Remote Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

The Mechanical Design Engineer Oilseed Extrusion leads the development and improvement of extrusion systems for soybean and animal feed applications. This role focuses on innovating dedicated equipment for bulk material processing industries, including aqua feed, pet food, human food, and oilseed, and works closely with R&D, equipment design, and sales teams to deliver high-performance, code-compliant solutions.

• Research, design, and develop new soybean processing extruders and enhance existing soybean processing extruder equipment to improve performance, reliability, and efficiency.
• Partner with process engineers and product developers to deliver innovative equipment solutions and maintain an equipment innovation grid for soybean and animal feed applications.
• Ensure all mechanical designs comply with relevant national and international codes, standards, and regulations, incorporating safety and reliability into every design.
• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and computer-generated reports to guide the design, analysis, and refinement of extrusion systems and related machinery.
• Use drafting tools and 3D computer-assisted design software to create detailed models, assemblies, and drawings for manufacturing and installation.
• Perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to evaluate structural integrity, durability, and performance of components and systems under operating conditions.
• Apply mechanical design expertise in collaboration with process experts to develop comprehensive, integrated solutions for bulk material processing equipment.
• Assist in building, testing, and commissioning prototypes, working hands-on with equipment to validate design concepts and implement improvements.
• Support international sales activities, including visiting customers and attending regional marketing promotion events to provide technical expertise and gather market feedback.
• Travel internationally up to 25% of the time to support projects, customer engagements, and global collaboration with design and sales teams.

• At least 15 years of experience in designing soybean processing extruders or similar food or feed processing equipment.
• Strong technical knowledge of soybean processing and application technology, including process requirements and performance drivers.
• Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Fluency with 3D design software, particularly Autodesk Inventor, for creating detailed mechanical models and drawings.
• Solid knowledge of metallurgy and heat treatments and their impact on component performance, wear, and durability.
• Knowledge of fluid power systems, including hydraulics and pneumatics, and their integration into processing equipment.
• Knowledge of steam systems and their role in extrusion and bulk material processing applications.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with R&D, equipment design, sales teams, and customers.

• Experience performing Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to support design validation and optimization.
• Experience in the pet food equipment or food processing machinery industry.
• Experience leading mechanical design initiatives or teams.
• Stable work history demonstrating long-term commitment and progression in mechanical design roles.
• Ability to influence and help build out an engineering and R&D team in a growing organization.

This role operates within a research and development center focused on innovation and the development of equipment for bulk material processing industries such as aqua feed, pet food, human food, and oilseed. The environment involves working with technologies including grain handling equipment, grinding equipment, mixers, and agglomeration equipment such as extruders and dryers. Work can be performed on-site or remotely, with collaboration across global engineering and sales teams and international travel up to approximately 25% of the time.

The organization is part of a large, rapidly growing international business with thousands of employees worldwide and a strong emphasis on novel feed machinery technologies that improve raw material utilization, energy efficiency, and global food security. The team in the United States is small and R&D-focused, offering the opportunity to be an early hire, shape the local engineering culture, and influence future hiring and team development.