Product Design Manager

Product Design Engineering ManagerLocation: Waterloo, IowaSalary: $80-90K plus 15% bonusJob Summary of the Product Design Engineering Manager:The Product Design Engineering Manager is responsible for leading a team that manages a defined portion of standard product offerings to support the production schedule. This role focuses on ownership, standardization, continuous improvement, and lifecycle support of existing product platforms, while ensuring designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, compliant, and scalable. The role works closely with other Sr. Engineering Managers leading sub-teams within the department to ensure alignment, consistency, and effective execution across the product portfolio, while supporting Manufacturing, Warranty, and Customer Service functions, and occasionally Sales. This position is expected to manage and develop people while remaining highly tactical and hands-on with regular on-site engagement. The position blends strong people leadership with hands-on technical oversight and close collaboration with manufacturing, sales, quality, and supply chain.Job Duties & Responsibilities of the Product Design Engineering Manager:Lead, develop, and manage a team of product design engineers supporting production and in-market productsOwn product architectures, standards, and design intent across heavy haul trailer platformsPrioritize and assign engineering work based on production needs, product improvements, cost-reduction initiatives, and field feedbackServe as engineering owner for sustaining engineering, product changes, and platform evolution (non-NPD)Ensure engineering support for production, including rapid resolution of design, quality, and manufacturability issuesPartner with Manufacturing Engineering and Production to:Improve weldment, fabrication, and assembly methodsImprove BOM accuracy, drawings, and release qualityLead and participate in structured design reviews and approve engineering changesOversee ECN/ECO execution to ensure timely, accurate, and well-documented product changesEnsure compliance with FMVSS, DOT, and internal engineering and quality standardsApply DFMEA, lessons learned, warranty data, and field feedback to improve durability, safety, and product reliabilityDrive design-for-manufacturing, design-to-cost, and continuous improvement initiativesSupport sales, service, and operations by providing clear engineering guidance and technical explanationsMaintain and improve engineering documentation, databases, and design toolsAssist with development and implementation of standard, pre-engineered product offerings to reduce custom engineering resource demands and improve schedule executionEducation & Experience Requirements of the Product Design Engineering Manager:Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related disciplineExperience in heavy haul trailers, heavy equipment, or fabricated mobile equipmentStrong background in mechanical systems, structures, hydraulics, and manufacturing processesProven experience supporting products in production environmentsPractical, hands-on engineering judgmentStrong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skillsExcellent written and verbal communication skillsAbility to balance cost, performance, manufacturability, and reliabilityProficiency with CAD tools, Excel, and engineering data systems