Mechanical Engineer

Who we are Skjodt-Barrett is a world-class manufacturer of food solutions and custom ingredients for North America's most beloved and trusted brands.

We take pride in working closely with our customers to understand their unique needs and create innovative, individualized solutions that deliver joy to their customers.

A family-founded company started over 40 years ago, we are backed by the investment company Axel Johnson Inc (AJI).

With their investment and support, we are well-positioned to foster growth and explore new opportunities.

Our customers, blue-chip international brands and mid-sized producers alike, are why we exist.

Our teams of innovators, communicators, and managers are the people who meet their needs, build trust, and exceed their expectations.  Who we need Reporting to the Director of Engineering, we are looking for a Mechanical Engineer to join our team in Lebanon, Indiana as a project leader.

You will focus on mechanical systems, production equipment, automation, and line optimization, ensuring equipment supporting filling and sealing processes operates safely, efficiently, and reliably.

You will lead equipment upgrades, mechanical design improvements, and automation integration projects across our food manufacturing operations.

Working closely with R&D, Quality Assurance, Operations, and Maintenance, you will drive mechanical and automation initiatives from concept to commercialization.

You will play a key role in optimizing filling and sealing operations, form, fill & seal (FFS) systems, robotics, mechanical assemblies, and vision-based technologies, while supporting continuous improvement efforts that increase uptime, boost throughput, and reduce mechanical failures.

This is an onsite position based out of our plant in Lebanon, Indiana.  Who you are You are a mechanical engineer with experience in food manufacturing or a highly automated production environment.

You have experience with form, fill & seal (FFS) equipment and an understanding of how mechanical systems, automation components, and production equipment work together to deliver consistent, compliant output.

You are comfortable designing mechanical solutions, setting up and optimizing production lines, troubleshooting equipment, and managing timelines using Excel and Gantt charts.   What's in it for you Growth and innovation.

You will contribute to modernizing packaging systems and scaling efficiency across operations, joining an organization committed to investing in new technologies, automation, and people.

As Skjodt-Barrett continues to grow, you will play a hands-on role in implementing packaging advancements that enhance quality, safety, and sustainability.

Your expertise will help bridge engineering design and production reality, introducing new equipment, refining processes, and applying innovative solutions that keep pace with the company’s expansion and evolving customer needs.

Impact and ownership.

This is a new role that offers the autonomy to drive meaningful change.

You will lead packaging initiatives from concept to implementation, shaping how systems, workflows, and processes evolve.

Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will see your work translate directly to operational improvements, reducing waste, increasing throughput, and elevating product consistency across production lines.

Continuous improvement and development.

At Skjodt-Barrett, we believe in learning, adapting, and growing together.

You will collaborate with experienced professionals across Engineering, R&D, Operations, and Quality, gaining exposure to a broad range of packaging technologies and automation systems.

As the company advances its modernization and sustainability goals, you will have opportunities to expand your technical expertise and pursue new career pathways.

How you will make an impact :

• Design and develop.
• You will design, develop, and implement innovative packaging solutions that meet product protection, shelf-life, and performance requirements.
• Your work will include configuring and testing form, fill & seal (FFS) systems - both vertical and horizontal - selecting suitable packaging materials, and ensuring all solutions align with safety, quality, and cost parameters.
• You will contribute ideas that enhance automation, sustainability, and production efficiency.
• Lead and scale.
• You will manage packaging projects from concept through commercialization, leading equipment trials, material validations, and packaging performance testing.
• Working closely with cross-functional teams in R&D, Quality, Operations, and Maintenance, you will ensure new designs and processes are successfully implemented on the production floor and optimized for scale-up.
• Validate and optimize.
• You will oversee packaging trials, performance testing, and process validation to confirm seal integrity, shelf life, and overall packaging quality.
• You will plan, track, and manage project timelines and milestones in Excel and Gantt charts, ensuring all deliverables are met on schedule.
• You will identify opportunities for continuous improvement and implement solutions that drive efficiency and cost savings.
• Support production.
• You will provide hands-on technical support during equipment commissioning, changeovers, and troubleshooting activities.
• Leveraging your understanding of packaging machinery, and ideally, your knowledge of programming or controls, you will work to resolve issues, fine-tune processes, and ensure consistent, reliable packaging performance across lines.
• Collaborate and communicate.
• You will work cross-functionally with teams across Engineering, Operations, Quality Assurance, Procurement, and R&D, as well as with external vendors and equipment suppliers.
• Through clear communication and proactive engagement, you will ensure packaging initiatives align with operational priorities, regulatory standards, and the company’s broader goals for growth and innovation.

What you bring to the role :

Every day, we come together to exceed the expectations of our customers, each other and ourselves, inspired by our values :

Apply now.

If you have 70% of the qualifications we are looking for and want to play an integral role in delivering innovative food product solutions, apply to express your interest.  What you can expect from our interview process :