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

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 growth potential. In this role, you will gain exposure to both automotive and consumer product manufacturing environments, allowing you to build a diverse and highly transferable skill set.

Engineers here are given the chance to work across multiple projects and technologies, creating a well rounded experience that supports both internal advancement and future career opportunities. There is a clear path for growth…