Mechanical Engineer - Steel

Electrolux Group•Kinston, AL

About The Position

The Senior Development Engineer / Senior Specialist – Mechanical (Steel Components, DME) is responsible for the design, development, validation, and continuous improvement of stainless‑steel and steel‑based mechanical components within the stainless‑steel (SS) dishwasher platform. This includes structural assemblies, tubs, sheet‑metal components, weldments, and metal sub‑systems. This role serves as the Direct Material Excellence (DME) engineering lead for steel components—driving cost‑out initiatives, evaluating supplier proposals, leveraging global solutions, and ensuring that all material/cost optimization efforts meet performance, quality, and manufacturability requirements. The role works collaboratively with suppliers, manufacturing teams, procurement, quality, and Global R&D, ensuring alignment with global design standards, shared strategies, and technology roadmaps.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
3–7 years of experience in mechanical design, preferably with sheet metal or steel component development.
Strong understanding of stainless‑steel materials, structural design, forming, stamping, welding, and corrosion behavior.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Strong knowledge of payroll principles, multi‑state taxation, and labor regulations.
Skilled in GD&T, DFMEA, DVP&R, tolerance analysis, and mechanical fundamentals.
Experience executing cost‑out projects and VA/VE activities.
Cross‑regional or global R&D collaboration experience.

Nice To Haves

Appliance development experience, especially dishwasher steel sub‑systems.
Proficient in CAD tools (CREO, NX, SolidWorks).
Strong collaborator, sharing insights across teams and global partners.
Independently organizes workload while leveraging global standards.
Builds productive relationships with suppliers, manufacturing, and R&D peers.

Responsibilities

Product & Component Development Lead design, redesign, and validation of steel and stainless‑steel components for the dishwasher platform.
Develop mechanically robust sheet‑metal parts, weldments, and structural assemblies aligned with global standards and DFM/DFA principles.
Create engineering documentation including CAD (Catia/NX experience preferred), drawings, specifications, DFMEA, DVP&R, and BOMs.
Perform tolerance analysis, weld feasibility, structural assessments, and material selection for durability and corrosion resistance.
Direct Material Excellence (DME) – Cost Out Identify and drive cost‑out opportunities through material optimization, gauge reduction, process improvements, part consolidation, and supplier VA/VE proposals.
Evaluate and approve supplier cost‑out initiatives to ensure structural, acoustic, and corrosion‑related performance targets are preserved.
Conduct cost modeling reviews with procurement and suppliers to validate assumptions and assess cost drivers.
Quality & Reliability Improvement Lead structured problem‑solving for steel‑related field issues: corrosion, cracking, weld failures, vibration, noise, and dimensional instability.
Deliver design improvements that reduce variation and improve manufacturability, weld integrity, and long‑term durability.
Support factory operations through root‑cause analysis, corrective actions, and process capability improvements.
Supplier & Manufacturing Collaboration Collaborate with steel suppliers to assess stamping, forming, welding, brushing, and finishing processes.
Validate tool changes, fabrication proposals, PPAP submissions, and cost‑out modifications.
Ensure designs align with manufacturing capabilities across stamping, welding automation, coating lines, and assembly operations.
Global R&D Collaboration Responsibilities Cross‑Regional Alignment Partner with Global R&D to align on shared component design rules, stainless‑steel tub strategies, and global platform architecture.
Participate in global module owner discussions and design standardization activities.
Supplier & Commodity Integration Support global sourcing and component harmonization efforts to reduce cost and improve consistency across platforms.
Evaluate global DME proposals and ensure feasibility for NA manufacturing and performance conditions.
Technical Communication Provide updates to global stakeholders on cost‑out plans, design releases, validation results, and risk assessments.
Participate in global design reviews, technical councils, and cross‑regional R&D communications.