Lead Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Product Engineer

Lead Engineer

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…