Product Design Engineer

POSITION / TITLE: Product Engineer

For a leading manufacturer of suspension systems for heavy-duty vehicles, including applications such as emergency and utility vehicles.

Position Purpose:
To lead overall suspension system design and development. This role is responsible for validating designs, managing design analysis projects, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Functions:

• Manage all technical aspects of major product design and development projects, and/or multiple smaller products, utilizing our standard Product Planning and Development Procedure.
• Design, validate, and provide test reports and sign-off documents to ensure production readiness. Design for manufacturing.
• Coordinate with CAD, FEA, and laboratory personnel, and interface effectively with other internal departments.
• Coordinate the technical design and test aspects of projects with suppliers and customers.
• Drive continuous improvement through employee development, process improvement, and the elimination of waste. Ensure safety in the lab and office environments. Manage value-added and value-engineered projects.
• Work with the product portfolio team throughout the product development process to define project objectives.
• Interface with the end-user for technical support calls and develop action plans as required.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Maintain regular attendance.

Education and Training

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Agricultural, Aeronautical, or a related engineering field is required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Four to six years of experience in vehicle structural design (heavy or medium-duty truck experience is highly preferred) with exposure to dynamic structural analysis, finite element analysis, fatigue analysis, and product design.
• Demonstrated ability to manage development projects and meet deadlines.
• Proven experience and skill in product innovation.
• Some controls experience is a plus.
• Exposure to or training in vehicle dynamics, vibration, or controls is desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to lead a cross-functional launch effort.
• Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Working knowledge of Computer-Aided Design and Analysis tools.
• Experience with GD&T and IATF 16949 or ISO 9001 is preferred.
• Occasional travel is required.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position or move about frequently.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Minimal need to move about inside the office and plant areas.
• Occasional fine motor skills are needed for tasks like typing, filing, and writing.

Environmental Conditions

• Primary work is in an office environment.
• Minimal exposure to loud noises in plant areas.

Behavioral Traits

• Innovative, receptive to feedback, and cooperative.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Skilled in facilitating groups.
• Experience in managing programs or projects.
• Strong self-management skills.
• A consistent safety focus.
• A committed team player.