Product Design Engineer

Product Design Engineer

The Product Designer creates accurate and timely 3D product designs using Solid Works and other CAD tools, translating customer specifications and custom quotes into practical, manufacturable solutions. This role focuses on designing new products and continuously improving existing equipment, with a strong emphasis on cost-effective design and close collaboration with fabrication, assembly, and R&D teams.

Responsibilities

• Produce accurate and detailed product designs using Solid Works 3D CAD software in a timely manner.
• Interpret customer specifications and custom quotes from the field and convert them into clear design concepts and models.
• Design new products for the aluminum product line while also driving continuous design improvements for existing equipment.
• Incorporate cost considerations into all design work to ensure efficient, economical, and manufacturable solutions.
• Serve as a liaison between fabrication and assembly teams, resolving design-related issues that arise during production.
• Collaborate closely with R&D to support the development and refinement of innovative aluminum truck bodies and related products.
• Apply strong mechanical aptitude to ensure designs are practical, robust, and suitable for automotive or agricultural vehicle applications.
• Create and maintain 3D models and, when needed, 2D drawings to support manufacturing, assembly, and service teams.
• Communicate design intent clearly to detailers, drafters, designers, project engineers, supervisors, and service support staff.
• Participate in design reviews and presentations, providing clear explanations of design decisions and proposed improvements.

Essential Skills

• Associate degree in Drafting or Design required; bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Agricultural Engineering preferred.
• 3D modeling and design experience, which may include school projects, internships, or co-op work.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software;
  Solid Works experience highly preferred, though other tools such as Pro/E or Inventor are also considered.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with hands-on experience, ideally related to automotive or agricultural vehicles.
• Experience working with sheet metal products, such as repair or design of sheet metal components, highly preferred.
• Ability to design with manufacturability and cost efficiency in mind.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and support production activities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Combined 2D and 3D CAD skills; experience with both AutoCAD and Solid Works is ideal.
• Passion and interest in working on cars, fixing things, engine repair, or similar hands-on mechanical activities.
• Strong presentation skills and the ability to explain design concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Willingness to learn and grow in a structured training environment designed for early-career engineers.
• Openness to relocation, with relocation assistance available.
• Ability to work effectively in a large, collaborative product development organization.

Work Environment

This position is based within a product development team at a modern aluminum manufacturing plant in Quincy. The facility is a large, contemporary building that houses approximately 3,000 employees and includes both manufacturing and assembly operations. The design group is substantial, with around 70 professionals including detailers, drafters, designers, project engineers, supervisors, and service support staff, providing a highly collaborative and well-structured environment.

The organization offers a strong training program that all designers go through, making it an excellent setting for new engineers to build their skills. The culture is family-oriented, with a long history and very low turnover, fostering a positive atmosphere and strong team relationships. Onsite café options are available, with additional dining choices within driving distance. Dress expectations follow the company's formal dress code guidelines.

Benefits include two weeks of paid time off, which can be used flexibly, six paid holidays, and relocation reimbursement of up to a specified amount, processed after expense…