Mechanical Engineer

About the role

Horstman is a developer of high-performance independent suspension systems for both the defense industry and commercial markets. With a pedigree of developing innovative suspension solutions for tracked and wheeled vehicles since the 1920’s, Horstman is seeking driven technical engineers to help stay at the forefront of suspension technology.

The Mechanical Engineer (Project or Design Assignment) is a flexible engineering role supporting project-focused responsibilities and detailed design activities. Based on workload and customer program requirements, the engineer may lead project execution or perform hands-on CAD design, analysis, and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering projects from concept through production, including requirements management, design reviews, and schedule tracking.
• Develop concept designs, feasibility studies, system trade analyses, and define performance targets aligned with customer needs.
• Design and package suspension systems, including new components, hydraulic features, structural parts, and integration of existing Horstman technologies into new vehicle platforms.
• Create and maintain 3D CAD models, detailed manufacturing drawings with GD&T, and Bills of Materials using SolidWorks, Creo, and MRP tools.
• Perform stress calculations, basic structural/FEA analyses, and select materials, hardware, seals, bearings, gears, and other components.
• Coordinate prototyping, testing, validation, corrective actions, and support manufacturing with released drawings, workflows, ECRs, and supplier interaction.
• Manage engineering data, file structures, and changes within SolidWorks PDM.
• Present project updates, technical data, and test outcomes to customers and internal teams, communicating milestones, risks, and next steps.
• Collaborate with senior engineering staff to develop new concepts and refine existing designs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of engineering experience in design, project engineering, or a combination of both.
• Strong CAD modeling and drawing skills (SolidWorks).
• Knowledge of mechanical systems for heavy commercial or defense vehicle applications.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in MS Office.
• Ability to work effectively in either project-focused or design-focused roles depending on assignment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with suspension systems for wheeled or tracked vehicles.
• Knowledge of hydraulic power units, valves, tubing, hoses, and fittings.
• Experience with mil-spec hardware, procurement, and related process specifications.
• Material experience (stainless, tool steels, titanium, aluminum).
• Stress analysis experience and familiarity with manufacturing processes.
• Experience with damping valve tuning or system-level performance testing.

Work Environment

• Occasional travel required (local, national, international).
• May be exposed to various outdoor weather conditions including heat, cold, wind, rain, and humidity.
• Occasional exposure to work near moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles; risk of vibration.
• Moderate noise level when working in shop environment.