Senior Design Engineer

Actalent is seeking a Senior Design Engineer to lead program-level design and prototype fabrication of axles and chassis for aftermarket and original equipment applications. This role supports new product introductions, redesigns, and maintenance of existing product lines using structural analysis and 3D modeling.

About the role

The SR Design Engineer manages and executes design programs within the engineering department, including schedule, budget, scope, and overall delivery. This position emphasizes guiding fast-paced project teams from concept through prototyping and into production while mentoring other design engineers.

The role is based across two manufacturing plants in the Goshen, Indiana area, with openings in both an axle division and a chassis division. The environment is a combined office and production setting, collaborating closely with engineering, manufacturing, and operational teams. Work involves regular use of 3D CAD tools like SolidWorks, prototype fabrication, and interaction with shop floor personnel.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of axles and chassis components for aftermarket and original equipment applications.
• Own program-level design activities from concept through prototyping and into production, ensuring technical integrity and alignment with customer requirements.
• Perform standard structural analyses and mechanical modeling to create robust and innovative design solutions.
• Support new product rollouts by developing designs, coordinating prototype fabrication, and preparing for production launch.
• Redesign and maintain existing product lines to improve performance, address field issues, and meet updated customer or regulatory requirements.
• Manage engineering program schedules, tracking milestones and deliverables to ensure timely completion of design projects.
• Oversee program budgets, monitoring costs and resource allocation to keep projects within financial targets.
• Define and control overall program scope, ensuring that design activities align with agreed objectives and customer expectations.
• Execute design programs within the engineering department, coordinating with cross-functional teams such as manufacturing, quality, and supply chain.
• Perform stack-up analyses to verify dimensional relationships and ensure proper fit and function of components and assemblies.
• Conduct Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) to identify potential risks, improve design robustness, and enhance product reliability.
• Apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) to drawings and models to clearly define tolerances and functional requirements.
• Create and manage 3D CAD models and detailed drawings, primarily using SolidWorks or comparable 3D CAD software.
• Mentor and support design engineers, providing technical guidance and oversight to help the team achieve design goals and targets.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and customers to understand requirements, present design concepts, and incorporate feedback.
• Ensure that all design work complies with internal standards, industry best practices, and relevant regulations.
• Drive continuous improvement in design processes, tools, and methodologies within the engineering team.

Requirements

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field with appropriate experience.
• At least 5 years of experience as a Design Engineer or in a similar mechanical design role.
• Strong mechanical engineering and mechanical design skills, with experience in axle or chassis design preferred.
• Proficiency in performing dimensional stack-up analyses to ensure proper fit and function.
• Hands-on experience conducting DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) for mechanical systems.
• Demonstrated ability to apply GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) to engineering drawings and models.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software; SolidWorks as the primary package used, with openness to candidates experienced in other 3D CAD tools.
• Ability to perform structural and mechanical analysis to support design decisions.
• Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals, including materials, manufacturing processes, and tolerance analysis.
• Proven ability to manage engineering programs, including schedule, budget, and scope.
• Experience working in fast-paced project environments, taking designs from concept through prototyping and production.

Skills

• Experience in the design of axles, chassis, or similar structural automotive or industrial components.
• Experience in mechanical FEA (Finite Element Analysis) to evaluate structural performance and optimize designs.
• Solid understanding of GD&T standards and best practices for communicating design intent.
• Prior involvement in new product development and rollout within an engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Experience mentoring or leading other engineers within a project or team setting.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to develop creative, practical solutions to complex mechanical design challenges.
• Effective communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and presenting design concepts to stakeholders.
• Organizational skills for managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $55.00 per hour. Individual compensation offered within this range will depend on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may include the following for eligible employees:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short- and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation, or Sick Leave)

Schedule

This is a Contract to Hire, fully onsite position based in Goshen, IN.