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 vehicle conversion lifecycle, from concept and design through prototyping, testing, and implementation. This role focuses on developing innovative, cost-effective vehicle solutions while ensuring high standards of quality, performance, and customer satisfaction. The Lead Engineer collaborates closely with cross-functional teams and leads design efforts for mechanisms, suspensions, structures, and closures using CAD tools.

Responsibilities

* Lead VA/VE projects through all phases, including concept development, detailed design, prototyping, testing, and implementation.

* Identify innovative ideas and solutions to enhance vehicle products while reducing overall cost.

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

* Partner with cross-functional teams such as Portfolio, Sales, Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, Customer Experience, and Purchasing to develop feasible designs and robust business cases.

* Utilize rapid prototyping methods to evaluate, iterate, and validate concept designs efficiently.

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

* Design and develop vehicle conversions using CAD software (Inventor), ensuring designs are feasible and manufacturable.

* Engineer mechanisms, suspensions, structures, and closures, including doors and liftgates, to meet functional and performance requirements.

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

* Ensure all designs meet established quality, cost, and performance targets and comply with engineering standards.

* Lead initiatives to develop low-cost design alternatives, drive standardization, and promote design commonality across products.

* Continuously improve designs, engineering processes, and project timelines to increase efficiency and effectiveness.

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

Essential Skills

* Bachelor's degree in Engineering.

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

* Proficiency in CAD-based design, specifically using Inventor, for vehicle conversions and component development.

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

* Hands-on experience with mechanism design and the design and manufacturing of steel and aluminum parts.

* Proven cross-functional team experience within an automotive environment.

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

* Strong planning skills to manage design, procurement, assembly, and validation activities within defined timelines.

* Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with engineering, manufacturing, and commercial teams.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

* Previous assembly plant launch experience is preferred.

* Prior experience with VA/VE methodologies and events.

* Experience working with APQP stage gates or similar product development frameworks.

* Background in engineering mechanisms, suspensions, structures, and closures such as doors and liftgates.

* Ability to develop and present business cases for design and cost reduction initiatives.

* Track record of driving continuous improvement in designs and engineering processes.

Work Environment

This role is based onsite, providing direct access to engineering, manufacturing, and cross-functional teams involved in vehicle conversions and cost optimization initiatives. The Lead Engineer works in a collaborative environment that supports hands-on engagement with prototypes, production components, and manufacturing processes. Onsite presence enables close coordination with production and purchasing teams, participation in VA/VE events, and active involvement in design reviews and validation activities.

Job Type & Location

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