Design Engineer

About Us

Akona Process Solutions brings together the proven expertise of four established brands—Spiroflow, Kason, Cablevey, and Marion—to deliver industry-leading solutions in material handling and processing. With a combined legacy of over 200 years, Akona specializes in mixers, blenders, dryers, screeners, tubular drag conveyors, and bulk material handling systems. Our solutions are designed to improve efficiency, hygiene, and performance in industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and chemicals. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Akona serves customers globally with centers of excellence in the USA, UK, and Germany.

Job Summary

Akona's Marion facility is seeking a talented Design Engineer to join our team and help shape the future of capital equipment manufacturing. In this role, you will lead the design and development of high-performance equipment, performing detailed mechanical analyses and creating innovative solutions that meet rigorous standards of quality, functionality, and reliability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design & Development: Create and develop mechanical designs for capital equipment, ensuring compliance with Akona's standards for quality, functionality, and reliability.

• Mechanical Analysis: Perform detailed mechanical calculations, stress analysis, tolerance studies, and material selection to optimize designs.

• Technical Support: Provide engineering support to internal teams and external customers, addressing technical questions and resolving design-related issues.

• Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, quality, sales, and project management, to ensure designs are manufacturable and meet customer requirements.

• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to enhance product performance, reduce costs, and improve manufacturability through innovative solutions and design improvements.

• Documentation & Standards: Prepare and maintain accurate engineering drawings, specifications, BOMs, and technical documentation in compliance with company and industry standards.

• Project Participation: Contribute to project planning, timelines, and execution, ensuring engineering deliverables are completed on schedule.

• Customer Interaction: Communicate effectively with customers to understand requirements, provide design updates, and incorporate feedback into solutions.

• Compliance & Safety: Ensure all designs comply with relevant industry codes, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Share engineering knowledge with junior engineers or technicians, supporting team development and continuous learning

Note, the statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, abilities, and skills required.

Job Requirements

Education Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field

• Work Experience 5-7 years

• Key Skills and Competencies Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks) for mechanical design. Strong knowledge of mechanical systems

• Licenses, Certifications or Special Qualifications - Experience with global engineering standards and regulations. (e.g. ATEX, CSA, NFPA, ISO, UL),

• Travel Requirements 10%

• This is an onsite position

Physical Activities

• Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.

• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods of time.

• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, or fingers.

• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting or standing.