Electrical Design Engineer

About the role

Autocar, LLC, headquartered in Birmingham, AL, is the only American-owned and operated original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of severe-duty vocational trucks. The Electrical Design Engineer is responsible for designing and developing electrical systems and components for heavy-duty trucks, creating innovative, reliable electrical architectures that meet performance, safety, and regulatory standards while supporting efficient production processes and enhancing vehicle features for customer sales appeal.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation that recognizes your skills, experience, and impact
• Performance-based annual bonuses that reward results and contributions
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage to support your well-being
• 401(k) with a 4% company match to help you invest in your future
• 8 paid company holidays to rest, recharge, and maintain work-life balance

Responsibilities

• Medium and Heavy-duty truck chassis harness design using 3D CAD and 2D Schematic software
• Vehicle Electrical Systems Design, including 3D Wiring design in Siemens NX, creating 2D Harness Drawings and Schematics
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, and drawings for design reviews, regulatory submissions, and manufacturing handoff
• Evaluate scope of work and manage project timelines
• Prepare bills of materials and their representative 3D assemblies (Unigraphics NX)
• Product data management (entering designs and related info into PDM software – Team Center)
• Conduct simulations, prototyping, and testing of electrical designs to validate functionality, durability, and compliance with standards such as SAE, FMVSS, and ISO
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including mechanical engineers, production staff, suppliers, and retail sales, to address design challenges and support custom truck configurations for customer needs
• Analyze electrical system performance data, identifying improvements for cost reduction, energy efficiency, and reliability in manufacturing assembly and retail vehicle performance
• Support supplier selection and evaluation for electrical components, ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness in the supply chain
• Troubleshoot electrical issues during prototyping, production, and post-sales support, recommending solutions to minimize downtime and enhance product quality
• Stay updated on emerging technologies, such as electrification and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), to incorporate into future truck designs
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, applying principles like DFMEA to refine electrical designs for manufacturing efficiency and sales competitiveness

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics/Mechatronics Engineering, or a related field required
• Master's degree or professional certifications (e.g., PE license) preferred
• 1-3 years of experience in electrical design engineering, preferably in the automotive or heavy machinery industry
• Hands-on experience with vehicle electrical systems, including design for manufacturing and integration in production environments
• Familiarity with ERP systems and design software in a manufacturing setting

Skills

• Proficiency in CAD tools such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks Electrical, or CATIA for schematic and harness design
• Strong knowledge of electrical standards, codes, and testing methodologies relevant to heavy-duty vehicles
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and simulations
• Effective communication and collaboration abilities for working with multidisciplinary teams
• Technical aptitude for emerging technologies like EV systems, CAN bus networks, and IoT integration
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, geometric tolerances, perform tolerance stack-up and component clearance analysis
• Ability to understand customer needs and requirements and translate these to technical requirements
• Ability to develop and maintain technical roadmaps
• Ability to plan and execute project plans
• Ability to guide and mentor other engineers
• Innovative and self-driven
• Hands-on approach to problem solving
• Readily able to adjust to changing priorities
• Objective orientated, setting goals and meeting deadlines
• Team player
• Strong analytical skills
• Strong time management skills
• Quick learner who requires minimal supervision and possesses good problem-solving skills
• Team player with excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills

Work Environment

• A mix of office, lab, and manufacturing floor settings within the heavy-duty truck production and sales facility
• Standard business hours, typically Monday to Friday, with occasional overtime for project deadlines, testing, or production support
• Collaborative environment involving design reviews, team meetings, and occasional travel to suppliers or customer sites
• Exposure to industrial areas requires personal protective equipment (PPE) during prototyping or testing

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit at a desk for extended periods while working on computer-aided design software
• Capable of standing, walking, and bending during lab testing or production floor visits
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds, such as electrical components or testing equipment
• Visual acuity for reviewing detailed schematics, inspecting prototypes, and using computer screens