Senior Manager, Mechanical Engineer

Summary

The Senior Manager, Mechanical Engineer will serve as the technical lead for consumer-facing food and beverage equipment, focusing on hands-on engineering of fluid handling systems, automation, and IoT connectivity. As the first mechanical engineer in our growing team, you will execute detailed technical work while mentoring 2-3 engineers and collaborating with creative, product, and project management teams.
Working alongside our Industrial Design team, you will translate creative concepts into engineered solutions, ensuring equipment meets food safety standards while delivering exceptional performance. You will work directly with third-party engineering and manufacturing partners on technical specifications for our automated micro-cafes, coffee and dairy dispensing systems, and precision food service equipment.
This role combines hands-on technical expertise with emerging leadership responsibilities. The ideal candidate has deep technical expertise in mechanical systems with leadership capabilities, passion for engineering excellence in food and beverage, and an obsession with how things are made and how they work. We value rigorous attention to detail, radical creativity, and the relentless pursuit of design that seamlessly integrates form and function.
 

Responsibilities

Technical Engineering and Design

• Fluid Systems Engineering: Design detailed fluid handling systems for coffee and dairy dispensing including pump specifications, valve selection, flow controllers, pressure regulators, and sanitary piping layouts
• Automation Systems Development: Develop robust, commercially-rated automation systems using compact PLCs or embedded control platforms suitable for foodservice applications
• Food Safety Compliance: Ensure designs meet NSF/ANSI standards for food equipment sanitation, UL/ETL electrical safety requirements, and FDA food contact surface regulations
• Equipment Design and Analysis: Create detailed mechanical designs using CAD tools, perform engineering calculations, and conduct design validation testing
• Rapid Prototyping Operations: Oversee in-house rapid prototyping maker space including management of 3D printers, laser cutters, and other fabrication equipment
• Benchmarking Lab Management: Oversee in-house equipment benchmarking lab for competitive analysis, performance testing, and technical evaluation

Product Development and Technical Execution

• Design for Manufacturing: Develop manufacturable designs optimized for production, cost targets, and serviceability using advanced CAD modeling
• Thermal and Process Systems: Design heating, cooling, and temperature control systems for optimal beverage quality and food safety compliance
• Materials Selection: Specify appropriate materials for food contact applications including stainless steel grades, FDA-approved plastics, and corrosion-resistant components
• Testing and Validation: Execute performance testing, safety validation, and regulatory compliance verification with project manager coordination
• Technical Documentation: Create engineering specifications, test reports, and technical documentation for manufacturing and service teams

Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Team Development: Lead and mentor 2-3 mechanical engineers, providing technical guidance and supporting professional development
• Technical Standards: Establish engineering design standards, review processes, and quality checkpoints for team deliverables
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work with Industrial Design, Product Management, Manufacturing, Sales, and Operations teams
• Manufacturing Partner Interface: Collaborate with third-party engineering firms and suppliers on technical specifications and design reviews
• Technical Communication: Present engineering solutions and updates to Head of Industrial Design and cross-functional teams
   

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field
• 7-10 years of professional mechanical engineering experience with focus on automated equipment development
• Proven track record in consumer-facing equipment design with emphasis on food and beverage applications
• Premium Consumer Hardware: Experience with high-quality consumer products requiring exceptional fit, finish, and intuitive functionality
• Experience in startup and corporate environments with demonstrated ability to work in fast-paced settings
• 2-4 years of experience leading or mentoring junior engineers

Core Technical Expertise:

• CAD and Design Tools: Advanced proficiency in Onshape, SolidWorks, and/or Rhino for 3D modeling, assembly design, and technical documen