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
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Food Process Engineering, or a related field
- 5+ years of experience in process or mechanical system design
- Proficiency with AutoCAD 2D
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office
- Knowledge of process utilities, including steam, compressed air, CIP, process cooling, and water systems
- Understanding of equipment layout, system integration, sanitary design, and P&ID development
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced design-build environment
- Food or beverage industry experience
- Familiarity with AutoCAD 3D, SolidWorks, Recap, or Navisworks
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
