Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer

About the role

The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will lead the design, development, and problem resolution of new automotive shift selector products and their related component technologies and processes for the continuously evolving industrial vehicle market.

Responsibilities

• Perform on-going conceptual and detailed design, design review and engineering analysis in support of New Product Introduction (NPI) projects.
• Ensure all objectives regarding aesthetics, functionality, specifications, and manufacturability are met.
• Oversee the use of appropriate modeling and concept visualization techniques in keeping with data and client evaluations.
• Participate in customer meetings recommending design approaches and solutions to technical problems affecting the customer and consult on critical issues.
• Interface directly with customer engineering in the design of new components and assemblies.
• Support all technical based processes on projects such as: Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA), Process Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (PFMEA) reviews, IATF 16949 and US Government Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
• Prepare, deliver, and release detailed engineering specifications and data regarding product testing, using 3D design and 2D documentation.
• Analyze final design with various plastics and metals for stress using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to ensure product meets customer specifications, making design modifications when appropriate.
• Coordinate with the Manufacturing and Quality Departments to resolve assembly, design, and measurement/specification issues.
• Aid the lab in running tests to validate product design.
• Ensure that engineering support of new products meets quality, governmental and customer specifications and is current with industry best practices, documenting all quality reviews, tests, and prototypes.
• Be available for occasional travel to support customers and/or suppliers.

Requirements

• Customer-focus mindset with strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Thorough experience with CAD, preferably with SolidWorks.
• Competency in surfacing, sheet metal, assembly and drawings required.
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
• 8-12 years of product development or project leadership experience from concept to realization.

Qualifications

• Preferred industries of automotive, power tools, or healthcare.
• Experience with tolerance analysis, GD&T.
• Experience with stress analysis including FEA.
• Experience with thermal analysis is preferred.
• Experience with database management systems such as Agile PLM, Infor CSI, or other ERP systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft products: Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, MS Project.
• Knowledge of Kaizen and Lean Manufacturing techniques in the automobile or commercial vehicle industry, preferred.
• Prior project management experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of Quality Systems is preferred (e.g. IATF 16949, ISO9001, AS9100, etc.).
• Understanding and knowledge of manufacturing processes including injection molding, sheet metal stamping, prototyping, etc.
• Experience with designing products with electromechanical packaging including enclosures, switches, displays, light piping, connectors, cables, etc.
• Experience with dynamic parts including gears, levers, motors, bearings, springs, etc.
• Understanding of tribology (wear, lubrication, friction, etc.) and selection of materials and plating.
• Ability to work with physical components, assemblies, and tools in a laboratory setting.
• Proven track record of product design, assembling prototypes, performing tests, and writing reports.
• Superior planning and organization skills, ability to operate under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Highly motivated with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work and interface directly with customers on a consistent basis.