About the Role
Work with a collaborative team that designs and builds cutting-edge food manufacturing facilities. You’ll have direct impact on projects from concept through commissioning--seeing your designs come to life in fully operational production environments.
Located in the Fort Wayne, IN corporate office, the Process Mechanical Project Manager plays a key role in the design-build delivery of food manufacturing projects. You’ll bridge the gap between process design and construction execution—coordinating how mechanical and process systems come together to support safe, efficient, and high-performing food production environments. This position combines hands-on design with client interaction and field coordination, offering a dynamic mix of office and site work. Expected travel is 3-6 days per month on average.
What You’ll Do
• Collaborate with food industry clients to define process requirements and equipment needs.
• Design and coordinate process utilities and mechanical systems (steam, compressed air, CIP, water, etc.).
• Create and support detailed equipment layouts and mechanical drawings and exhibits using AutoCAD and Bluebeam
• Prepare bid packages, evaluate vendor proposals, and manage equipment procurement.
• Support field installation, commissioning, and startup to ensure systems perform as designed.
• Design and integrate process and mechanical systems, ensuring proper interface between utilities, equipment, and building infrastructure.
• Coordinate with architectural, structural, and MEP teams through the 30-60-90% design review process.
• Lead technical discussions with equipment suppliers, subcontractors, and engineering teams.
• Review drawings and submittals to confirm design intent and technical accuracy.
• Assist with cost estimates, schedules, and documentation for design-build proposals.
What You’ll Bring
• BS in Mechanical, Chemical, or Food Process Engineering (or related degree).
• 5+ years of experience in process or mechanical system design (food or beverage preferred).
• Proficiency in AutoCAD 2D and Microsoft Office; familiarity with AutoCAD 3D, SolidWorks, Recap, or Navisworks a plus.
• Knowledge of process utilities such as steam, compressed air, CIP, process cooling, and water systems.
• Understanding of equipment layout, system integration, sanitary design, and P&ID development.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced design-build environment.
Benefits
• Industry-leading salary
• Quarterly bonus program
• Company laptop and iPhone
• Seven paid holidays
• Paid vacation time
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Short- and long-term disability as well as life insurance
• 401k plan with company match
Skills Required
- BS in Mechanical, Chemical, or Food Process Engineering (or related degree)
- 5+ years of experience in process or mechanical system design
- Food or beverage industry experience
- Proficiency in AutoCAD 2D and Microsoft Office
- Familiarity with AutoCAD 3D, SolidWorks, Recap, or Navisworks
- Knowledge of process utilities: steam, compressed air, CIP, process cooling, and water systems
- Understanding of equipment layout, system integration, sanitary design, and P&ID development
- Experience preparing bid packages, evaluating vendor proposals, and managing equipment procurement
- Ability to support field installation, commissioning, and startup; travel approximately 3-6 days per month
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced design-build environment
What We Do
Tippmann Group offers more than 50 years of experience in the refrigeration industry, specializing in cold storage construction and management of refrigerated / frozen distribution centers. Interstate Warehousing, a Tippmann Group company, owns and operates 8 public refrigerated warehouse facilities located throughout the U.S. in Franklin, IN, Anderson, IN, Cincinnati, Chicago, Nashville, Denver, and Newport News, VA, and Kingman, AZ. Tippmann Construction, also a Tippmann Group Company, provides a fast-track design / build option for construction of a new distribution center, or expansions and renovations to existing distribution facilities. Tippmann Group and Interstate Warehousing developed the QFR Zone® (Quick Freeze Racking Zone), a more efficient alternative to traditional blast freezing, which can save warehouses up to 50% on their blast freezing related expenses. We strive toward building customer relationships and exceeding customer expectations with Tradition, Flexibility, Quality and Performance. •Family-owned and operated for more than 50 years •One of the largest Public Refrigerated Warehouse (PRW) companies in North America •Strategically located state-of-the-art distribution facilities •Superior customer service •Refrigerated and frozen pool consolidation programs at multiple locations •Multiple facilities with AIB/ASI/USDA inspection certifications •Internet access to real-time inventory and shipping activity through Interstate's eView system
