Lead Design Engineer

Denver,

CO80239

Posted: 08/25/2026 Employment Type: Direct Hire Industry: EngineeringJob Number: 19987Pay Rate: 120,000Job DescriptionLead Design EngineerLocation: Denver, COType: Direct Hire Are you a hands-on engineering leader who thrives on taking products from concept through commercialization? Our client, an established commercial equipment manufacturer, is seeking an experienced Lead Design Engineer to provide technical leadership across multiple product lines. This is a role for someone who wants to stay close to the design work, spearhead complex projects, solve hard engineering problems, and mentor the next generation of engineering talent. It is a technical leadership seat, not a step away from the bench.Company Profile Our client is an established manufacturer serving commercial customers across a range of industries, including healthcare, hospitality, education, food service, convenience stores, restaurants, and workplace environments. The company has built a longstanding reputation for high-quality products through innovative engineering, efficient manufacturing, and a strong focus on reliability and continuous improvement. The engineering team partners closely with manufacturing, operations, procurement, product management, and outside vendors in a collaborative, technology-driven environment.The Role As Lead Design Engineer, you will set the technical and strategic direction for product design across multiple product lines. You will lead complex engineering programs from concept through commercialization, establish design standards and best practices, and serve as a technical subject matter expert and mentor, all while staying actively involved in mechanical design, testing, and troubleshooting. Responsibilities include: Lead mechanical design for new products and enhancements to existing product linesDefine design architecture, engineering standards, and best practicesCreate and oversee CAD models, layouts, assemblies, and detailed engineering drawingsLead multiple concurrent projects from concept through productionDevelop and validate test methods and product qualification proceduresProvide technical expertise in refrigeration, thermodynamics, sheet metal design, and electro-mechanical system integrationLead design reviews and stage-gate processesPartner with Product Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Procurement, Operations, and external vendorsTranslate business objectives into actionable engineering deliverablesIdentify and resolve technical and cross-functional challenges that could affect project timelinesLead structured problem-solving using DFMEA, 8D, root-cause analysis, and related methodologiesDrive cost-reduction, reliability improvement, and sustaining engineering initiativesEvaluate and introduce new design tools, technologies, materials, and engineering methodsMentor senior and junior engineers in technical development, project execution, and professional growthParticipate in engineering hiring, onboarding, and development Background Profile Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline required7+ years of mechanical design engineering experience preferredDemonstrated leadership of complex product development programs, taking engineered products from concept through production and commercializationDeep understanding of thermodynamics, refrigeration science, and electro-mechanical system designStrong proficiency with CAD software; expert-level SolidWorks strongly preferredExperience with PDM or product lifecycle management systemsStrong understanding of sheet metal design and design-for-manufacturability principlesExperience with FEA, DFMEA, DFM, 8D, root-cause analysis, simulation, and testing toolsBackground in manufacturing or production environments strongly preferredExperience in refrigeration, HVAC, commercial foodservice equipment, appliances, cooling systems, or similar engineered equipment is highly desirableFamiliarity with regulatory standards such as UL, CE, NSF, or similar product requirementsExcellent analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving abilitiesStrong communication and cross-functional collaboration skillsAbility to manage multiple complex priorities simultaneouslyProfessional Engineering license or similar certification is a plusAbility to travel occasionally for project, vendor, or site needs Compensation and Benefits Annual profit-sharing bonusMedical, dental, and other health insurance benefits401(k)Paid time offThe opportunity to lead high-impact product development and shape engineering directionA collaborative engineering and manufacturing environment Additional Information Frontline Source Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. The client cannot sponsor any visas.Disclaimer: Sensitive and personal data will not be requested by Frontline Source Group or its affiliates until a job offer is made and accepted. If you ever doubt the validity of our job postings, we encourage you to call one of our branch locations to verify the status on any job.