Heavy-Duty Truck Systems Mechanical Design Engineer

Dufrane Inc.; Michigan; Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Lodal designs and builds heavy-duty refuse collection vehicles and vocational trucks in Kingsford, MI. The Mechanical Design Engineer will lead end-to-end design of refuse truck bodies, hydraulic systems, and heavy weldments, interfacing with manufacturing, welding, and service teams to drive durable, field-tested solutions.

You will perform CAD modeling in SolidWorks or AutoCAD, route high-pressure hydraulic systems, develop BOMs, and apply FEA to ensure structural integrity, with collaboration

Qualifications

• Direct design experience with refuse trucks, dump bodies, cranes, trailers, or similar vocational vehicles.
• Experience using FEA for structural optimization.
• Familiarity with CAN bus systems, vehicle multiplexing, or mobile electrical systems.
• Hands-on manufacturing or assembly shop experience.

Responsibilities

• CAD Modeling & Mechanical Design of refuse truck components and weldments.
• Develop hydraulic systems and automated lift arms.
• Create fabrication drawings and Bills of Materials (BOM).
• Support shop floor and field performance with prototyping and testing.
• Perform structural analysis (FEA) on truck bodies.
• Coordinate with vendors for parts.
• Ensure safety and DOT compliance.
• Root-cause analysis and continuous improvement.

Skills

Mechanical Design

3D Modeling

Mobile Hydraulics

BOM Management

Root Cause Analysis

CAN Bus

Team Collaboration

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

FEA

Job description

Lodal designs and builds heavy-duty refuse collection vehicles and vocational trucks in Kingsford, MI. The Mechanical Design Engineer will lead end-to-end design of refuse truck bodies, hydraulic systems, and heavy weldments, interfacing with manufacturing, welding, and service teams to drive durable, field-tested solutions.

You will perform CAD modeling in SolidWorks or AutoCAD, route high-pressure hydraulic systems, develop BOMs, and apply FEA to ensure structural integrity, with collaboration