Remote Technical Director

The Technical Director Pet Food & Aqua Feed Extruder Design leads the creation of original mechanical equipment designs for bulk material processing industries, with a focus on extruders and auxiliary equipment used in pet food, aqua feed, human food, and oilseed processing. This role drives innovation from concept through delivery, partnering closely with process and application engineers and product developers to develop advanced, efficient, and reliable machinery.

The position offers significant influence over future team building and R&D direction within a growing, globally oriented organization.

• Design extruders and related auxiliary equipment from initial concept through detailed engineering and delivery.
• Deliver new equipment innovations in partnership with process engineers, application engineers, and product developers.
• Ensure all mechanical designs comply with relevant national and international codes, standards, and regulations.
• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and computer-generated reports to guide design decisions.
• Use drafting tools and 3D computer-assisted design software to create precise and manufacturable mechanical designs.
• Perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to validate and optimize mechanical components and assemblies.
• Collaborate with process experts to develop comprehensive mechanical solutions that meet performance, efficiency, and reliability targets.
• Lead research and development initiatives for new products and technologies in pet food, aqua feed, and related processing equipment.
• Improve and optimize existing equipment designs to enhance performance, energy efficiency, and material utilization.
• Assist in building, testing, and commissioning prototypes, ensuring successful transition from design to operational equipment.
• Contribute to innovation efforts within the R&D center focused on grain handling, grinding, mixing, extruding, and drying equipment.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance that supports the future hiring and development of an engineering team.
• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders and global colleagues to align design objectives and project outcomes.
• Travel internationally up to approximately 15% of the time to collaborate with global teams, support projects, and visit facilities as needed.

• At least 15 years of experience in designing extruders or similar industrial equipment.
• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Strong proficiency with 3D design software, such as Autodesk Inventor.
• Deep knowledge of metallurgy and heat treatments as applied to mechanical components.
• Knowledge of fluid power systems, including hydraulics and pneumatics.
• Knowledge of steam systems and their integration into processing equipment.
• Effective communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and global stakeholders.

• Experience performing Finite Element Analysis (FEA) on mechanical designs.
• Stable and consistent work history in mechanical design or related engineering roles.
• Experience in the pet food equipment or food processing machinery industry.
• Experience in or exposure to bulk material processing industries such as aqua feed, pet foods, human food, and oilseed processing.
• Experience in designing grain handling equipment, grinding equipment, mixers, extruders, and dryers.
• Interest in contributing to novel feed machinery technologies that improve raw material utilization and energy efficiency.

The role operates within a dedicated research and development center focused on innovation in bulk material processing equipment, including grain handling systems, grinding machines, mixers, extruders, and dryers for pet food, aqua feed, human food, and oilseed applications. Work can be performed on site or remotely, offering flexibility in location while maintaining close collaboration with a small, highly focused U.S.

-based team. The environment emphasizes advanced engineering tools, 3D CAD software, and analytical methods such as FEA to drive new product development and continuous improvement. As one of the first R&D-focused hires in the U.S., the Technical Director will work in a setting that values initiative, technical leadership, and the opportunity to help shape and build out an engineering team within a globally connected organization.

This is a Permanent position based out of…