Design Engineer

Extension, Inc; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Extension, Inc. is seeking a seasoned Design Engineer to drive mechanical design and product development for vehicle paint, finishes, and graphic schemes.

You will bridge styling, engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers to transform concepts into production-ready components. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in mechanical/design engineering, strong CAD/PLM skills, and a hands-on approach to parts, prototypes, and materials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years in mechanical/design engineering or new product development.
• Experience leading products through a structured product development process.
• Strong CAD/PLM proficiency and understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Excellent communication, problem solving, and organizational skills.
• Hands-on with physical parts, prototypes, and materials.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of paint, finish, and graphic schemes for rapid market response vehicle programs.
• Translate styling concepts and digital designs into manufacturable production solutions.
• Own assigned parts and components throughout the product development lifecycle from concept through launch.
• Manage project timelines balancing style, performance, quality, durability, manufacturability, cost and timing.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Industrial Design, Manufacturing, Suppliers, Purchasing, Quality, Service, Regulatory, and Engineering teams.
• Develop decorative paint finishes, graphics, and visual treatments for vehicle components.
• Coordinate creation, evaluation, and approval of physical paint and graphic samples including variations.
• Facilitate Design Studio reviews and support final master sample selection and approval.
• Conduct DFMEA activities and participate in engineering design reviews.
• Develop and execute DVP&R plans and product validation activities.
• Support coating validation testing and coordinate with materials labs.
• Participate in supplier development, sourcing, PPAP activities, production readiness reviews, and product launches.
• Create and maintain engineering documentation, CAD models, drawings, assemblies, requirements, and related data.
• Manage paint and graphic master samples with proper indexing, labeling, storage, and organization.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Design engineering

Product development

CAD/PLM

Cross-functional

Project management

Problem solving

Communication

Organization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline

Tools

CAD software

PLM systems

Job description

Join a dynamic engineering team responsible for the development of vehicle paint, finish, and graphic schemes, supporting both new product development and rapid market response programs. This role bridges styling, engineering, manufacturing, and supplier collaboration to transform design concepts into high quality, production ready vehicle components. The ideal candidate is a well-rounded Design Engineer with experience in mechanical design and product development who enjoys working in a highly visible area where aesthetics, functionality, quality, and manufacturability intersect.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of paint, finish, and graphic schemes for rapid market response vehicle programs.
• Translate styling concepts and digital designs from the Design Studio into manufacturable production solutions.
• Own assigned parts and components throughout the entire product development lifecycle, from concept through launch.
• Manage project timelines while balancing style, performance, quality, durability, manufacturability, cost, and timing requirements.
• Collaborate cross functionally with Industrial Design, Manufacturing, Suppliers, Purchasing, Quality, Service, Regulatory, and Engineering teams.
• Develop decorative paint finishes, graphics, and visual treatments for vehicle components.
• Coordinate the creation, evaluation, and approval of physical paint and graphic samples, including multiple design variations.
• Facilitate Design Studio reviews and support final master sample selection and approval.
• Conduct DFMEA activities and participate in engineering design reviews.
• Develop and execute DVP&R plans and product validation activities.
• Support coating validation testing and coordinate with materials laboratories.
• Participate in supplier development, sourcing, PPAP activities, production readiness reviews, and product launches.
• Create and maintain engineering documentation, CAD models, drawings, assemblies, requirements, and related technical data.
• Manage paint and graphic master samples, ensuring proper indexing, labeling, storage, and organization within the materials library.
• Evaluate color characteristics including shade, tone, metallic effects, and color flop.
• Receive, organize, and maintain physical components, samples, and materials used throughout development programs.
• Support multiple concurrent projects and model year programs while effectively communicating technical status, risks, and recommendations.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of mechanical engineering, design engineering, or new product development experience.
• Experience leading products or components through a structured product development process.
• Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals, materials, manufacturing processes, and mechanical systems.
• Experience working in cross functional product development environments.
• Proficiency with CAD and/or PLM systems.
• Strong project management, problem solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Hands on approach and willingness to work directly with physical parts, prototypes, samples, and materials.
• Ability to succeed in a fast paced environment with evolving requirements and priorities.