Mechanical Designer – 3D and Process Design

Modern Process Equipment (MPE) · Chicago, IL · Full-time, On-site

About MPE

We're a family-owned Chicago manufacturer with 65+ years in the business - and over 90% of North American coffee runs through our grinders. Our customers include Starbucks, Nestlé, Purina, and Hershey's. Every product is designed and built right here in Chicago. Small-company culture, enterprise-level impact.

The Opportunity

If you want to see your designs get welded, machined, and shipped - this is the role. You'll take custom processing equipment from blank canvas to finished build: modeling integrated systems in 3D, drafting mezzanines and structural components, and working directly with customers, sales, and project managers. You'll also have real R&D bandwidth to invent product improvements and solve problems that don't have an existing playbook.

What You'll Do

• Build 2D and 3D models of grinding, conveying, and complete plant systems from concept through manufacturing
• Prepare approval, fabrication, and installation drawing packages
• Meet directly with customers to understand requirements and surface constraints early
• Partner with sales and project managers across the full project lifecycle
• Develop product improvements and iterate with the engineering team on open-ended R&D problems

What You Bring

• 2-year degree in mechanical drafting/design or a 4-year engineering degree - or equivalent hands-on experience
• 5+ years industrial design experience: you've worked on equipment that actually gets built
• Proficiency in SolidWorks and AutoCAD; working knowledge of GD&T, fabrication, and materials
• Process plant or food/beverage equipment experience is a plus; sanitary/USDA/FDA exposure is a bonus
• Comfortable in front of a customer and on the shop floor - you communicate clearly and close loops
• Inventive, detail-oriented, and able to juggle multiple active projects

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary plus bonus and profit sharing
• Major medical, 401(k)
• Hands-on training and a clear growth path
• Occasional travel

Ready to design equipment that actually gets built?

Send your resume and sample drawings or a portfolio to apply. We're more interested in what you've designed than where you went to school.