Project Engineering Spvr (R&D/Engineering Supervisor)

The R&D Engineering Supervisor is responsible for leading day-to-day product design engineering and research & development activities focused on the design, development, improvement, and lifecycle management of Foodmate machines. This role supervises professional and technical staff, sets operational priorities, and ensures that engineering solutions meet market needs, regulatory requirements, quality standards, cost and manufacturability targets. The position blends hands-on technical leadership with people management, project oversight, and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day product design engineering and R&D activities for new and existing Foodmate US machines, ensuring solutions meet customer requirements, regulatory standards, and cost and manufacturability targets.
• Apply engineering principles, analysis, and modeling to evaluate feasibility, performance, and reliability of designs, support prototyping, testing, and product modifications.
• Plan, prioritize, and oversee R&D and engineering projects, managing scope, timelines, resources, and deliverables while supporting innovation and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to the design and optimization of product-specific manufacturing processes, tooling, and equipment.
• Supervise professional and technical staff by setting operational objectives, assigning work, monitoring performance, and coaching team members.
• Establish and track KPIs to ensure quality, productivity, and timely execution of engineering projects.
• Ensure engineering policies, procedures, documentation, and food safety and regulatory requirements are understood and followed.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, service, sales, and operations to support product standardization, lifecycle management, and customer solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor/Master’s degree in engineering, Food Science, Agri-Technical / Technological or related field
• Minimum 5 years’ experience of working in engineered product development for a comparable industry
• Experience in managing and supervising a team
• Experience in translating technology into machine concepts
• Preferably experienced in the food processing industry
• Preferably experienced with food safety and government regulatory requirements
• Knowledge of project management and stage-gate R&D processes
• Knowledge of SolidWorks software
• Knowledge of electrical design preferred
• Knowledge of PLC programming preferred

Working conditions

This position is performed at the Foodmate US headquarters in Ball Ground, GA. This position may require frequent travel, including overnight stays, as needed.
The working conditions in a poultry processing facility can be in a cold/hot and damp environment. The position will require the use of personal protection devices (ear plugs, hard hat, and eye protection) per customer locations

Physical requirements

This position will require travel by car and/or airplane as well as performing work from a desk behind a computer screen. When working onsite, some lifting, product modifications, hand/tool work and climbing stairs, and similar activities may be required.

Direct reports

R&D Application Technicians
Mechanical Engineers

Foodmate maintains a drug-free workplace is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer that evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and other characteristics protected by law. The "EEO is the Law" poster is available at: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf. Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process should contact Foodmate Human Resources Department to request accommodation. In addition to federal law requirements, Foodmate complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the Company has facilities. Must satisfactorily pass background check, post-offer drug screen, and physical prior to employment. Foodmate participates in E-Verify.