Mechanical Engineer

Company Description

Oterra is the global leader in naturally sourced colors for food, beverages, dietary supplements, and pet food. With over 140 years of expertise, we believe nature got it right the first time. Join our fast-growing, international team and help us make natural, healthy food accessible worldwide.

Job Description

The Mechanical Engineer supports the design, installation, reliability and continuous improvement of Oterra's manufacturing equipment and facilities. This role partners with Production, Maintenance, Quality, EHS and Supply Chain to keep equipment safe, compliant and efficient, and to deliver capital and process improvement projects on time and on budget.

• Design, specify and implement mechanical systems and equipment modifications for food-grade manufacturing, including tanks, piping, pumps, dryers, mixers and filtration systems.
• Lead or support capital projects from concept and scope definition through vendor selection, installation, commissioning and handover.
• Develop and review mechanical drawings, P&IDs, equipment specifications, and bills of materials; maintain engineering documentation.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and process equipment issues; perform root cause analysis and implement permanent corrective actions.
• Partner with Maintenance to improve equipment reliability, including preventive and predictive maintenance programs, spare parts strategy and failure analysis.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve throughput, yield, energy efficiency and OEE, and to reduce downtime and operating costs.
• Ensure equipment and installations meet food safety, hygienic design and regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, FSSC 22000/GFSI) and applicable codes and standards.
• Support EHS initiatives, including machine guarding, lockout/tagout, pressure systems, risk assessments and management of change.
• Prepare and execute equipment qualification and validation activities (IQ/OQ) as needed.
• Manage contractors and equipment vendors, including scopes of work, schedules, budgets and quality of work.
• Support new product launches and process changes by evaluating equipment capability and capacity.
• Contribute to site engineering standards and share best practices with other Oterra locations.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical, Industrial or Chemical Engineering, or a related field

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 7+ years of engineering experience in food, beverage, ingredients or a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of process equipment, piping systems, rotating equipment and hygienic design principles.
• Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and Microsoft Office.
• Experience with project management, including budgeting, scheduling and vendor coordination.
• Strong problem-solving and data analysis skills, with experience in root cause analysis methods.
• Clear written and verbal communication, with the ability to work across functions and with outside contractors.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Experience with CMMS and ERP systems (e.g., SAP).
• Lean, Six Sigma or reliability engineering training or certification.
• Experience with utilities such as steam, compressed air, refrigeration and wastewater systems.
• Familiarity with automation and controls, and working with electrical and controls engineers.
• Experience with spray drying, extraction, or liquid and powder handling.

Additional Information

What We Offer

At Oterra, we take care of our people – because when you’re supported, you can do your best work. Our benefits are designed to support your health, your future and your life outside of work:

• Health & Well-being: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus life and disability insurance.
• Financial Security: A retirement savings program with 401(k), company match, and bonus program.
• Time for You: Paid holidays, vacation time, and personal/sick days each year.
• Engagement in the Workplace: Monthly employee engagement events and team celebrations
• Growth & Empowerment: A collaborative culture that encourages career growth and professional development opportunities

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Oterra is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, ancestry, national origin, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status (unless required by the applicable law or government contract), disability or protected veteran status or any other status or characteristic protected by law. Oterra is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are committed to building a team that represents diverse and inclusive backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Oterra will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.