Senior Manager, Mechanical Engineer

Summary The Senior Manager, Mechanical Engineer will serve as the technical lead for consumer-facing food and beverage equipment, focusing on hands-on engineering of fluid handling systems, automation, and IoT connectivity. As the first mechanical engineer in our growing team, you will execute detailed technical work while mentoring 2-3 engineers and collaborating with creative, product, and project management teams. Working alongside our Industrial Design team, you will translate creative concepts into engineered solutions, ensuring equipment meets food safety standards while delivering exceptional performance. You will work directly with third-party engineering and manufacturing partners on technical specifications for our automated micro-cafes, coffee and dairy dispensing systems, and precision food service equipment. This role combines hands-on technical expertise with emerging leadership responsibilities. The ideal candidate has deep technical expertise in mechanical systems with leadership capabilities, passion for engineering excellence in food and beverage, and an obsession with how things are made and how they work. We value rigorous attention to detail, radical creativity, and the relentless pursuit of design that seamlessly integrates form and function. Responsibilities Technical Engineering and Design Fluid Systems Engineering: Design detailed fluid handling systems for coffee and dairy dispensing including pump specifications, valve selection, flow controllers, pressure regulators, and sanitary piping layouts Automation Systems Development: Develop robust, commercially-rated automation systems using compact PLCs or embedded control platforms suitable for foodservice applications Food Safety Compliance: Ensure designs meet NSF/ANSI standards for food equipment sanitation, UL/ETL electrical safety requirements, and FDA food contact surface regulations Equipment Design and Analysis: Create detailed mechanical designs using CAD tools, perform engineering calculations, and conduct design validation testing Rapid Prototyping Operations: Oversee in-house rapid prototyping maker space including management of 3D printers, laser cutters, and other fabrication equipment Benchmarking Lab Management: Oversee in-house equipment benchmarking lab for competitive analysis, performance testing, and technical evaluation Product Development and Technical Execution Design for Manufacturing: Develop manufacturable designs optimized for production, cost targets, and serviceability using advanced CAD modeling Thermal and Process Systems: Design heating, cooling, and temperature control systems for optimal beverage quality and food safety compliance Materials Selection: Specify appropriate materials for food contact applications including stainless steel grades, FDA-approved plastics, and corrosion-resistant components Testing and Validation: Execute performance testing, safety validation, and regulatory compliance verification with project manager coordination Technical Documentation: Create engineering specifications, test reports, and technical documentation for manufacturing and service teams Team Leadership and Collaboration Team Development: Lead and mentor 2-3 mechanical engineers, providing technical guidance and supporting professional development Technical Standards: Establish engineering design standards, review processes, and quality checkpoints for team deliverables Cross-functional Collaboration: Work with Industrial Design, Product Management, Manufacturing, Sales, and Operations teams Manufacturing Partner Interface: Collaborate with third-party engineering firms and suppliers on technical specifications and design reviews Technical Communication: Present engineering solutions and updates to Head of Industrial Design and cross-functional teams Requirements Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field 7-10 years of professional mechanical engineering experience with focus on automated equipment development Proven track record in consumer-facing equipment design with emphasis on food and beverage applications Premium Consumer Hardware: Experience with high-quality consumer products requiring exceptional fit, finish, and intuitive functionality Experience in startup and corporate environments with demonstrated ability to work in fast-paced settings 2-4 years of experience leading or mentoring junior engineers Core Technical Expertise: CAD and Design Tools: Advanced proficiency in Onshape, SolidWorks, and/or Rhino for 3D modeling, assembly design, and technical documentation Automation and Controls: Hands-on experience with PLC programming and HMI development Fluid Dynamics: Expertise in fluid handling systems including pump sizing, flow calculations, pressure drop analysis, and sanitary system design Manufacturing Processes: Knowledge of machining, fabrication, and assembly processes with Design-for-Manufacture principles Food Safety Standards: Working knowledge of NSF/ANSI 2, UL 197, FDA 21 CFR Part 177, and HACCP principles for food equipment design Industry and Technical Knowledge: Certification Processes: Experience with NSF certification testing procedures, UL/ETL electrical safety validation, and regulatory compliance Food and Beverage Equipment: Understanding of commercial food service operations, beverage quality requirements, and equipment reliability standards Connected Systems: Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus) and basic IoT sensor integration Leadership and Communication Skills: Technical Mentoring: Demonstrated ability to guide and develop junior engineers with focus on technical skill building Design Excellence: Deep appreciation for aesthetics, passion for materials and material exploration, and healthy obsession with craftsmanship and precision engineering Collaborative Problem Solving: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams Technical Communication: Clear communication skills for presenting engineering concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders Preferred Qualifications Previous experience with coffee equipment, beverage dispensing systems, or food service automation Background in working with contract manufacturers and component suppliers Experience with regulatory testing and compliance verification processes Experience mentoring engineers in startup or fast-growth environments Track record of contributing to technical decision-making and design optimization About Us Chobani is a food maker with a mission of making high-quality and nutritious food accessible to more people, while elevating our communities and making the world a healthier place. In short: making good food for all. In support of this mission, Chobani is a purpose-driven, people-first, food-and-wellness-focused company, and has been since its founding in 2005 by Hamdi Ulukaya, an immigrant to the U.S. The Company manufactures yogurt, oat milk, and creamers – Chobani yogurt is America's No.1 yogurt brand, made with natural ingredients without artificial preservatives. Following the 2023 acquisition of La Colombe, a leading coffee roaster with a shared commitment to quality, craftmanship and impact, the Company began selling cold-pressed espresso and lattes on tap at 32 cafes, as well as Ready to Drink (RTD) coffee beverages at retail. Chobani uses food as a force for good in the world – putting humanity first in everything it does. The company’s philanthropic efforts prioritize giving back to its communities and beyond: working to eradicate child hunger, supporting immigrants, refugees and underrepresented people, honoring veterans, and protecting the planet. Chobani manufactures its products in New York, Idaho, Michigan and Australia, and its products are available throughout North America and distributed in Australia and other select markets.