Lead Structural Design Engineer - Heavy-Duty Trucks

New Way® Trucks; Booneville (MS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Comprehensive benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

New Way Trucks is seeking a Design Engineer in Booneville, MS to design and analyze structural components for heavy-duty refuse trucks. You will transform concepts into manufacturable drawings, perform simulations, and validate designs with prototypes and field testing.

The role requires strong CAD/FEA skills, 5+ years of relevant experience, and collaboration across engineering and production teams. Competitive benefits and growth opportunities are offered in a safety‑driven environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in structural design, preferably in heavy equipment or automotive manufacturing.
• Experience with both theoretical analysis and practical applications in a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with refuse truck manufacturing or related industries is a plus.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD)
• Demonstratable use of FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Experience in application of strain gauges, data logging and interpretation of results.
• Experience working with different disciplines in achieving team goals.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret theoretical data and apply it to practical designs.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Develop structural designs for refuse truck bodies and components, ensuring they meet strength, durability, and regulatory standards.
• Perform theoretical analysis and practical simulations to validate structural integrity and optimize design.
• Utilize finite element analysis (FEA) software and other tools to analyze stress, load‑bearing capacity, and material durability.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to balance design feasibility with production requirements.
• Work with the production team to build prototypes and conduct field testing of designs.
• Implement testing methods and oversee structural validation, including load testing, fatigue testing, and vibration analysis.
• Determine hotspot locations, apply strain gauges, record and process data when required.
• Analyze test results and recommend design modifications as needed to improve structural performance.
• Select appropriate materials for structural components, balancing cost, weight, strength, and sustainability.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings in materials or processes without compromising quality or safety standards.
• Ensure materials meet industry standards and company specifications for refuse truck applications.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, drawings, and specifications for all structural components.
• Maintain accurate documentation of design changes, testing data, and engineering calculations for reference and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure designs are easily interpretable by manufacturing teams, with practical application in mind.
• Stay updated with advancements in structural design, materials, and manufacturing technologies.
• Recommend and implement process improvements that enhance design efficiency and production quality.
• Participate in design reviews, providing input based on both theoretical analysis and practical considerations.
• Ensure all designs comply with industry standards, safety regulations, and environmental guidelines.
• Actively contribute to maintaining high safety and quality standards in all structural engineering activities.

Skills

CAD software

FEA tools

Strain gauges

Data logging

Team collaboration

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

New Way Trucks is seeking a Design Engineer in Booneville, MS to design and analyze structural components for heavy-duty refuse trucks. You will transform concepts into manufacturable drawings, perform simulations, and validate designs with prototypes and field testing.

The role requires strong CAD/FEA skills, 5+ years of relevant experience, and collaboration across engineering and production teams. Competitive benefits and growth opportunities are offered in a safety‑driven environment.