Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Location:

Chicago, US, 60654

At Barry Callebaut, we are on a journey to transform the cocoa and chocolate industry. As the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, our actions truly shape the future of our industry. We are a business-to-business company, serving the entire food sector, from the cocoa bean to the finest chocolate product. We are a company with a purpose, we believe in doing well by doing good and reinvesting in the communities we operate. We have a long-standing commitment to sustainability and our goal is to shape a sustainable cocoa and chocolate future. We are headquartered in Zurich, and have more than 12,000 passionate Employees working in more than 40 countries worldwide. We are very proud of who we are and what we do. And of course, we are always looking for talented people to help us have a positive impact on our industry and beyond!

About the Role

As part of Barry Callebaut’s Americas footprint strategy and supply network optimization, the Mechanical Engineer (US) will serve as the mechanical design lead for chocolate manufacturing expansion and upgrade projects across the United States. Working closely with engineering, technical, operations, and cross-functional teams, this role will support projects from concept through commissioning, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant manufacturing solutions while delivering key engineering milestones and stakeholder updates.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Lead mechanical design activities for capital projects, including engineering scope development, equipment specifications, piping design, and plant layouts.

• Drive process equipment optimization across refining, conching, tempering, molding, enrobing, cooling, depositing, and packaging operations to improve performance and reduce waste.

• Develop and optimize factory layouts, material flows, piping systems, equipment access, and maintenance-focused designs for new and existing installations.

• Design or modify production equipment to enhance hygiene, safety, reliability, and operational performance.

• Collaborate with automation and controls engineers to improve PLC-driven processes and reduce manual intervention.

• Ensure compliance with FDA, HACCP, GMP, safety, quality, and environmental requirements throughout project execution.

• Lead installation, commissioning, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and validation activities for new equipment and production lines.

• Coordinate permit-related activities and interface with external authorities as required.

• Partner with Production, FSQR, SHE, Sourcing, R&D, and Center of Excellence teams to support innovation and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Track, report, and communicate engineering deliverables, project progress, risks, and milestones to key stakeholders, including senior leadership.

About You

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering is required.

• 5+ years of engineering experience within the food manufacturing, food processing, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.

• Demonstrated experience leading major capital project development, execution, commissioning, and start-up activities.

• Strong understanding of P&IDs, process flow diagrams, and industrial process design.

• Experience working with a broad range of mechanical assets and manufacturing equipment platforms.

• Knowledge of project budgeting, cost control, and financial management principles.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, SAP, and engineering software tools.

• Familiarity with TPM, Initiative Management (IM), Stage-Gate Project Management, or similar continuous improvement methodologies.

• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Advanced English language proficiency and the ability to perform effectively in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

What you can expect from Barry Callebaut

• Salary Range of $75,000-$100,000, depending on factors such as experience and location, plus annual bonus and our comprehensive benefits package

• MyFlex PTO (unlimited!) and Paid Holidays

• Environment that welcomes workplace flexibility and hybrid environment

• An atmosphere where diversity is embraced, and inclusivity is second nature. We call it #OneBC!

• Just ask our champions with the Americas Women’s Forum and the Racial Equality Forum!

• Ability to grow personally and professionally within an organization that values development and internal career growth

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Be part of our mission in making sustainability the norm through Forever Chocolate with priorities centered around prospering farmers, zero child labor, carbon and forest positive, and creating 100% sustainable ingredients in all our products.

At Barry Callebaut, we are committed to Diversity & Inclusion. United by our strong values, we thrive on the diversity of who we are, where we come from, what we’ve experienced and how we think. We are committed to nurturing an inclusive environment where people can truly be themselves, grow to their full potential and feel they belong. #oneBC - Diverse People, Sustainable Growth.

If you want to learn more about Barry Callebaut, please find further information here.

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