Manager of Design Engineering

About the Role

The Manager of Design Engineering will manage all product development activities for new and current products in support of designated product categories. This position leads a team of engineers by providing support, input, and guidance on all product design and development activities.

Responsibilities

• Provide design engineering support in alignment with the Manufacturing Center of Excellence (COE) leader and Product Category Manager.
• Manage all product development activities, including new product development (NPD), testing & validation, vehicle application development (line extensions), and continuous product improvements, following the RealTruck Product Roadmap, Phase Gate process, and established RACI.
• Manage vehicle application engineering activity per RealTruck’s Line Extension Annual Process (LEAP).
• Ensure all performance and safety targets are met.
• Support continuous improvement (C.I.) activities related to product warranty, design-to-value (DTV), and Compass Room activities.
• Maintain CAD files within the ePDM structure and ensure defined drawing criteria are met on all new and existing drawings.
• Provide resource management per the annual project workload planning and budgeting process, including establishing the R&D budget for expenses, travel & entertainment, and CAPEX.
• Initiate and approve re-designs for existing products to improve manufacturability, reduce warranty, or reduce costs.
• Coordinate among cross-functional departments to ensure proper communication of projects, priorities, and responsibilities.
• Ensure full utilization of engineering resources.
• Initiate and validate ECNs as they relate to product improvements and/or modifications.
• Manage, lead, and develop a team of design engineering professionals, including providing leadership on project priorities, coaching, identifying talent gaps, and offering training opportunities.
• Provide feedback and recognition to team members.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related engineering field is required.
• 7+ years of engineering experience, with 2+ years of supervisory experience.
• Lean or similar Continuous Improvement knowledge and experience.
• CAD/CAM software experience.
• Experience with maintenance software tools preferred.
• ERP or manufacturing software experience preferred.
• Valid driver’s license.

Skills

• Skilled in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to read and understand technical drawings.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Active listening and comprehension of others’ comments and questions.
• Mathematical skills commensurate with an engineering degree.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects through analysis of business needs.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Key competencies include creativity, decision-making, problem-solving, interpersonal skills, safety awareness, teamwork, and effective communication.

Supervisor Responsibilities

This position will plan, staff, evaluate, and direct the work of employees within a work unit.

Physical Requirements

• Subject to medium work: exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects.
• Physical activities include reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, talking, and hearing.
• Close visual acuity required for preparing and analyzing data, transcribing, viewing computer terminals, reading, visual inspection, using measurement devices, and assembling parts.
• Subject to both office and production floor environments, including noise, vibration, and hazards from a production-based setting.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Company-paid life insurance and disability.
• 401(k) with company match (eligible the first of the month after start date).
• Wellbeing days and parental leave.
• Educational reimbursement.
• Referral bonuses.
• Exclusive employee discounts on RealTruck products.