Design Engineer

About the Role

The Design Engineer develops innovative, high-quality, and reliable products to satisfy customer motion application needs while integrating technical and economic factors, feasibility, time, and cost limitations. This role provides superior technical support and service to current and potential customers, including installation recommendations, technical assistance, and travel to customer sites, trade shows, and other events—both nationally and internationally.

Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including sales, customer service, marketing, engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing, ensures effective communication of product specifications, design changes, and customer requests.

Responsibilities

• Follow rules and processes outlined in the Employee Handbook, Quality Manual, and Safety training regarding conduct and performance standards.
• Maintain confidentiality of private information and utilize non-disclosure agreements to protect company intellectual property.
• Uphold UEA Core Values: Accountability, Care, Hardworking/Dedicated, Creative Problem Solver, and Knowledge Seeker.
• Establish, document, and evaluate finished component processing parameters for new and repeat customer orders; communicate results to the Electrical Engineering Supervisor.
• Collaborate with the sales team and customers to gather product specifications, research application requirements, and assess material availability to determine production feasibility.
• Modify designs as necessary to ensure customer satisfaction while balancing quality, technical, economic, and feasibility factors.
• Utilize technology software (e.g., SolidWorks) to create or modify product designs to meet reliability standards.
• Communicate with customers to clarify product specifications, application, and working environment; assist with estimating and quote preparation.
• Provide regular project updates to the Electrical Engineering Supervisor, including challenges and improvement suggestions.
• Support quality objectives and policies, seeking guidance when necessary to achieve optimal results.
• Collaborate with Quality and Supply Chain departments to evaluate sub-component supplier quality, cost, production capability, and delivery time.
• Drive continuous improvement efforts, including process evaluation, modification, and documentation (e.g., DFMEA, ECOs).
• Provide technical expertise for machining and assembly design inquiries, exploring new methods to improve production time and quality.
• Participate in trade shows, customer visits, and other events to promote UEA products and gather market feedback.
• Schedule travel arrangements (e.g., hotels, car rentals) and publish travel schedules via Outlook Calendar.
• Engage in training opportunities to enhance product knowledge, sales, and technical skills.
• Manage multiple responsibilities accurately, timely, and within budget, ensuring effective communication and follow-through.
• Maintain professional conduct, appearance, and collaborative relationships with employees, customers, and vendors.
• Demonstrate regular, punctual attendance and communicate scheduled or unscheduled absences in advance.
• Perform other tasks and projects as directed by the Electrical Engineering Supervisor.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline; electrical/electronics engineering experience preferred.
• Minimum four (4) years of demonstrated success in design engineering, new product development, and component specification testing.
• Experience with lean manufacturing and ISO or similar Quality systems preferred.

Skills

• Highly motivated with strong listening, written, and oral communication skills.
• Exemplary customer service skills and prompt responsiveness to inquiries.
• Professionalism, time management, organization, and prioritization skills.
• Advanced mathematical, statistical analysis, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, SolidWorks (or similar 3D CAD), and manufacturing ERP systems.
• Ability to work under time and budgetary pressures.
• Fluency in English with the ability to communicate clearly on technical and business levels.
• Ability to handle high-pressure situations and projects with financial impact.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, walk, talk, and hear (with mechanical assistance if necessary).
• Use of hands and arms to operate equipment and handle products.
• Specific vision abilities, including near and distance vision and ability to adjust focus (with corrective lenses if necessary).
• Valid driver’s license and insurability for operation of company vehicles.

Working Conditions

• Infrequent domestic travel for trade shows, customer visits, and other events.
• Significant time spent in manufacturing or plant office settings with typical factory hazards (e.g., noise, dust, cutting, drilling, blocked walkways, tripping hazards).
• Exempt position; completion of duties regardless of hours or days worked per week is expected.
• Office hours vary based on travel schedule and business demands.
• Occasional high-output periods or increased time pressure due to market fluctuations.