Project Design Engineer

We are seeking a versatile Project Design Engineer to join our team. This role is essential in supporting our Alaska Processing Facilities and California operations. You will be responsible for transforming conceptual ideas into technical realities, ensuring our facilities remain efficient and well-documented. This position requires a mix of high-level creative conceptualization and technical precision, with a willingness to travel for on-site documentation.

To be successful in this position, you must be a proactive problem-solver who is as comfortable in a hard hat as you are at a workstation. Because you are supporting critical facilities in remote locations like Alaska, success is measured by accuracy and foresight. A "successful" designer does not just draw what they are told; they anticipate potential installation hurdles before they happen, saving the company time and resources. You will thrive if you enjoy the "puzzle" of integrating new equipment into existing layouts and take pride in maintaining an organized, single source of truth for all facility documentation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities  

The responsibilities of the position include the following:

• Design & Conceptualization: Develop and execute creative design concepts tailored to specific facility requirements.
• Technical Documentation: Produce high-quality, detailed drawings, blueprints, and 3D models using SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with project managers, engineers, and plant management to ensure technical requirements are seamlessly integrated into design plans.
• Research & Feasibility: Conduct material research to select appropriate processes and finishes that align with project goals and operational feasibility.
• Technical Problem-Solving: Identify and mitigate potential design flaws, analyze alternatives, and provide innovative solutions to complex mechanical or structural issues.
• Project Administration: Assist with project planning and timelines. Maintain organized documentation, including filing and managing project-specific data.
• Site Surveys: Travel to various locations (including Alaska and California) to conduct as-built drawings of existing facilities and equipment.

• Other duties as assigned to ensure the facility and organization are fully supported and successful. 

  
Competencies  

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following functional and interpersonal competencies:  

Functional  

These are the technical "tools in the belt" required to perform the daily tasks.

• Advanced CAD Modeling: Mastery of SolidWorks for 3D modeling and AutoCAD for 2D drafting and layout.
• Drafting Standards: Deep understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) and industry-standard blueprint conventions.
• Industrial Knowledge: Familiarity with welding symbols, structural steel fabrication, and common construction materials used in food or resource processing.
• Site Surveying: Proficiency in field measurement techniques and the ability to translate physical site data into accurate "as-built" digital records.

Interpersonal  

These are the "people skills" required to navigate the complexities of multi-state operations.

• Adaptability: The ability to pivot between a high-tech office environment and the rugged, fast-paced atmosphere of an Alaska processing plant.
• Active Listening: Taking directions from plant managers and engineers to ensure designs solve real-world operational "pain points."
• Clear Articulation: Distilling complex technical concepts into simple, actionable summaries for stakeholders who may not have a design background.
• Collaborative Mindset: A "no ego" approach to design—being open to feedback and iterative changes from the field.

Education and Experience  

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Industrial Design, Architecture, or Mechanical Engineering Technology.
• An associate’s degree in CAD/Drafting or Design Technology may be considered if accompanied by significant relevant field experience (5+ years).
• Certifications (Preferred):
  • SolidWorks Professional (CSWP) or Associate (CSWA) certification.
  • Autodesk/AutoCAD Professional certification.
  • Relevant safety certifications for industrial site visits (e.g., OSHA 10-hour).
• 3–5 years of professional experience in a design or project-focused role, preferably within an industrial, manufacturing, or processing environment.
• Proven track record of using SolidWorks as a primary tool for complex 3D assemblies and AutoCAD for facility layouts.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting as-built surveys—physically measuring existing equipment and translating it into digital models.
• Experience working with or around welding, steel fabrication, or heavy construction is highly preferred, given the nature of processing plant maintenance and upgrades.
• Experience supporting multiple sites or working with remote teams (e.g., coordinating between a central office and facilities in Alaska or California) is a major plus.

 

Work Environment and Schedule While performing the duties of this job, you will regularly be exposed to moving mechanical parts. You are frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and extreme cold. Occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Position requires onsite presence at our Alaska Processing Facility, and the ability to travel, spending a significant amount of time during the season at our various locations and processing facilities in Alaska.    

Physical Demands   While performing the essential function and job duties associated with the job, the employee is regularly required to sit, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  

   

Mental Activities   The employee is frequently required to set an example by consistently modeling ambitious standards of honesty and integrity. Presentation and sharing of information should be handled directly, appropriately, and helpfully. Maintains a reputation for honesty, confidentiality, reliability, and fairness. Is willing to admit mistakes and does not misrepresent him/herself for personal gain. Performs work with energy and drive; values planning, but will take quick, decisive action when an opportunity presents itself.   

Salary Disclosure

The typical base pay range for this role is $85,000-$105,000 per year. Individual base pay depends on various factors, in addition to primary work location, such as complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills.

Silver Bay Benefits and Perks

• Health Insurance: Employees, as well as their families, are eligible for health benefits that include medical, dental, and vision benefits. Employees are also eligible for basic life insurance, long-term disability, and voluntary life insurance benefits for them and their families.
• Employee Assistance Program: Available for employees and their families.
• Retirement Plan: Employees are eligible for the Silver Bay Seafoods safe harbor retirement 401(k) plan.
• Paid Time Off (PTO), Sick & Paid Holidays: Silver Bay recognizes the importance of employees having the opportunity to recreate, rejuvenate, and attend to non-work matters. As a full-time employee, you will accrue 4.62 hours every bi-weekly pay period of Vacation, up to 120/hours/3 weeks per year. In addition, you will accrue 1 hour of Sick Time for every 30 hours worked.
• Other Compensation: Eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

  

Silver Bay Seafoods is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.    

   

If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to humanresources@silverbayseafoods.com.   

 

Food processing company focused on seafood production and processing.