What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mechanical Designer — 3D and Process Design position at Modern Process Equipment?
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.