Lead Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Product Engineer

Location: Winamac

Job Title:

Lead Engineer

Job Description

The Lead Engineer drives value analysis and value engineering (VA/VE) initiatives across the full product lifecycle, from concept and design through prototyping, testing, and implementation. This role focuses on developing innovative, cost-effective vehicle conversion solutions while meeting quality, performance, and customer requirements. The Lead Engineer collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to deliver robust designs that support business objectives and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

* Lead VA/VE projects from initial concept through design, prototyping, testing, and implementation to deliver cost-effective vehicle solutions.

* Identify and develop innovative ideas that enhance vehicle products while reducing overall cost without compromising quality or performance.

* Build and maintain a structured pipeline of cost reduction opportunities by organizing and participating in internal and external VA/VE events.

* Partner with cross-functional teams, including portfolio, sales, quality, manufacturing engineering, customer experience, and purchasing, to create feasible designs and strong business cases.

* Utilize rapid prototyping methods to evaluate, refine, and validate concept designs before full-scale implementation.

* Coordinate with production and purchasing teams to implement cost-saving initiatives and ensure smooth integration into existing processes.

* Design and develop vehicle conversions using CAD tools, specifically Inventor, to produce detailed and accurate engineering models and drawings.

* Engineer mechanisms, suspensions, structures, and closures such as doors and liftgates to meet functional, durability, and safety requirements.

* Plan design, procurement, assembly, and validation activities in alignment with project timelines and APQP stage gates.

* Ensure all designs meet defined quality, cost, and performance targets and comply with internal standards and customer expectations.

* Lead initiatives focused on low-cost design alternatives, standardization of components, and design commonality across vehicle platforms.

* Continuously improve designs, engineering processes, and project timelines to enhance efficiency and product robustness.

* Participate in and contribute to design reviews to ensure all vehicle conversions meet engineering specifications and customer requirements.

* Apply dimensional management principles and GD&T to ensure manufacturable, repeatable, and high-quality designs.

Essential Skills

* Bachelor's degree in Engineering.

* Minimum of 5 years of work experience in automotive design.

* Proficiency in designing and developing vehicle conversions using CAD, specifically Inventor.

* Strong knowledge of dimensional management and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

* Experience in mechanism design, including moving components and kinematic systems.

* Experience in steel and aluminum part design and related manufacturing processes.

* Demonstrated experience working with cross-functional teams such as engineering, manufacturing, quality, sales, and purchasing.

* Ability to lead VA/VE projects and drive cost reduction while maintaining or improving product performance.

* Strong planning skills to align design, procurement, assembly, and validation activities with project timelines and APQP stage gates.

* Excellent problem-solving skills with a focus on continuous improvement in designs and processes.

* Effective communication skills to present concepts, participate in design reviews, and collaborate with internal stakeholders.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

* Previous assembly plant launch experience is preferred.

* Prior experience with VA/VE methodologies and events.

* Experience leading standardization and design commonality initiatives.

* Familiarity with automotive structures, suspensions, closures, and vehicle conversion engineering.

* Ability to develop business cases in partnership with cross-functional teams.

* Comfort with rapid prototyping techniques to quickly iterate and validate design concepts.

Work Environment

This role is based onsite, providing close interaction with engineering, production, and cross-functional teams. The onsite setting supports hands-on involvement with vehicle conversions, prototypes, and production activities, as well as direct collaboration with manufacturing and purchasing. The environment emphasizes structured project execution aligned with APQP stage gates, and frequent design reviews to ensure that engineering solutions meet quality, cost, and performance targets.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Winamac, IN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $70000.00 - $120000.00/yr.

This is an opportunity to join a large, nationally recognized organization with multiple locations across the U.S. that is actively investing in its future through major facility and automation upgrades. The team is growing and evolving, creating strong long term stability and career…