Mechanical Design Engineer - Hygienics expert

Job Requirements

We are looking for an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the mechanical development of automated robot-supported units intended for Food & Beverage and Pharmaceutical applications among others.

Experience in Hygienics standards as used in food&beverage industry is required, together with experience in machinery development in this field.

The engineer will be responsible of the mechanical development of the unit, from concept and detailed design through validation and industrialization, ensuring that the solution meets the required mechanical, hygienic, safety, cleaning and regulatory requirements for designed environments.

2. Main Responsibilities

Mechanical Design & Development

- Develop the mechanical architecture and concept of the robotic unit and the environment.
- Design the complete mechanical structure, assemblies, mechanisms, guarding and interfaces.
- Perform detailed 3D CAD design and 2D manufacturing drawings.
- Define mechanical interfaces with the robot, EOAT, conveyors, sensors, electrical components and utilities.
- Select appropriate materials, components and manufacturing processes.
- Perform mechanical calculations where required, including structural integrity, loads, stresses, deflection and fatigue.
- Design for manufacturability, assembly, maintenance and serviceability.
- Support prototype manufacturing, assembly and commissioning.
- Participate in design reviews and implement corrective actions.

Hygienic Design

The engineer will be responsible for ensuring that the mechanical design follows hygienic design principles applicable to Food & Beverage and Pharmaceutical environments.

Key considerations include:

- Avoidance of contamination traps, dead zones and areas where product or cleaning agents can accumulate.
- Design for effective cleaning, sanitation and inspection.
- Appropriate surface finishes and surface roughness.
- Selection of suitable stainless steels and other hygienic materials.
- Appropriate design of welds, joints, fasteners and mechanical interfaces.
- Drainability and avoidance of liquid retention.
- Elimination of unnecessary horizontal surfaces and inaccessible areas.
- Appropriate sealing and protection against ingress.
- Hygienic routing of cables, hoses, pneumatic lines and utilities.
- Design suitable for the applicable cleaning processes, including washdown and, where applicable, CIP.
- Consideration of corrosion resistance and chemical compatibility with cleaning agents.
- Hygienic design of robot covers, brackets, frames, guards and other mechanical components.
- Consideration of accessibility for inspection, cleaning and maintenance.

Materials & Components

The engineer will define and justify the materials and components used in the robotic unit, with particular attention to:

- Stainless steels such as AISI 304/316L where applicable.
- Surface treatment and surface finish.
- Food/pharma-compatible polymers and elastomers.
- Seals, gaskets and bearings suitable for the application.
- Lubricants compatible with the required environment.
- Corrosion resistance.
- Chemical compatibility with cleaning and sanitation products.

Work Experience

Mandatory:

- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
- Minimum [4] years of experience in mechanical design and development of industrial machinery or automation equipment.
- Strong experience with 3D CAD systems such as SolidWorks or equivalent .
- Experience designing industrial machinery, robotic equipment, automated machinery or special-purpose machines.
- Good knowledge of mechanical manufacturing processes.

Highly desirable:

- Previous experience in Food & Beverage machinery .
- Previous experience in Pharmaceutical equipment .
- Experience with EHEDG, 3-A, NSF or equivalent hygienic design requirements .
- Experience with washdown environments and high-pressure cleaning.

9. Technical Skills

The candidate should demonstrate basic knowledge of:

- Mechanical design and engineering.
- 3D CAD and mechanical drawings.
- GD&T.
- Machining and sheet-metal manufacturing.
- Bearings, seals and mechanical transmissions.
- Pneumatic components and interfaces.
- Robot and automation mechanical integration.
- Hygienic design.
- Risk assessment.
- Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA).
- Design for Cleaning and Maintenance.