Design Engineer

Storyteller Overland, LLC; Birmingham (AL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Storyteller Overland, LLC is seeking a Design Engineer to join the TED team in Birmingham, AL. You will own design challenges from concept through resolution, while representing the Storyteller brand within our community of vanlifers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The role focuses on SolidWorks-driven vehicle components, applying DF M and FMEA practices, and collaborating across engineering and manufacturing to deliver robust rigs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 4+ years SolidWorks modeling experience including sheet metal, surfacing, and weldments.
• 2+ years mechanical design or product development experience.
• Experience working in or around manufacturing with understanding of common methods.
• Proven track record in fast-paced, high-stress roles requiring attention to detail.
• Experience partnering with vendors/suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and maintain SolidWorks part, drawing, and assembly files meeting project specs.
• Collaborate with design and engineering teams to model vehicle components, prototypes, and production support equipment.
• Perform static, dynamic, and fatigue Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and provide recommendations.
• Review designs using DF M for manufacturability and efficiency.
• Coordinate with manufacturing to adjust designs to As-Built specifications and improve models.
• Lead safety-critical design initiatives using FMEA-driven decisions.
• Delegate tasks to drafters and manage budgets while ensuring quality.
• Foster collaboration and cross-functional teamwork across TED.

Skills

SolidWorks design

Weldments

Sheet metal

Engineering calculations

Learning agility

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Organization

Communication (verbal)

Communication (written)

Teamwork

Active listening

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

4+ years SolidWorks modeling experience including sheet metal, surfacing, and weldments

2+ years mechanical design or product development experience

Tools

SolidWorks

MS Office

G Suite

Job description

Our History:

The Storyteller Overland vibe started out as a drawing on a restaurant napkin in 2017 illustrating a desire to help people live more adventurous lives. Back then, very few had ever heard of an adventure van, and some at the restaurant table with Founder Jeffrey Hunter had doubts it would ever sell.

The company officially launched in 2018 with a humble yet confident team of seven employees. Over the next year, we worked on launching our MODE 4x4 and finding dealer partners to work with, and finally, the dream was turning into a reality.

We’ve been fortunate to be full speed ahead since then. We’ve added sister companies to our galaxy and built out quite the impressive team – hopefully you included. We hit 500 vans built, then 1,000, then so many more that these milestones became difficult to keep track of. We’ve added new vehicles to our lineup and have built a massive community of like‑minded adventurers that also continues to grow.

Today, Storyteller Overland is the most expansive adventure vehicle company in North America built on an authentic spirit of adventure, a passion for exceptionally well‑crafted rigs, and a deep love and affinity for the community of owners we serve.

As we reflect on our history, though, we remind ourselves that our best ideas are still ahead of us, not behind us. Here’s to saying yes to the next grand adventure!

Our Culture:

We are proud to have a values‑based culture, which means we focus less on rules & transacting and more on values & transforming. Our goal is to create workplaces and spaces where great people can do great things to thrive and flourish both professionally and personally.

Role Overview:

As a Design Engineer you will be a key component of Storyteller’s Technology, Engineering, and Design (TED) team. You will take full ownership of design challenges and see them through to resolution as they are your own, while being a superior brand ambassador of our reputation within our vibrant community of vanlifers, adventure seekers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

General Responsibilities:

• Develop, modify, and maintain detailed SolidWorks part, drawing, and assembly files to meet project specifications,
• Collaborate with design and engineering teams to model and create vehicle components, prototypes, and production support equipment,
• Mathematically analyze static and dynamic vehicle systems for stress, strain, and fatigue under various loading conditions,
• Evaluate vehicle thermal characteristics and engineer solutions to complex thermodynamic challenges using mathematical modeling,
• Perform static, dynamic, and fatigue Finite Element Analysis (FEA), providing actionable recommendations to the design team based on results,
• Review and refine design concepts by incorporating Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles to enhance efficiency and functionality,
• Partner closely with manufacturing and production teams to adjust designs to “As-Built” specifications and continuously improve models and prints based on real‑world production feedback,
• Lead safety-critical design initiatives, utilizing a Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) driven decision‑making process,
• Delegate tasks effectively to drafters, ensuring projects stay on track and within budget while meeting quality standards,
• Foster a culture of collaboration and teamwork within the design and engineering team, contributing to overall success through cooperation and camaraderie,
• Participate in all other duties as assigned, maintaining flexibility and adaptability to support team and organizational goals

Work Schedule:

• Flexible: Operating hours are generally 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M - F

Work Location:

• In Office: 109 West Park Place Building

Compensation:

• Starting @ $97k + Incentives + Rewards

Qualifications/Skills:

Solidworks design experience, general understanding of manufacturing best practices, comfortable with Solidworks weldments and sheet metal functions, ability to perform high level engineering calculations, aptitude for learning new things quickly, high level of attention to detail, capable of solving complex problems with simple solutions, good organizational, verbal, and written communication skills, demonstrates the ability to work effectively in a team environment, active listener and relationship builder

Education and Experience:

• 4+ years Solidworks modeling experience including sheet metal, surfacing, and weldments
• 2+ years mechanical design or product development experience
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Prior experience working in or around manufacturing with a high level understanding of common manufacturing methods
• Proven track record of working in a fast‑paced, high‑stress position that requires high levels of attention to detail
• Experience partnering with vendors/suppliers
• Familiarity with MS Office and G Suite

Scorecard:

• Learning & Development, Training & Facilitation, Operational Aptitude, Technical Knowledge, Communication, Coaching, Standard Work and Process Discipline, Continuous Improvement, Problem Solving, Data Analysis, Root‑cause Thinking, Program Coordination, Cross‑functional Collaboration, Influential, Relationship Builder, Accountability, Follow‑through, Safety & Quality Mindset, Servant Leader
• The mission of the Operations Training & Development Specialist is to build capability across Operations by delivering consistent, practical, and effective training that equips team members with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to perform their roles safely, efficiently, and to Storyteller standards. This role strengthens operational excellence by creating clear learning pathways, validating competency, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and development across Production, Quality, Warehouse, Procurement, and the broader Operations team.
• A highly skilled, cross‑trained, and adaptable Operations workforce that consistently executes standard work, delivers exceptional quality, and continuously builds the capabilities needed to support Storyteller’s evolving operational needs.

Physical Requirements:

Candidates should be prepared for the following:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer (CAD/software work)
• Occasional standing, walking, and bending when collaborating with production or inspecting physical prototypes
• Ability to use hands and fingers for detailed computer work, writing, and handling technical drawings or small parts
• Visual acuity to read technical documents, engineering drawings, and computer screens
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds, such as physical prototypes, tools, or materials (if visiting the production floor or handling components)
• Hearing and verbal communication skills to participate in team meetings, give instructions, and explain design concepts
• Mobility to move around an office, shop floor, or prototype lab in a safe manner

It's important to note that this job primarily involves office‑based work, and the physical demands are generally minimal. Accommodations will be provided as needed to ensure the comfort and well‑being of employees in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Exemption Status:

Exempt