Product Development Engineer

Join the Team That Builds Life-Saving VehiclesAt Life Line, you won't just build parts — you'll help build ambulances that save lives every day. When you join our team, you become part of something bigger. We foster a supportive, team-oriented environment where your skills grow, your hard work is valued, and your contributions truly make a difference.Position SummaryWe are seeking a New Product Development Engineer to join our engineering team and support the design, development, and continuous improvement of our ambulance and emergency vehicle products, including custom ambulance builds. Reporting to the Director of New Product Development, this role takes new vehicle concepts, standard product features, and customer-driven custom configurations from initial concept through prototyping, testing, and full production release — ensuring all designs meet the highest standards of safety, durability, and regulatory compliance.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign and develop new ambulance modules, patient compartments, chassis integrations, and related subsystems from concept through productionSupport the Director of New Product Development in executing the product roadmap and translating strategic priorities into engineering deliverablesDevelop engineering solutions for custom ambulance builds, working directly with sales and customers to translate unique specifications and requests into manufacturable designsCreate detailed engineering drawings, 3D models, and BOMs using CAD software (AutoCAD, Inventor, or similar)Develop and execute prototypes, conduct testing, and validate designs against performance, safety, and durability requirementsEnsure designs comply with relevant industry standards (e.g., KKK-A-1822, NFPA 1900, GVS/GSA specifications, CAAS, or applicable regional/national standards)Collaborate with manufacturing, production, and quality teams to ensure both standard and custom designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, and meet production timelinesWork with suppliers and vendors to source components, evaluate materials, and manage engineering changesSupport root-cause analysis and corrective action for field issues, warranty claims, and quality concernsManage engineering documentation, change orders, and revision control throughout the product lifecycle for both standard and custom buildsPartner with sales and customer teams to scope custom orders, provide engineering feasibility input, and set realistic delivery expectationsStay current on emerging technologies, materials, and regulatory changes affecting emergency vehicle designSupport cost reduction initiatives and continuous improvement efforts across existing product linesSkills and QualificationsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field3+ years of experience in product development or design engineering, ideally in automotive, truck body, specialty vehicle, or heavy equipment manufacturingProficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD, Inventor, or equivalent)Working knowledge of vehicle electrical systems, structural design, and/or fabrication methods (sheet metal, composites, welding)Comfort working on both structured new-product programs and fast-turnaround, customer-specific custom buildsFamiliarity with relevant regulatory and industry standards (FMVSS, KKK-A-1822, NFPA, or similar) is a strong plusExperience with DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and DFA (Design for Assembly) principlesStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detailAbility to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work cross-functionally with production, quality, and sales teamsExcellent communication and documentation skills; comfortable presenting design updates to leadership, including the Director of New Product DevelopmentPreferred ExperienceExperience specifically in ambulance, fire apparatus, or emergency/specialty vehicle manufacturingPrior experience supporting custom or made-to-order vehicle buildsKnowledge of GVWR/weight distribution analysis for upfit vehiclesExperience with FEA (Finite Element Analysis) or other simulation toolsFamiliarity with electrical/12V-24V systems, lighting, and communication equipment used in emergency vehiclesContingencies of EmploymentSuccessful completion of a background check, pre-employment drug screen and physical examination.Successful completion of a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check, if applicable to the position.Equal Opportunity EmployerLife Line Emergency Vehicles (LLEV) is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace where all employees and applicants are valued, respected, and supported.LLEV does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.Work AuthorizationLife Line Emergency Vehicles does not offer employment sponsorship. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.