Job Title: Technical Director Pet Food & Aqua Feed Extruder Design
Job Description
The Technical Director Pet Food & Aqua Feed Extruder Design leads the creation of original mechanical equipment designs for bulk material processing industries, with a focus on extruders and auxiliary equipment used in pet food, aqua feed, human food, and oilseed processing. This role drives innovation from concept through delivery, partnering closely with process and application engineers and product developers to develop advanced, efficient, and reliable machinery. The position offers significant influence over future team building and R&D direction within a growing, globally oriented organization.
Responsibilities
Design extruders and related auxiliary equipment from initial concept through detailed engineering and delivery.
Deliver new equipment innovations in partnership with process engineers, application engineers, and product developers.
Ensure all mechanical designs comply with relevant national and international codes, standards, and regulations.
Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and computer-generated reports to guide design decisions.
Use drafting tools and 3D computer-assisted design software to create precise and manufacturable mechanical designs.
Perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to validate and optimize mechanical components and assemblies.
Collaborate with process experts to develop comprehensive mechanical solutions that meet performance, efficiency, and reliability targets.
Lead research and development initiatives for new products and technologies in pet food, aqua feed, and related processing equipment.
Improve and optimize existing equipment designs to enhance performance, energy efficiency, and material utilization.
Assist in building, testing, and commissioning proto@types, ensuring successful transition from design to operational equipment.
Contribute to innovation efforts within the R&D center focused on grain handling, grinding, mixing, extruding, and drying equipment.
Provide technical leadership and guidance that supports the future hiring and development of an engineering team.
Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders and global colleagues to align design objectives and project outcomes.
Travel internationally up to approximately 15% of the time to collaborate with global teams, support projects, and visit facilities as needed.
Essential Skills
At least 15 years of experience in designing extruders or similar industrial equipment.
Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Strong proficiency with 3D design software, such as Autodesk Inventor.
Deep knowledge of metallurgy and heat treatments as applied to mechanical components.
Knowledge of fluid power systems, including hydraulics and pneumatics.
Knowledge of steam systems and their integration into processing equipment.
Effective communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and global stakeholders.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience performing Finite Element Analysis (FEA) on mechanical designs.
Stable and consistent work history in mechanical design or related engineering roles.
Experience in the pet food equipment or food processing machinery industry.
Experience in or exposure to bulk material processing industries such as aqua feed, pet foods, human food, and oilseed processing.
Experience in designing grain handling equipment, grinding equipment, mixers, extruders, and dryers.
Interest in contributing to novel feed machinery technologies that improve raw material utilization and energy efficiency.
Work Environment
The role operates within a dedicated research and development center focused on innovation in bulk material processing equipment, including grain handling systems, grinding machines, mixers, extruders, and dryers for pet food, aqua feed, human food, and oilseed applications. Work can be performed on site or remotely, offering flexibility in location while maintaining close collaboration with a small, highly focused U.S.-based team. The environment emphasizes advanced engineering tools, 3D CAD software, and analytical methods such as FEA to drive new product development and continuous improvement. As one of the first R&D-focused hires in the U.S., the Technical Director will work in a setting that values initiative, technical leadership, and the opportunity to help shape and build out an engineering team within a globally connected organization.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Overland Park, KS.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $300000.00 - $350000.00/yr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
What do we offer? Competitive salary Employee & dependent health insurance 401(k) with employer match Paid vacation & holidays Relocation package commensurate with experience A fulfilling small work group environment where the right self-motivated individual will have the freedom and opportunity to make significant contributions to the companys success. This is a high visibility position with advancement opportunities. Continuing education program.
Workplace Type
This is a fully remote position.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
