ul><\/li>Prepare for Scaled Leadership<\/b>
<\/p>Demonstrate capability to step into broader operational leadership over time.
<\/p><\/li>Translate engineering decisions into business outcomes.
<\/p><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ol>Why This Role Matters
<\/h2>Customers operate high\-volume, perishable production environments. Downtime is costly. Reliability, precision, and responsiveness are non\-negotiable.
<\/p>The right engineer will not only design machines \u2014 they will build the systems that ensure those machines are delivered correctly, consistently, and profitably.
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<\/div>Long\-Term Opportunity
<\/h2>For the right leader, this role offers:
<\/p>Direct mentorship from ownership.
<\/p><\/li>Increasing operational responsibility.
<\/p><\/li>Potential pathway into broader executive leadership.
<\/p><\/li>The chance to architect the engineering backbone of a growing manufacturing business.
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<\/div>If you are a hands\-on SolidWorks expert who wants more than just design work \u2014 if you want ownership, influence, and the chance to build something lasting \u2014 this role is built for you.
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<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Challenges You Will Inherit
<\/h2><\/div><\/div>Inconsistent legacy drawings and database structure.
<\/p><\/li>Lack of standardized processes.
<\/p><\/li>Heavy reactive work due to customer urgency.
<\/p><\/li>Need for stronger enforcement of engineering discipline.
<\/p><\/li><\/ul>This is an opportunity to put your fingerprint on an organization \u2014 to build the systems that will define the next chapter of growth.
<\/p>#LI\-BN1
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<\/div><\/span>Requirements<\/h3>
Education<\/b>
<\/p>Mechanical Engineering degree strongly preferred (or equivalent demonstrated mastery).
<\/p><\/li>Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or Systems Engineering backgrounds considered.
<\/p><\/li><\/ul>Technical Requirements<\/b>
<\/p>Advanced SolidWorks proficiency (required).
<\/p><\/li>Experience with sheet metal and stainless steel machine design.
<\/p><\/li>PDM experience \u2014 workflow creation and process standardization.
<\/p><\/li>Experience designing industrial equipment or similar mechanical systems.
<\/p><\/li><\/ul>Leadership Profile<\/b>
<\/p>Must have served in the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Space Force, U.S. Reserves, or U.S. National Guard.<\/b><\/span>
<\/p><\/li>Engineering Manager or Senior Engineer ready for next\-level responsibility.
<\/p><\/li>Comfortable with ambiguity and acting with incomplete information.
<\/p><\/li>Experienced in cross\-functional coordination within small teams (10\u201320 employees).
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<\/div>Core Traits Required
<\/h2>Ownership beyond job description.
<\/p><\/li>Systems thinker who eliminates root causes.
<\/p><\/li>Comfortable acting with 70% of the data.
<\/p><\/li>High accountability standard.
<\/p><\/li>Calm under operational pressure.
<\/p><\/li>Builder of standards, not just solver of problems.
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<\/div><\/span>Benefits<\/h3>
Base Salary: $150,000 \u2013 $200,000 (commensurate with experience)<\/b>
<\/p><\/li>Health benefits
<\/p><\/li>Paid time off
<\/p><\/li>Professional development and cross\-training
<\/p><\/li>401K with matching
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