Senior Mechanical Engineer, Food & Beverage Processing
Real job — pulled straight from TKDA’s careers page · Verified October 23, 2026 · No reposts.
Job description
TKDA is hiring a Senior Mechanical Engineer, Food & Beverage Processing — a full-time, based in Downers Grove, IL role. Apply directly on TKDA's careers page below.
Senior Professional Engineer, Mechanical - Food & Beverage Processing
Team: Mechanical
Location: Downers Grove, Illinois
Commitment: Full Time (40)
Workplace Type: hybrid
Salary:
TKDA is a 100% employee-owned engineering, architecture, and design firm seeking a Senior Professional Mechanical Engineer / Project Manager to join our Facilities Engineering division.
In this senior-level role, you will lead the planning, design, and delivery of complex mechanical systems for industrial, food and beverage, manufacturing, agricultural processing, educational, commercial, and public-sector facilities. You will serve as both a technical leader and project manager, guiding projects from initial planning and conceptual design through construction completion.
Primary responsibilities include mechanical system design, project management, client relationship management, multidisciplinary coordination, and mentoring junior staff. Projects may include HVAC systems, industrial ventilation, plumbing and piping systems, central utility plants, process utilities, steam and compressed air systems, and facility infrastructure improvements.
As part of TKDA's Seller-Doer culture, you will also support business development efforts by strengthening existing client relationships, identifying new opportunities, supporting proposals, and helping expand TKDA's presence within the industrial and food and beverage markets.
Hybrid Work Environment: Tuesday – Thursday In-Office | Monday & Friday WFH
Required Qualifications
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Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited college or university.
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10-20 years of progressive professional experience in mechanical engineering and facility systems design.
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Significant experience designing HVAC, plumbing, piping, industrial ventilation, and process-related systems for industrial, manufacturing, food and beverage, agricultural processing, commercial, and institutional facilities.
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Demonstrated project management experience, including responsibility for project scope, schedule, budget, client communication, and multidisciplinary team coordination.
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Professional Engineer (PE) license, or ability to obtain reciprocal licensure in project states.
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Experience leading projects through planning, design, bidding, construction, and commissioning phases.
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Strong understanding of mechanical building systems, process utility systems, and facility infrastructure improvements.
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Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop engineers and designers.
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Experience conducting and leading QA/QC reviews.Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact directly with clients and project stakeholders.
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Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
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Valid driver's license and ability to travel up to 10% for client meetings, site visits, and construction support.
Advantageous Qualifications
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Experience serving food and beverage manufacturers, industrial manufacturing clients, or agricultural processing facilities.
- Experience designing:
- Central utility plants
- Boiler and chiller systems
- Steam and condensate systems
- Compressed air systems
- Process utility infrastructure
- Refrigeration systems
- Sanitary process piping systems
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Working knowledge of AutoCAD, Revit MEP, and/or Plant 3D.
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Experience with energy modeling software such as TRACE 3D Plus or similar platforms.
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Experience preparing PFDs, P&IDs, equipment layouts, process utility plans, and mechanical system diagrams.
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Professional registration in additional states, particularly Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, or South Dakota.
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Experience supporting business development, proposal preparation, and client account growth.
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LEED accreditation or other sustainability-focused credentials
- Health Benefits: Enjoy medical, dental, vision, and life insurance from day one
- Annual Incentive Plan: Eligible for discretionary bonuses
- HSA Contributions: Receive monthly employer contributions if you choose an HSA-eligible plan
- 401(k) Match: Get employer matching on your 401(k) deferrals
- ESOP: Benefit from our Employee Stock Ownership Plan, funded entirely by company profits
- Paid Time Off: Accrue PTO based on your professional experience and enjoy eight paid holidays per year
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Frequently asked questions
What skills are required for Senior Mechanical Engineer, Food & Beverage Processing at TKDA?
The required skills for Senior Mechanical Engineer, Food & Beverage Processing at TKDA include: Mechanical Engineering, HVAC, Plumbing, Project Management, AutoCAD.
What is the seniority level for Senior Mechanical Engineer, Food & Beverage Processing at TKDA?
Senior Mechanical Engineer, Food & Beverage Processing at TKDA is a Senior level position.
How do I apply for Senior Mechanical Engineer, Food & Beverage Processing at TKDA?
You can view the full description and apply for Senior Mechanical Engineer, Food & Beverage Processing at TKDA on EchoJobs: https://echojobs.io/job/tkda-senior-professional-engineer-mechanical-food-beverage-processing-adksb.