Mechanical Engineer Entry Level (Start Summer 2027)
This entry-level Mechanical Engineer role involves designing and implementing mechanical systems such as HVAC, plumbing, and fire suppression for food and beverage production facilities. The position requires performing technical calculations, developing system layouts and specifications, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, and supporting construction administration including site visits. The role offers growth opportunities within a specialized engineering firm focused exclusively on the food industry.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Food & Beverage Manufacturing.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
As an entry-level Mechanical Engineer on the mechanical team you will support design and implementation of mechanical systems for food and beverage production facilities, including HVAC, plumbing/utility, and fire suppression. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Perform heating and cooling load calculations
- Conduct code reviews for HVAC, plumbing and fire protection designs
- Perform mass/energy balance, drainage and line-loss calculations
- Develop HVAC, plant utility, plumbing, and fire suppression systems
- Prepare P&ID’s, equipment layout plans, utility distribution plans and system details
- Size and develop layouts for ductwork and piping
- Develop mechanical/utility equipment and construction specifications
- Assist with BMS controls development and coordinate with electrical/controls engineers
- Produce project documents: calculations, reports, construction drawings and specifications
- Support construction administration: submittal reviews, RFI responses and field visits
- Research mechanical/utility materials and best practices
- Support talent growth within the team
About You
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related field
- 0–3 years of experience or coursework in heat transfer, fluid dynamics and thermodynamics
- 0–3 years of experience or coursework with HVAC, plumbing or fire protection design and specifications
- Experience or coursework performing calculations (energy, drainage, line loss) preferred
- Basic report writing and strong technical communication skills
- Relevant internship(s) in an industrial manufacturing setting preferred
- FE/EIT certificate preferred
- AutoCAD and Revit skills preferred
- Willingness to travel to customer project sites for review, audit, and meetings (estimated 10–25%)
Compensation & Benefits
- Estimated base salary: $64,308 per year (estimated). Actual pay will depend on experience and qualifications.
- Comprehensive benefits typically include medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid time off (including open vacation policy), bonus/profit-sharing and retirement plans.
Location & Travel
- Work location: Carlsbad, CA (onsite / office-based with project site travel).
- Travel: approximately 10–25% to customer project sites.
About the Client
Confidential Client plans, designs, engineers and builds food production plants for major brands nationwide and around the world. The client focuses exclusively on the food & beverage industry and provides competitive compensation and comprehensive employee benefits.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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