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 is a premier designer and manufacturer of heavy-duty refuse collection vehicles and vocational trucks for municipal and commercial waste operations across North America. Known for durability, safety, and high-performance daily operation, our industrial equipment is engineered to withstand the toughest environments.We are seeking a hands-on Mechanical Design Engineer to join our team in Kingsford, MI. In this role, you will directly support the design, manufacturing, and continuous improvement of refuse truck systems and industrial machinery.As a Mechanical Engineer, you will be responsible for the end-to-end design and development of refuse truck bodies, mobile hydraulic systems, automated lifting mechanisms, and structural steel components. This role bridges the gap between mechanical engineering and industrial production, working closely with manufacturing, welding, assembly, and service teams to support shop-floor production and real-world field performance.The ideal candidate has a strong background in heavy equipment design, mobile hydraulics, vocational trucks, or industrial machinery fabrication.Key ResponsibilitiesCAD Modeling & Mechanical Design: Design complex refuse truck components, heavy-duty weldments, and large assemblies using SolidWorks or AutoCAD.Mobile Hydraulics Engineering: Develop, specify, and route high-pressure hydraulic systems, fluid power components, packers, and automated lift arms.Manufacturing & Production Support: Create accurate fabrication drawings, welding blueprints, and detailed Bills of Materials (BOM) to support the shop floor.Continuous Improvement: Troubleshoot equipment field failures, conduct root-cause analysis, and implement corrective engineering design improvements.Structural Analysis (FEA): Perform structural and fatigue analysis (Finite Element Analysis) on truck bodies and high-stress lifting systems to ensure durability.Vendor & Supply Chain Collaboration: Coordinate with component suppliers and vendors to source and specify heavy equipment parts.Compliance & Safety: Ensure all vocational vehicle designs comply with industry safety standards and DOT regulations.Prototyping & Testing: Assist shop teams with prototype builds, mechanical testing, and product validation.

Requirements

• Preferred Qualifications:Direct design experience with refuse trucks, dump bodies, cranes, trailers, or similar vocational vehicles.Experience utilizing FEA (Finite Element Analysis) for structural optimization.Familiarity with CAN bus systems, vehicle multiplexing, or mobile electrical systems.Experience working directly in a hands-on manufacturing or assembly shop environment.Key Skills & Core CompetenciesMechanical Design & 3D Modeling (SolidWorks)Mobile Hydraulics & Fluid Power DesignCross-Functional Communication (Engineering to Shop Floor)Root Cause Analysis & Engineering Problem SolvingProject Coordination & BOM ManagementStructural Steel & Weldment DesignWork Environment & Physical DemandsSplit Environment: A dynamic mix of a professional engineering office setting and an active manufacturing floor.Shop Floor Exposure: Regular exposure to industrial welding, steel fabrication, and heavy machinery environments.Travel: Occasional travel to customer sites or trade conferences.

We are equal opportunity employers. Employment decisions are made without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law.