Manager of Design Engineering

ECHO Incorporated is an industry leader in developing and manufacturing high-performance, professional-grade, handheld outdoor power equipment as well as Industrial Power Equipment, and Robotics solutions. With distributors and thousands of dealers across North and South America, ECHO is constantly anticipating the future of the outdoor power equipment industry, and the need for environmental sustainability. Working for ECHO means joining a team of people who are committed to collaboration, innovation, creativity, and high-quality products that make us a globally competitive brand.

ECHO is looking for an experienced Manager of Design Engineering to lead our growing engineering team in the design and development of innovative power equipment. This role requires strong leadership skills, hands‑on technical expertise, and the ability to drive projects from concept through production.

The salary range for this position is $129,000 - $164,000 based on experience and qualifications.

This is an onsite at our Lake Zurich facility.

• 11 paid holidays
• Extremely affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid PTO
• 5% 401K match
• Tuition Reimbursement

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of design and project engineers to achieve department and company objectives.
• Foster collaboration and communication across engineering, product management, manufacturing, quality, and sourcing teams. This role also will be responsible for facilitating communication with ECHO’s Japanese parent company – Yamabiko.
• Oversee the design and development of mechanical components and assemblies from concept through production.
• Participate in design reviews, providing expert technical guidance and ensuring adherence to engineering best practices.
• Ensure all designs meet performance, safety, cost, and manufacturability requirements.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives within the engineering team to enhance efficiency and innovation.
• Manage project timelines, priorities, and deliverables to align with business goals.
• Participate as a key project member for manufactured and purchased product decisions.

• Required 3–5 years of direct supervisory or management experience leading engineering teams.
• Proficiency in Solid Works (and ability to demonstrate), including 3D modeling, assemblies, technical drawings, and best practices.
• Expertise in engineering design principles, mechanical systems, design for manufacturing, injection molding, metal components, and related manufacturing processes.
• Excellent communication skills in English, with the ability to lead meetings, collaborate cross-functionally, and communicate effectively with internal and external partners.
• Experience with engineering change systems (ECR/ECO), ERP systems, and BOM workflows.
• Demonstrated success in leading design teams and delivering problem solving solutions for challenging engineering projects.

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Domestic and international travel may be required as needed.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.