Mechatronics Engineer - Product Development

JB Poindexter & Co • Ann Arbor, MI

7d

About The Position

JB Poindexter & Co (JBPCO) is a diversified manufacturing company seeking a hands-on Mechatronics Engineer with 5+ years of experience to join their Corporate Engineering and Product Development team. This role supports nine business units across the company's portfolio of commercial vehicle and upfit solutions. The team leads the development and launch of innovative products and technologies in a dynamic, project-based environment, managing programs from rapid development cycles to complex, multi-year product launches. The ideal candidate has a strong mechanical foundation, is comfortable designing parts and assemblies in SolidWorks, and has experience supporting product development from concept through production release. They should also be capable of working with electrical components, wiring harnesses, sensors, actuators, control modules, and system-level integration. While primarily mechanical, the engineer should collaborate effectively with software and controls teams and have familiarity with C#, C++, and/or Python. This position is ideal for a broad, practical engineer who enjoys mechanical design, vehicle systems, prototyping, controls, electrical integration, and solving complex cross-functional engineering problems.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related engineering field.
• 5+ years of engineering experience in mechanical design, product development, vehicle systems, automation, machinery, or mechatronic systems.
• Strong mechanical design experience using SolidWorks.
• Experience designing mechanical components, assemblies, brackets, enclosures, mounts, linkages, actuated systems, or vehicle-mounted products.
• Working knowledge of electrical system integration, wiring harness routing, connectors, sensors, actuators, and control modules.
• Practical understanding of control systems, system inputs/outputs, sensors, actuators, and feedback-based operation.
• Ability to support hands-on prototype builds, troubleshooting, validation, and manufacturing implementation.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, Tolerance analysis, DFM/DFA, Product lifecycle, DFMEA/PFMEA, DVP&R, Engineering change processes.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills for working with customers, suppliers, manufacturing teams, and cross-functional engineering teams.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a team.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in commercial vehicles, automotive, specialty vehicles, upfit systems, truck bodies, or heavy-duty equipment.
• Experience designing or supporting wiring harnesses for vehicle or industrial applications.
• Familiarity with 12V/24V vehicle electrical systems, relays, fuses, switches, sensors, actuators, and control modules.
• Familiarity with CAN, J1939, or vehicle networked systems.
• Working knowledge of C#, C++, and/or Python.
• Experience developing or supporting prototype control systems, test scripts, or automation tools.
• Experience with SolidWorks routing, harness packaging, or electrical/mechanical packaging studies.
• Experience with FEA tools such as COMSOL, SolidWorks Simulation, ANSYS, or similar.
• Practical fabrication, machining, welding, 3D printing, or shop-floor experience.
• Experience with automotive and commercial truck standards such as SAE, ISO, and FMVSS.
• Experience supporting production launches, supplier development, and manufacturing process improvements.
• Experience working in cross-functional product development teams with mechanical, electrical, software, and manufacturing stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical and mechatronic systems for commercial vehicle applications using SolidWorks, including structures, mechanisms, mounts, enclosures, automation features, and vehicle-integrated components.
• Create 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and technical documentation while applying GD&T, tolerance analysis, DFM/DFA, and sound engineering practices to deliver manufacturable and durable designs.
• Integrate mechanical systems with electrical hardware including wiring harnesses, sensors, actuators, relays, motors, controllers, and ECUs, with consideration for packaging, routing, diagnostics, and serviceability.
• Collaborate with electrical, controls, and software teams to support electro-mechanical system integration, control logic development, troubleshooting, and validation, including working familiarity with C#, C++, and/or Python.
• Support hands-on prototype builds, vehicle installations, testing, validation, root-cause analysis, and production implementation activities, including DVP&R, DFMEA/PFMEA, and design reviews.
• Perform engineering analysis and product evaluation using hand calculations and, where applicable, tools such as SolidWorks Simulation, ANSYS, or COMSOL.
• Work closely with fabrication, manufacturing, suppliers, and business units to support product launches, continuous improvement, VAVE initiatives, and engineering problem solving across multiple programs.
• Lead or support cross-functional engineering projects from concept through production release while mentoring junior engineers and contributing to engineering standards and best practices.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior