Mechanical Engineer

Who we are

Skjodt-Barrett is a world-class manufacturer of food solutions and custom ingredients for North America's most beloved and trusted brands. We take pride in working closely with our customers to understand their unique needs and create innovative, individualized solutions that deliver joy to their customers.

A family-founded company started over 40 years ago, we are backed by the investment company Axel Johnson Inc (AJI). With their investment and support, we are well-positioned to foster growth and explore new opportunities.

Our customers, blue-chip international brands and mid-sized producers alike, are why we exist. Our teams of innovators, communicators, and managers are the people who meet their needs, build trust, and exceed their expectations.

Reporting to the Director of Engineering, we are looking for a Mechanical Engineer to join our team in Lebanon, Indiana as a project leader. You will focus on mechanical systems, production equipment, automation, and line optimization, ensuring equipment supporting filling and sealing processes operates safely, efficiently, and reliably.

You will lead equipment upgrades, mechanical design improvements, and automation integration projects across our food manufacturing operations. Working closely with R&D, Quality Assurance, Operations, and Maintenance, you will drive mechanical and automation initiatives from concept to commercialization.

You will play a key role in optimizing filling and sealing operations, form, fill & seal (FFS) systems, robotics, mechanical assemblies, and vision‑based technologies, while supporting continuous improvement efforts that increase uptime, boost throughput, and reduce mechanical failures.

This is an onsite position based out of our plant in Lebanon, Indiana.

You are a mechanical engineer with experience in food manufacturing or a highly automated production environment. You have experience with form, fill & seal (FFS) equipment and an understanding of how mechanical systems, automation components, and production equipment work together to deliver consistent, compliant output.

You are comfortable designing mechanical solutions, setting up and optimizing production lines, troubleshooting equipment, and managing timelines using Excel and Gantt charts.

Growth and innovation. You will contribute to modernizing packaging systems and scaling efficiency across operations, joining an organization committed to investing in new technologies, automation, and people.

Impact and ownership. This is a new role that offers the autonomy to drive meaningful change. You will lead packaging initiatives from concept to implementation, shaping how systems, workflows, and processes evolve.

Continuous improvement and development. At Skjodt-Barrett, we believe in learning, adapting, and growing together. You will collaborate with experienced professionals across Engineering, R&D, Operations, and Quality.

• Design and develop. You will design, develop, and implement innovative packaging solutions that meet product protection, shelf‑life, and performance requirements.
• Lead and scale. You will manage packaging projects from concept through commercialization, leading equipment trials, material validations, and packaging performance testing.
• Validate and optimize. You will oversee packaging trials, performance testing, and process validation to confirm seal integrity, shelf life, and overall packaging quality.
• Support production. You will provide hands‑on technical support during equipment commissioning, changeovers, and troubleshooting activities.
• Collaborate and communicate. You will work cross‑functionally with teams across Engineering, Operations, Quality Assurance, Procurement, and R&D, as well as with external vendors and equipment suppliers.

• The experience. You have a background in Packaging or Mechanical Engineering, with experience in a food manufacturing or processing environment.
• The technical knowledge. You have a solid understanding of packaging materials, including films, laminates, and plastics.
• The drive. You are curious, hands‑on, and…