Mechanical Engineer - Product Development

About the role

JB Poindexter & Co. (JBPCO) is a privately held, diversified manufacturing company with $2.75B in annual revenue and 9,000 team members forecasted for 2026. We provide best-in-class commercial automotive and industrial vehicles through nine operating subsidiaries. This role is within JBPCO’s Corporate Engineering and Product Development team, supporting nine business units across the company’s portfolio of commercial vehicle and upfit solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to the design of commercial truck bodies and related mechanical systems.
• Support custom accessories, retrofit, and specialty engineering projects across multiple business units.
• Develop 3D models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks.
• Apply GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and proper documentation practices.
• Perform structural and mechanical simulations (i.e., FEA).
• Evaluate designs for durability in heavy-duty, high-vibration, and high-load environments.
• Engage with suppliers on feasibility reviews, design improvements, and manufacturing considerations.
• Participate in hands-on prototype builds, fit checks, and validation activities.
• Utilize 3D printing for prototyping, concept evaluation, fixtures, or low-volume components.
• Incorporate additive manufacturing constraints and capabilities into design work when applicable.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers, designers, fabricators, and cross-functional teams.
• Communicate directly with customers to gather requirements, present designs, and provide technical insights.
• Lead engineering projects from concept through design release and handoff.
• Support multi-disciplinary project teams as a key contributor.
• Train, mentor, and guide interns, new engineers, and junior technical staff.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 2 – 4 years of experience in mechanical engineering, preferably in automotive or commercial vehicle industries.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks.
• Strong understanding of: GD&T, tolerance analysis, product lifecycle, DFMEA / PFMEA, DFM, VAVE, manufacturing, prototyping, and 3D printing.
• Familiarity with automotive and commercial truck standards (SAE, ISO, FMVSS).
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Hands-on prototyping and experience with 3D printing technologies.
• Preferred qualifications include experience with body design, background working with heavy-duty or fleet vehicle environments, experience using COMSOL or similar FEA tools, practical fabrication, machining, or shop-floor experience, control systems understanding, and strong communication skills for customer and cross-functional interactions.

What We Are Looking For

A broad, adaptable problem solver—not overly specialized. Someone who enjoys a mix of CAD, analysis, prototyping, and hands-on engineering. A team-oriented engineer who can lead when necessary and support others when needed. A self-starter who thrives working on varied projects in a dynamic environment.