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:

• The experience. You have a background in Packaging or Mechanical Engineering, with experience in a food manufacturing or processing environment. You are comfortable working on the production floor, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and leading packaging projects from concept through commercialization. You have worked with form, fill & seal (FFS) systems, vertical, horizontal, or both, and understand the complexities of high-speed automated production. You know how to balance design requirements, material functionality, and operational efficiency to deliver solutions that perform.
• The technical knowledge. You have a solid understanding of packaging materials, including films, laminates, and plastics, and how they interact with different food products. You are familiar with packaging line automation, process validation, and performance testing, and ideally bring knowledge of programming or controls integration to support troubleshooting and optimization. You are proficient in Microsoft Excel and use tools such as Gantt charts to plan, track, and manage project milestones. You follow all relevant HACCP, GMP, and food safety standards and are committed to ensuring compliance at every stage of production.
• The drive. You are curious, hands-on, and solutions-oriented, driven by the challenge of improving systems and processes. You take initiative, think critically, and find practical ways to make packaging more efficient, sustainable, and reliable. You can manage multiple projects simultaneously, adapt to changing priorities, and maintain a strong focus on quality, accuracy, and results.
• The interpersonal skills. You have professional communication and collaboration skills and can translate technical details into clear, actionable information. You build trust and rapport with people at all levels,  from operators and engineers to leadership and suppliers. You value teamwork and shared accountability and thrive in an environment where continuous improvement and innovation are part of the culture.

Why join?

We've got great taste. We care deeply about fostering a culture of transparency, responsibility, and integrity. It's what drives us to make great-tasting, convenient, and healthy ingredients and finished products that our customers depend on. With a focus on nurturing and growing our employees' careers and professional satisfaction, we believe in open communication, idea sharing, and knowledge building. Skjodt-Barrett is committed to building an inclusive culture that helps to create longevity, growth, and innovation in the food industry.

We are working towards a sustainable future. We believe that what's good for people and the planet is good for profit. It is everyone's responsibility to do their part. We recognize the growing need to prioritize sustainability in manufacturing, and we continue to take steps to evolve. We strive to accelerate the adoption of sustainable packaging and food products to be a responsible partner for our customers and for the greater good. We take our role as a supply chain partner to heart and adhere to a strict Supplier Code of Conduct to ensure that our vendors uphold the integrity and values we live by.

We believe actions speak louder than words. Every day, we come together to exceed the expectations of our customers, each other and ourselves, inspired by our values:

• We care. About family, honesty, and respect.
• We communicate. Across every level, often, effectively, and clearly.
• We Empower. With trust, integrity, and accountability.
• We Deliver. Every time, through teamwork, innovation, and results.

Apply now.

At Skjodt-Barrett, we aim for diversity, equality, accessibility and inclusion in all of our operations and interactions. We welcome and appreciate candidates with a range of backgrounds and experiences. 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:

1. A virtual interview with a Talent Advisor discussing your interest in the role and the company. The conversation will be recorded using BrightHire, an AI-powered video interview tool. More details will be shared when you are invited to interview.
2. A virtual interview with the Director of Engineering. This will be an opportunity to share more about your experience and interest in the company and role.
3. A virtual interview with the Plant Manager. You will learn more about the plant operations and have a chance to discuss how your experience aligns with the company’s manufacturing environment.
4. A plant tour and in-person interview with the COO. It will be an opportunity to ask any final questions about the company and culture.

Skjodt-Barrett welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Please let us know what accommodations you require across the selection process.

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