Welding Engineer

Job DescriptionMechanical Engineer designs and develops vehicle body floor structures in CAD, with a focus on supporting prototype builds and converting SUVs into wheelchair-accessible vehicles. This role plans and executes design, procurement, assembly, and validation activities while ensuring alignment with project timelines, quality standards, and cost targets. The engineer collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to deliver robust, manufacturable, and cost-effective body structure solutions.ResponsibilitiesDesign and develop vehicle body (floor) structures using CAD tools, ensuring robust, manufacturable, and serviceable designs.Support all prototype, design verification, and process verification builds by providing complete and accurate CAD data and documentation.Generate and refine concepts and mock-ups to explore design options and optimize body structure performance.Plan design, procurement, assembly, and validation requirements and align them with overall project timing and deliverables, including Stage Gate and APQP processes.Ensure designs meet quality and cost targets and proactively propose low-cost alternatives without compromising performance or safety.Support design commonization efforts to standardize components and reduce complexity across product lines.Collaborate in the design of body structure fixtures to support manufacturing, assembly, and validation activities.Lead design reviews and present design intent, trade-offs, and risk assessments to stakeholders.Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Manufacturing, Quality, Sales, and Portfolio, to ensure designs meet functional, regulatory, and customer requirements.Incorporate joining methods, particularly welding, into body structure designs to ensure structural integrity and manufacturability.Apply engineering fundamentals and best practices to improve durability, safety, and performance of body structures.Support continuous improvement initiatives related to body structure design, processes, and standards.Essential SkillsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related engineering field.At least 5 years of work experience within design, preferably in the automotive industry.Proficiency in designing body structures in CAD, with the ability to create detailed models and drawings.Hands‑on experience with sheet metal design, including forming, bending, and fabrication considerations.Experience with joining methods, particularly welding, and their application in body structure design.Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals related to structural design, load paths, and durability.Ability to plan and execute design activities in alignment with project timelines, Stage Gate processes, and APQP deliverables.Experience supporting prototype, design verification, and process verification builds.Strong communication skills with the ability to lead design reviews and collaborate with cross-functional teams.Ability to balance quality, cost, and manufacturability when making design decisions.Additional Skills & QualificationsPrevious assembly plant launch experience, especially ground‑up design, is preferred.At least 5 years of work experience in the automotive industry is preferred.Experience with dimensional management and a solid understanding of GD&T is preferred.Experience designing fixtures to support body structure manufacturing and validation is beneficial.Familiarity with converting vehicles for specialized applications, such as wheelchair accessibility, is an advantage.Ability to contribute to design commonization efforts to reduce complexity and cost across platforms.Work EnvironmentThis role is fully onsite at a manufacturing and product development facility in Winamac. The Body Structure Engineer works closely with a team of product development engineers in a collaborative environment focused on designing and building wheelchair-accessible vehicles, including SUV conversions. The setting combines office-based CAD and engineering work with regular interaction on the shop floor to support prototype builds, verification activities, and fixture design. The position offers a structured, project-driven environment with defined processes such as Stage Gate and APQP. When converted to direct employment, the company offers a 401(k) program with a 5% match and an annual bonus opportunity in the range of 5–10% based on company performance.Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Winamac, IN.Pay And BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $95000.00 - $110000.00/yr.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 2026.Equal Opportunity and Legal StatementThe company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.#J-18808-Ljbffr