Mechanical Product Design Engineer II
About The Position
This position is part of the Vehicle Exterior – Hoods & Fenders Team within Product Engineering. The team is responsible for the design, development, validation, and launch of exterior components that are highly visible to our customers and critical to vehicle safety, durability, serviceability, and brand identity. Our components span a range of materials and manufacturing technologies, including fiber-reinforced composite structures, injection-molded and blow-molded plastic parts, and cast and stamped metal components. These components include hood outer panels, inner reinforcements, hood mounting and tilt assist systems, hood latches, fenders, and splash shields used across Freightliner and Western Star vehicles.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with 2 to 4 years of working experience or a related technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience using CAD tools (preferably NX), including surface-based modeling and engineering drawing creation.
- Solid understanding of upstream and downstream engineering processes, from concept through manufacturing support.
- Ability to collaborate across functions and suppliers to resolve competing requirements and deliver robust design solutions.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present technical information.
- Demonstrated ability to manage priorities, follow through on commitments, and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
Nice To Haves
- Experience designing vehicle exterior or structural components using fiber-reinforced composites, plastics, and/or metal parts.
- Familiarity with plastic manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, blow molding, compression molding, RIM) and metal processes (e.g., stampings, castings).
- Exposure to vehicle assembly plant processes and cross-functional product launch activities.
- Experience working within DTNA systems such as SMARAGD, PLATON
Responsibilities
- Concept, develop, and release best-in-class hood, fender, and related exterior components with a strong awareness of overall vehicle integration and packaging.
- Apply sound engineering principles to deliver safe, reliable, serviceable, cost-effective designs across composite, plastic, and metal structures.
- Create and maintain 3D models, drawings, and GD&T using NX and related tools.
- Partner with Product Design, Manufacturing, Validation, Purchasing, Quality, and suppliers to deliver robust, production-ready components.
- Select materials and manufacturing processes (fiber-reinforced plastics, injection/blow molding, castings, stampings) appropriate to performance, cost, and quality targets.
- Support manufacturing plants, resolve validation and build issues, and implement effective countermeasures.
- Manage multiple projects concurrently and deliver releases on time and within budget while communicating risks and status clearly.
- Continuously improve product cost, quality, tools, and processes while staying current with industry developments.
Benefits
- annual bonus program
- 401k company contribution with company match up to 6%, as well as non-elective company contribution of 3-7% depending on age
- starting at 4 weeks paid vacation
- 13+ calendar holidays
- 8 weeks paid parental leave
- employee assistance program
- comprehensive healthcare plans and wellness programs
- onsite fitness
- tuition assistance and volunteer paid time off
- short-term and long-term disability plans
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
