Lead Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Lead Engineer
Job Description

We are seeking a Lead Engineer to spearhead projects that enhance vehicle products while reducing costs. This role involves leading VA/VE projects from concept through to implementation, collaborating with various teams, and ensuring that designs meet quality, cost, and performance targets.

Responsibilities

• Lead VA/VE projects from concept, design, prototyping, testing, and implementation.
• Identify innovative ideas to improve vehicle products while reducing costs.
• Build and maintain a pipeline of cost reduction opportunities through internal and external VA/VE events.
• Partner with cross-functional teams including Portfolio, Sales, Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, Customer Experience, and Purchasing to develop feasible designs and business cases.
• Utilize rapid prototyping methods to evaluate and validate concept designs.
• Coordinate with production and purchasing teams to implement cost-saving initiatives.
• Design and develop vehicle conversions using CAD (Inventor).
• Engineer mechanisms, suspensions, structures, closures (doors and liftgates).
• Plan design, procurement, assembly, and validation activities aligned with project timelines and APQP stage gates.
• Ensure designs meet quality, cost, and performance targets.
• Lead low-cost design alternatives, standardization efforts, and design commonality initiatives.
• Continuously improve designs, processes, and timelines.
• Participate in design reviews to ensure all vehicle conversions meet engineering and customer requirements.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering.
• Minimum of 7 years of work experience in automotive design.
• Dimensional Management and Understanding of GD&T.
• Experience with mechanism, steel, and aluminum part design and manufacturing.

• Previous assembly plant launch experience preferred.
• MET degree preferred.

This position requires working onsite and involves collaboration with various teams to ensure the successful execution of projects. The role demands hands-on involvement in the design and engineering processes using technologies like CAD (Inventor).

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Winamac, IN.

The pay range for this position is $70000.00 - $120000.00/yr.

This is an opportunity to join a large, nationally recognized organization with multiple locations across the U.S. that is actively investing in its future through major facility and automation upgrades. The team is growing and evolving, creating strong long term stability and career growth potential. In this role, you will gain exposure to both automotive and consumer product manufacturing environments, allowing you to build a diverse and highly transferable skill set. Engineers here are given the chance to work across multiple projects and technologies, creating a well rounded experience that supports both internal advancement and future career opportunities. There is a clear path for growth within the engineering organization, with defined levels ranging from Engineer I through Engineer VII. This structure allows for continued progression as you develop your technical and leadership capabilities. The company offers a strong culture and collaborative work environment, along with competitive benefits including a 401k match program of up to 40 percent and a relocation package for qualified candidates. As an Actalent consultant, you will also have ongoing support and advocacy from our team, ensuring a smooth onboarding process, consistent communication, and career guidance throughout your engagement. Equal Opportunity Statement We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

This is a fully onsite position in Winamac,IN.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 1, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The 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 ziprecruiter.com 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.