Jonathan Phillips
Mechanical Designer & Project Manager
Cleveland,TN
Summary
Mechanical Designer & Project Manager with 15+ years of experience leading design, fabrication, and installation of sanitary and industrial systems for the food and oil & gas sectors. Proven expertise in 3D modeling, mechanical layouts, cross-functional coordination, and delivering complex mechanical systems on time and within budget. Skilled in managing high-risk, confidential R&D projects with precision and professionalism.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Mechanical Designer / Project Manager
Confidential Projects (Food Industry)
Cleveland, TN
04.2014 - Current
- Lead designer and project manager for a Brix spray manifold system adopted as the global standard by a worldwide food manufacturer following successful installation and field validation at multiple facilities.
- Partnered with engineering teams to reinvent chocolate application methods in batch processes, designing a high-pressure (1500 psi) manifold and pump system that eliminated dead-heading and minimized material waste via header recirculation.
- Designed multiple confidential R&D systems and prototype process equipment for recognized manufacturers, delivering robust, sanitary solutions that passed rigorous performance and hygiene testing.
- Developed complex mechanical layouts including sanitary platforms, custom conveyor systems, pneumatic transfer systems, and integrated equipment setups based on facility constraints and product flow optimization.
- Engineered and documented HVAC and dust collection ductwork, standard and sanitary piping networks, and pump/instrument selection for food-grade and industrial applications.
- Utilized 3D scanning technology (FARO, Edgewise) and BIM software (Revit, SolidWorks, NavisWorks) to scan, model, and integrate new systems within tight spatial tolerances.
- Produced detailed fabrication and installation drawing sets, managing project delivery from concept to field execution, while ensuring cross-functional coordination.
- Regularly engaged as the lead for time-sensitive or technically complex projects; resolved installation issues through hands-on redesigns, on-site problem solving, and direct coordination with fabricators and engineers.
- Known for stepping into high-pressure situations and consistently delivering practical solutions across diverse facilities with varying compliance requirements.
Design Engineer
Abutec, LLC
Chattanooga, Tennessee
06.2012 - 04.2014
- Designed thermal oxidizers for the oil, gas, landfill, and biogas industries within budget and fabrication constraints.
- Managed all phases of mechanical design from concept through production.
- Created 3D CAD models, fabrication drawings, and BOMs for detailed subassemblies and assemblies.
- Collaborated with project managers and chemical engineers to meet complex design challenges.
- Developed a reusable 3D model library and numbering system that streamlined future designs.
- Supported marketing efforts by generating renderings and visual assets.
Millwright / Sheet Metal Mechanic
Custom Mechanical Contractors
Cleveland, TN
03.2010 - 06.2012
- Fabricated and installed custom sheet metal components including chutes, process lines, and machine guards.
- Supported project execution with mechanical layout interpretation and on-site fitting.
- Assisted in team-based millwright installations for processing equipment.
Owner / Operator
Expert Exteriors
Cleveland, TN
01.1998 - 12.2010
- Launched and managed a successful general contracting business focusing on framing, carpentry, and siding for residential/commercial remodels.
- Supervised teams of up to 30 tradesmen, coordinated scheduling, and managed vendor and client relations.
- Delivered hundreds of successful builds, including a 48-unit town home and multiple commercial structures.
- Managed all business operations including payroll, billing, procurement, and scheduling.
Education
B.S. - Mechanical Engineering
University of Tennessee At Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN05.2027
A.A.S. - Drafting and Design
Cleveland State Community College
05.2012
Skills
- Mechanical Design (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor, Pro-E)
- Project Management & Team Leadership
- Food Industry Equipment Design & Fabrication
- Sanitary Platform & Structural Layouts
- Sheet Metal & Piping Systems
Websites
Timeline
Lead Mechanical Designer / Project Manager
Confidential Projects (Food Industry)
04.2014 - Current
Design Engineer
Abutec, LLC
06.2012 - 04.2014
Millwright / Sheet Metal Mechanic
Custom Mechanical Contractors
03.2010 - 06.2012
Owner / Operator
Expert Exteriors
01.1998 - 12.2010
B.S. - Mechanical Engineering
University of Tennessee At Chattanooga
A.A.S. - Drafting and Design
Cleveland State Community College
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