Lead Design Engineer

J2T Recruiting Consultants, Inc.; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

3 weeks PTO

11 paid holidays

4% 401(k) match

HSA/FSA options

Health insurance (medical/dental/vison

Job summary

J2T Recruiting Consultants, Inc. is assisting in recruiting a Lead Design Engineer for a premier Denver area manufacturing leader. The role requires directing product design and development across lines, overseeing architecture, and driving concepts to commercialization.

You will engage Product Management, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Operations to align design with business goals, mentor engineers, and lead multi‑disciplinary teams through full lifecycles.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering; Master’s preferred.
• 12+ years designing and leading complex product programs.
• Proficient in CAD, PDM, and engineering design tools.
• Strong thermodynamics, refrigeration science, and electro‑mechanical knowledge.
• Collaborative, results‑driven leader with cross‑functional experience.
• Excellent data analysis, communication, and project management.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design, define architecture, create CAD models, validate tests.
• Serve as SME on refrigeration, thermodynamics, sheet metal, and EMS integration.
• Manage concurrent programs, design reviews, and stage‑gate processes with vendors.
• Drive DFMEA, root cause analysis, cost reduction, and continuous improvement.
• Mentor senior and junior engineers, supporting hiring and onboarding.

Skills

12+ years experience

CAD software

PDM systems

engineering design tools

thermodynamics

refrigeration science

electro-mechanical systems

leadership

data analysis

communication

project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

CAD software

PDM systems

engineering design tools

Job description

• Join a leading worldwide manufacturer serving healthcare, education, hospitality, and dining industries.
• This is an opportunity to lead strategic and technical design direction in a high-volume, repetitive manufacturing environment.
• Help shape the future by driving product innovation, reliability, and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Work alongside executive leadership and cross-functional teams while directly mentoring senior and junior design engineers.

Why this job – LEAD DESIGN ENGINEER:

Join this premier manufacturing leader as their Lead Design Engineer to serve as the technical authority for product design and development across all product lines. This role is designed for a seasoned mechanical engineer who thrives on managing complex programs, defining system architectures, and driving products from concept through commercialization.

You will bridge the gap between technical execution and business objectives, collaborating closely with Product Management, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Operations. If you are a results-driven engineering leader looking to make a meaningful impact within a supportive, collaborative Denver-area team, this is the perfect career move.

What You'll Actually Do:

• Lead mechanical design, define design architecture, create CAD models, and validate test methods across new products and existing system enhancements.
• Serve as the subject matter expert on refrigeration, thermodynamics, sheet metal design, and electro-mechanical system integration.
• Manage concurrent projects, design reviews, and stage-gate processes, while partnering with external vendors to meet business deadlines.
• Champion structured problem-solving (DFMEA, 8D, root cause analysis), cost reduction, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Mentor and develop senior and junior engineers, aiding in team growth, hiring, and onboarding.

To Be Successful in This Role, You Will Need:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 12+ years of mechanical design engineering experience with demonstrated leadership of complex product development programs.
• Expert proficiency in CAD software, PDM systems, and engineering design tools.
• Deep technical expertise in thermodynamics, refrigeration science, and electro-mechanical systems, alongside familiarity with regulatory standards.
• A collaborative, problem-solving mindset with proven success leading multi-disciplinary teams through full product lifecycles.
• Excellent data analysis, communication, and project management skills.

Where and How Much:

• Target Compensation: $110K – $135K
• Location: 100% In-Office, Denver, CO (Northfield area).
• Benefits: 3 weeks PTO, 11 paid holidays, 4% 401(k) match, HSA/FSA options, and standard medical/dental/vision coverage.