Lead Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Product Engineer

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…