Mechatronics Engineer - Product Development

About the role

The Corporate Engineering and Product Development team at JB Poindexter & Co. (JBPCO) supports nine business units across the company's portfolio of commercial vehicle and upfit solutions. This role is intended for a hands-on Mechatronics Engineer with 5+ years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical and mechatronic systems for commercial vehicle applications using SolidWorks, including structures, mechanisms, mounts, enclosures, automation features, and vehicle-integrated components.
• Create 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and technical documentation while applying GD&T, tolerance analysis, DFM/DFA, and sound engineering practices to deliver manufacturable and durable designs.
• Integrate mechanical systems with electrical hardware including wiring harnesses, sensors, actuators, relays, motors, controllers, and ECUs, with consideration for packaging, routing, diagnostics, and serviceability.
• Collaborate with electrical, controls, and software teams to support electro-mechanical system integration, control logic development, troubleshooting, and validation, including working familiarity with C#, C++, and/or Python.
• Support hands-on prototype builds, vehicle installations, testing, validation, root-cause analysis, and production implementation activities, including DVP&R, DFMEA/PFMEA, and design reviews.
• Perform engineering analysis and product evaluation using hand calculations and, where applicable, tools such as SolidWorks Simulation, ANSYS, or COMSOL.
• Work closely with fabrication, manufacturing, suppliers, and business units to support product launches, continuous improvement, VAVE initiatives, and engineering problem solving across multiple programs.
• Lead or support cross-functional engineering projects from concept through production release while mentoring junior engineers and contributing to engineering standards and best practices.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related engineering field.
• 5+ years of engineering experience in mechanical design, product development, vehicle systems, automation, machinery, or mechatronic systems.
• Strong mechanical design experience using SolidWorks.
• Experience designing mechanical components, assemblies, brackets, enclosures, mounts, linkages, actuated systems, or vehicle-mounted products.
• Practical knowledge of electrical system integration, wiring harness routing, connectors, sensors, actuators, and control modules.
• Understanding of control systems, system inputs/outputs, sensors, actuators, and feedback-based operation.
• Ability to support hands-on prototype builds, troubleshooting, validation, and manufacturing implementation.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance analysis, DFM/DFA, product lifecycle, DFMEA/PFMEA, design reviews, engineering change processes, and engineering analysis.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills for working with customers, suppliers, manufacturing teams, and cross-functional engineering teams.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in commercial vehicles, automotive, specialty vehicles, upfit systems, truck bodies, or heavy-duty equipment.
• Experience designing or supporting wiring harnesses for vehicle or industrial applications.
• Familiarity with 12V/24V vehicle electrical systems, relays, fuses, switches, sensors, actuators, and control modules.
• Familiarity with CAN, J1939, or vehicle networked systems.
• Working knowledge of C#, C++, and/or Python.
• Experience developing or supporting prototype control systems, test scripts, or automation tools.
• Experience with SolidWorks routing, harness packaging, or electrical/mechanical packaging studies.
• Experience with FEA tools such as COMSOL, SolidWorks Simulation, ANSYS, or similar.
• Practical fabrication, machining, welding, 3D printing, or shop-floor experience.
• Experience with automotive and commercial truck standards such as SAE, ISO, and FMVSS.
• Experience supporting production launches, supplier development, and manufacturing process improvements.
• Experience working in cross-functional product development teams with mechanical, electrical, software, and manufacturing stakeholders.