Food Processing Engineer Jobs in Idaho (NOW HIRING)

About the Role:
We are seeking a hands-on Mechanical Engineer or Mechanical Draftsman to support the design, development, and continuous improvement of food processing and industrial manufacturing equipment. This in-person position combines mechanical engineering, mechanical drafting, SolidWorks CAD design, machine design, product development, and manufacturing support. The ideal candidate has experience with fabricated machinery and equipment and understands sanitary design, food manufacturing processes, hydraulics, pneumatics, power transmission, welding, machining, sheet metal fabrication, and equipment assembly.

Responsibilities:

• Design mechanical components, assemblies, equipment, and subsystems using SolidWorks and other engineering design tools to meet functional, manufacturing, safety, and performance requirements.
• Create and maintain detailed 3D CAD models, part drawings, assembly drawings, fabrication drawings, control drawings, purchased component specifications, and bills of materials.
• Apply mechanical engineering principles, engineering calculations, stress and strain analysis, and sound technical judgment to validate designs and support proposed solutions.
• Support product development, custom equipment design, sustaining engineering, design modifications, and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the product lifecycle.
• Design equipment with consideration for sanitary design principles, food processing requirements, Good Manufacturing Practices, cleanability, reliability, maintainability, and operator safety.
• Incorporate hydraulics, pneumatics, vacuum systems, motors, bearings, sprockets, chains, gearing, and other mechanical power transmission components into equipment designs.
• Develop components and assemblies for manufacturing processes including plasma cutting, sheet metal forming, machining, welding, fabrication, and mechanical assembly.
• Collaborate with purchasing, manufacturing, fabrication, assembly teams, suppliers, and vendors to develop practical and cost-effective sourcing and manufacturing solutions.
• Provide hands-on manufacturing support from initial design and fabrication through assembly, troubleshooting, final testing, commissioning, and occasional equipment installation.
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation, drawing revisions, bills of materials, and product information within applicable MRP or ERP systems.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Drafting and Design, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent mechanical design and manufacturing experience.
• 3 to 5 years of experience in mechanical engineering, mechanical drafting, mechanical design, machine design, equipment design, manufacturing engineering, or a related industrial environment.
• Experience supporting food manufacturing, food processing equipment, sanitary equipment, or a comparable manufacturing environment.
• Strong proficiency with SolidWorks, including 3D part modeling, assemblies, engineering drawings, configurations, and design documentation.
• Working knowledge of fabrication and production processes, including sheet metal fabrication, plasma cutting, forming, machining, welding, and equipment assembly.
• Practical understanding of hydraulics, pneumatics, vacuum systems, mechanical power transmission, sprockets, chains, gearing, bearings, and related machine components.
• Knowledge of sanitary design principles, Good Manufacturing Practices, food processing requirements, and equipment cleanability considerations.
• Familiarity with mechanical stress and strain analysis, engineering calculations, tolerances, material selection, and design for manufacturability.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to complete assignments with limited supervision.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, along with experience using MRP or ERP systems.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or advanced technical training in mechanical drafting, CAD design, mechanical design, or manufacturing technology.
• Experience with protein processing, meat processing, sanitary equipment, regulated food manufacturing environments, or similar food production applications.
• Advanced SolidWorks experience with complex assemblies, sheet metal design, weldments, configurations, and production-ready engineering drawings.
• Experience supporting equipment throughout the product lifecycle, including concept development, detailed design, fabrication, assembly, testing, commissioning, installation, and sustaining engineering.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with engineering, production, purchasing, quality, suppliers, and other cross-functional teams.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to design quality, continuous improvement, responsiveness, teamwork, and reliable manufacturing equipment.