Chief Engineer MI

JOST International Corp•Grand Haven, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Chief Engineer to lead a team in the design, development, and deployment of innovative engineering solutions. This role requires a strong technical background, proven leadership ability, and hands-on experience managing engineering projects from concept through execution. The ideal candidate is a collaborative problem solver who thrives in a dynamic environment and is passionate about delivering high-quality products. This position will report to the Vice President of Engineering.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
Minimum of 8 years of experience in design and/or product engineering.
Demonstrated experience in manufacturing processes, material fatigue analysis, testing, and validation.
Proven ability to lead engineering teams and deliver results in a collaborative environment.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with product lifecycle management, design for manufacturability, and engineering change control is a plus.
Familiarity with advanced simulation tools (e.g., FEA, CAE)
Understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements for Heavy Truck/Trailer products.

Responsibilities

Lead and mentor a team of engineers in the design, development, and implementation of complex landing gear and kingpin projects. This includes but is not limited to electric controls, mechatronics and motor/gearbox design.
Oversee the planning, execution, and performance of engineering efforts, ensuring alignment with business goals and technical strategy/innovation.
Collaborate cross-functionally with product management, quality, manufacturing, and other stakeholders to define, scope, and prioritize technical requirements.
Drive the design and development of systems and products, ensuring functionality, reliability, and scalability.
Support and direct validation efforts including test planning, execution, and correlation between field performance, test data, and analytical models.
Provide input to technical positions relative to key field/customer issues.
Act as a technical subject matter expert, staying current with industry trends and emerging technologies, and applying them appropriately.
Lead the development and maintenance of the organization’s technical roadmap for landing gear and kingpin products
Participate in critical design reviews to ensure engineering excellence and adherence to best practices.
Support the professional development of team members through mentoring and coaching.
Selection, testing and validation of grease required for JOST products.
Responsible for ensuring product safety in design and manufacturing.