Sr Design Engineer

About the role

The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will lead the mechanical design and development of defense systems and vehicle sub-systems, ensuring they meet specifications and performance requirements. The role involves collaborating with the Engineering Team and other functional departments to continuously improve processes, promote professional development, and share design knowledge. This position reports to the Director of Engineering Operations and requires full-time on-site presence in the shop/office.

Responsibilities

• Concept design and review of project design requirements; provide input for potential additional requirements.
• Develop and execute design ideas for products; review and justify designs during preliminary and critical project design reviews.
• Create CAD models using MSI’s parametric skeleton strategy and fully define the bill of materials for the system.
• Manage the development of the drawing package used to convey system requirements to procurement and production teams.
• Ensure designs meet project goals and requirements; report design status to the Project Manager to maintain alignment with the master project schedule.
• Lead mechanical design and development of defense systems and vehicle sub-systems, ensuring compliance with specifications and performance requirements.
• Participate in and coordinate preparation for internal and external customer reviews: SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and Stage Gate reviews.
• Develop and manage vehicle components and assemblies in CAD; generate new design concepts using engineering experience and knowledge.
• Work with Project Managers to provide continual schedule updates on overall project progress.
• Apply GD&T techniques and ASME Y14.5 practices in modeling and design.
• Understand and utilize MSI’s Creo 7.0 parametric modeling environment, including skeleton top-down modeling and external copy geometry through assembly skeletons.
• Guide the model tree’s parent and child structure relationships throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Perform structural FEA or mathematical analyses within capabilities; coordinate with outside FEA partners when needed to validate designs.
• Work with the production team and supplier base to produce prototypes; support manufacturing in implementing required changes back into the CAD system.
• Develop and maintain thorough and complete BOMs and accurate manufacturing drawings for configuration management.
• Produce reports detailing analysis and design changes as necessary.
• Coordinate with the Project Manager on the development and adherence to engineering project schedules and predefined milestones.
• Create presentations for internal and external design reviews; serve as the primary technical liaison for certain projects.
• Develop a clear understanding of MSI’s ERP system and interdepartmental functions across the product lifecycle.

Requirements

• Minimum of a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in defense vehicle, automotive, or motorsports, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years as a high-level CAD user (CREO preferred).
• Minimum 1 year of PDM experience (Windchill preferred).
• Experience with sheet metal, weldments, fabrication, and machined parts is a plus.
• Experience with FEA (Ansys) is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience designing and analyzing automotive components and systems.
• Highly motivated with strong leadership and collaboration skills; able to work effectively with other departments and manufacturing.
• Organized, responsible, and able to interact with all types of people under pressure.
• Knowledge of machining practices, industry standards, and fabrication shop procedures.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• U.S. Citizenship is required. Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance, if required for the position.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Ability to access and navigate each department at the organization’s facilities.

Benefits

• 401(k) with employer match
• Dental Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Parental and Maternity Leave
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off – 120 hours per year to start (prorated in first year of employment)
• Continuing Education
• Annual Year-End Paid Holiday Closure