Sr. Design Engineer

Overview Join the Lippert Engineering Team! Lippert is a leading, global manufacturer and supplier of highly engineered products and customized solutions, dedicated to shaping, growing and bettering the RV, marine, automotive, commercial vehicle and building products industries. We combine our strategic manufacturing capabilities with the power of our winning team culture to deliver unrivaled customer service, award-winning innovation and premium products to all of our customers. Senior Design Engineer Our Senior Design Engineer is responsible for leading program level designs and prototype fabrications for Aftermarket and OE automotive design solutions. They will utilize standard structural analyses and modeling to develop innovative solutions to customer program requirements and needs. The Senior Design Engineer is also responsible for the management and execution of design programs within the engineering department. This includes but is not limited to program schedule management, program budget management, overall program scope and execution. They will also work with and mentor design engineers as part of a complete team to ensure program design activities, goals, and targets are completed on‑time, on budget and are successful. Key emphasis is the ability to lead a fast‑paced project team to bring towing solutions from concept through prototyping/production for customers in the automotive industry. Responsibilities Lead engineer on design programs within the department; responsible for program/project management (schedule, budget, action items) as well as reporting Conceptual and detailed designs of automotive towing components and assemblies Ability to perform and review detailed finite element structural analysis of towing and metallic components and assemblies to investigate performance to customer requirements Perform and present gated design reviews with both internal staff, as well as with customers at specific times in the design life‑cycle of project Generate solid and surface component and assembly CAD models Create drawings of products using CAD Develop innovative solutions to customer requirements for towing component designs Work as part of a team of design and manufacturing engineering staff to bring designs from concept through prototyping and into production Develop new and improve existing engineering products and processes Research new product ideas and methods Ensure compliance with the industry’s safety standards and requirements Maintain accurate records Ensure products are user and environment friendly Write detailed reports, work instructions and SOPs Present prototypes and designs to project managers and customers Utilize knowledge of engineering practices, mathematics, strengths of material and other physical science Have a good working knowledge of various machines and production equipment Create DXF files for use on CNC equipment Communicate with cross‑functional teams, working closely with Product Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality and Operations Requirements Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a similar field with appropriate experience Previous experience as a Design Engineer or a similar role (preferred) Proficient in Autodesk Inventor / SolidWorks; CATIA V5 is a plus All Microsoft Office software including Project 3D printer experience is a plus 3D laser scanning / CMM experience is a plus (FARO) Good understanding of safety standards and environmental impact of a design Ability to present in front of stakeholders and managers Great computational and spatial ability to solve complex problems Excellent oral and written communication; ability to maintain a professional and pleasant demeanor Attention to detail and accuracy Ability to work on projects demanding fast prototype/production startups Ability to work with vendors, customers and employees Experience leading high performance teams in a fast‑paced environment Preferred Education and Experience Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and 5 years’ experience or a similar field with appropriate experience Previous experience in the automotive industry with towing or hitch experience Experience working with OE customers Experience in global organization Lateral thinker Injection molding Design / Development FEA GD&T / Tol. stack up DFM / DFA Materials Supply chain contacts a plus Castings a plus Automotive experience a plus Travel Occasional travel to other design and manufacturing facilities Occasional travel to trade shows / seminars Occasional travel for customer visits Work Authorization / Security Clearance Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits A unique, inclusive and supportive company culture. Comprehensive benefit offerings including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with employer match, vacation, and more. Fair and competitive compensation. Career development and mentoring and opportunities to grow. Holiday, personal and vacation days. Lippert provides equal employment opportunity to all team members and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, disability, citizen status, protected veteran status, military service, marital status or any other legally protected category as established by federal, state, or local law. This policy governs all employment decisions, including recruitment, hiring, job assignment, compensation, training, promotion, discipline, transfer, leave‑of‑absence, access to benefits, layoff, recall, termination and other personnel matters. All employment and personnel‑related decisions are based solely upon legitimate, job‑related factors, such as skill, ability, past performance, and length of service with Lippert. Lippert’s strong commitment to equal employment opportunity requires a commitment by each individual team member. Compliance with the letter and spirit of this policy is required of all team members. Violations of this policy should be immediately reported to your leader or to any member of leadership. Team members who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Know Your Rights #J-18808-Ljbffr