Mechanical Design Team Lead - LFF

GEA Group, founded in Germany in 1881, is a global leader in engineering solutions, serving industries such as food and beverage, pharma, dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA combines the heritage of a well-established company with the innovation of a forward-thinking industry leader. At GEA, we’re not just building equipment, we’re building lasting careers with an average employee tenure range from 8 + years, reflecting the strong culture, growth opportunities, and support we provide.

• Start strong – Medical, dental, and vision coverage begins on your first day
• Recharge and refresh – Enjoy 12 paid holidays, including a flexible floating holiday, and 136 hours of PTO to relax or explore
• Invest in your future – A 7% 401(k) employer match helps grow your retirement savings faster
• Keep learning – Take advantage of tuition reimbursement to further your education or skillset
• Live well – Our wellness incentive program rewards healthy habits
• Get support when you need it – Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program for personal or professional guidance
• Save smart – Flexible Health Savings and Spending Accounts to manage out-of-pocket expenses

The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $100,000 - $120,000 per year. GEA Group has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States.

The pay range is not guaranteed compensation or salary. The estimated range is the budgeted amount for the position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications, and other job-related reasons. You may be eligible for additional rewards, such as a discretionary bonus (based on eligibility) and/or equity awards.

Job Summary:
The Mechanical Design Team Lead – LFF is responsible for leading and overseeing the daily operations of the Liquid Mechanical Design team. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality design outputs, effective workload distribution, and optimal resource utilization. The Team Lead acts as the primary liaison between the design team and other departments, ensuring smooth coordination throughout all phases of the project lifecycle.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assign and oversee design tasks related to presales, project execution, and component development.
• Manage all mechanical design aspects, ensuring structural integrity, appropriate materials selection, and compliance with engineering standards.
• Establish and monitor team priorities to meet deadlines, budgets, and overall project objectives.
• Coordinate drawing releases and schedules with Sales, Pre-Contract Engineering, Project Management, Lead Designers, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Customers.
• Provide regular staffing reports and forecasts to the Director of Mechanical Design, including overtime recommendations when needed.
• Monitor project progress to ensure adherence to timelines and financial goals.
• Enforce compliance with departmental procedures, standards, and company policies.
• Participate actively in key project meetings such as turnovers, phase gates, design reviews, and lessons-learned sessions.
• Lead the onboarding and training of new mechanical designers, ensuring knowledge transfer and team integration.
• Identify and recommend professional development and training opportunities to enhance team performance.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performance work environment while managing team performance and resolving conflicts effectively.
• Approve time sheets, manage vacation schedules, and maintain accurate team records.
• Ensure consistent and proper use of the department’s Archive System.
• Support the team by responding to inquiries, addressing challenges, and facilitating problem-solving.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Key Attributes:

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities across departments.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced engineering environment.
• Commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

Education and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline required.
• Preferred 10+ years of experience with Autodesk Inventor, specifically in skid and piping design.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, materials selection, and manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar) and familiarity with PLM/PDM systems.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and guide a technical team.
• Experience in food, beverage or dairy process equipment design is highly preferred.

At GEA, we don’t just offer jobs, we offer opportunities to thrive, grow, and make an impact.

#engineeringforthebetter

GEA Group is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where all clients and employees feel welcomed, accepted, and valued. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.