Food Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a creative, detail-oriented, and technically skilled Food Equipment Designer to develop innovative and practical equipment solutions for the industrial and food processing industries. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of equipment design, stainless-steel fabrication, manufacturing processes, and the functional requirements of industrial processing facilities.

The Food Equipment Designer will be responsible for taking projects from initial concept through detailed design and production, working closely with customers, sales, engineering, project management, and manufacturing teams to ensure equipment meets performance, quality, safety, and fabrication requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop custom and standard industrial food processing equipment.
• Create concepts, layouts, 3D models, and detailed manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks.
• Translate customer requirements, specifications, sketches, and field conditions into functional equipment designs.
• Design equipment with consideration for functionality, ergonomics, durability, sanitation, maintenance, and ease of fabrication.
• Develop designs for stainless-steel equipment, including Food Grade Conveyors, Tanks, Platforms, Stands, Hoppers
• Select appropriate materials, components, hardware, finishes, and fabrication methods.
• Ensure designs are practical and suitable for manufacturing, assembly, installation, and service.
• Collaborate with fabrication and production teams to identify and resolve manufacturing challenges.
• Prepare detailed drawings, bills of materials, specifications, and documentation for production.
• Review and revise designs based on customer feedback, engineering requirements, and production input.
• Evaluate existing products and identify opportunities for design improvements, cost reduction, and increased efficiency.
• Assist with prototype development, testing, and product refinement when required.
• Coordinate with vendors and suppliers regarding components, materials, and purchased parts.
• Maintain accurate design files, specifications, revisions, and project documentation.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable industry standards, customer specifications, and company quality requirements.
• Participate in design reviews and provide technical support to sales, project management, and manufacturing teams.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in product design, equipment design, mechanical design, or a related field.
• Experience designing industrial foodservice equipment, stainless-steel equipment, sheet-metal products, or custom fabricated equipment strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles and manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of stainless-steel fabrication, sheet-metal forming, welding, machining, and assembly.
• Ability to interpret architectural plans, mechanical drawings, specifications, and field measurements.
• Strong understanding of dimensions, tolerances, materials, hardware, and fabrication requirements.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to design accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with food processing equipment.
• Experience designing equipment for sanitary food handling environments.
• Knowledge of stainless-steel grades, gauges, finishes, and fabrication techniques.
• Experience with CNC laser cutting, press brakes, CNC machining, or other automated manufacturing processes.
• Experience developing products from concept through prototype, testing, and production.
• Familiarity with cost-conscious design and design-for-manufacturing principles.

Core Competencies

• Product Design: Ability to develop functional and practical equipment solutions.
• Manufacturing Knowledge: Understanding how designs translate into fabricated products.
• Problem Solving: Ability to identify design challenges and develop effective solutions.
• Attention to Detail: Consistently produces accurate and thorough designs.
• Innovation: Ability to improve existing products and develop new solutions.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with customers, sales, engineering, production, and management.
• Customer Focus: Designs equipment around the customer's operational needs and requirements.

Education

Bachelor's degree or associate degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, Industrial Design, Manufacturing Engineering, CAD Design, or a related technical field preferred.

Equivalent professional experience in food equipment or custom manufacturing will also be considered.

Work Environment

This is primarily a design and engineering position with regular interaction with the manufacturing and fabrication shop. The Designer should be comfortable working directly with production personnel and observing equipment in fabrication to ensure designs are practical, efficient, and manufacturable.

Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Design / Engineering
Reports To: Design Manager / Engineering Manager