Senior Mechanical Engineer

Senior Mechanical Process Engineer / Leadership Track (Succession Role)

Overview

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Mechanical Process Engineer with the potential to step into a critical succession role supporting the transition of a long-tenured executive and technical authority. This individual will work closely with leadership to assume ownership of key client relationships, lead complex industrial projects, provide oversight to cross-disciplinary teams, and drive new business growth.

This individual will serve as both a technical authority and a strategic business driver, with responsibility spanning complex process engineering design, client coordination, and operational leadership. For the right candidate, this role is designated as a succession-track position with a clear path to executive leadership.

All inquiries and applications will kept confidential.

Key Traits for Success

• Deep technical expertise with a practical, plant-focused mindset
• Strong understanding of real-world operations and constructability
• Ability to step into and grow client relationships with confidence
• Commercial awareness and ability to connect engineering decisions to business outcomes
• Leadership presence with the ability to influence teams and clients alike
• Desire to play a long-term role in shaping and leading an organization

Responsibilities

Technical & Process Engineering Leadership

• Serve as Engineer of Record (EOR) and provide PE oversight on projects
• Ensure all designs meet applicable codes, standards, and operational requirements
• Provide hands-on technical guidance and mentorship to engineering staff
• Lead the design, evaluation, and execution of complex industrial and process systems, including:
• Milling systems (corn, wheat, grain, and bulk solids processing)
• Process piping systems and fluid/thermal distribution networks
• Steam and boiler systems (low and high pressure)
• Central utility plants and chilled water systems
• Fermentation and specialized process systems
• Mechanical and process equipment integration within manufacturing facilities

Industry & Facility Expertise

• Apply engineering leadership across a range of industrial sectors, including:
• Agri-chemical processing plants
• Food ingredient and food production facilities
• Biotech and nutraceutical processing plants
• Livestock and pet food production facilities
• Commodities processing (corn, wheat, grain, oilseed, sugar)
• Milling operations and bulk material handling systems
• Plastics and composite manufacturing
• Minerals processing plants
• Packaging and industrial manufacturing facilities
• Data center power and cooling infrastructure

Client Relationship Ownership & Business Development

• Partner with current leadership to transition and maintain long-standing client relationships
• Establish credibility quickly as a trusted technical advisor
• Actively identify, pursue, and develop new client opportunities
• Lead client meetings, site visits, and technical discussions
• Develop and execute proposals including scope, fee, and schedule
• Contribute to long-term revenue growth and market expansion

Project & Financial Leadership

• Oversee projects ranging from $10K feasibility studies to multi-million-dollar capital projects
• Ensure strong project execution, financial performance, and client satisfaction
• Manage scope, schedule, and risk across multiple concurrent projects
• Mentor and guide project managers and engineering teams

Operational & Strategic Leadership

• Collaborate with executive leadership on company growth strategy and market positioning
• Support staffing, team development, and technical capability expansion
• Play a key role in succession planning and future leadership transition
• Contribute to the long-term vision and operational direction of the company

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or closely related field)
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license (Mechanical)
• Proven experience leading complex engineering projects
• Strong client-facing experience, including participation in proposals and business development
• 15+ years of experience in:
• Mechanical and process engineering design
• Industrial, manufacturing, or plant-based environments
• Demonstrated expertise in:
• Milling systems and/or bulk material handling
• Steam and boiler systems
• Process piping design and integration

Preferred

• Ability and willingness to obtain additional state PE licenses over time
• Experience in consulting engineering or design-build environments
• Existing client relationships or demonstrated success in growing business
• Experience in one or more of the following industries:
• Food & beverage / ingredient processing
• Agri-processing / commodities (grain, oilseed, sugar)
• Biotech / fermentation / nutraceuticals
• Chemical, plastics, or heavy industrial manufacturing