Mechanical Engineer - Product Development

J.B. Poindexter & Co; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

J.B. Poindexter & Co is seeking a Mechanical Engineer for its Corporate Engineering team in Ann Arbor, MI. The ideal candidate will have 2–4 years of experience, a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, and proficiency in SolidWorks. Responsibilities include designing commercial truck bodies, conducting engineering analysis, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. The role offers a dynamic environment with diverse project scopes, ideal for a versatile engineer who enjoys a hands-on approach and problem-solving across varied applications.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of experience in mechanical engineering, preferably in automotive or commercial vehicle industries.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance analysis, product lifecycle.
• Experience with body design and fabrication/machining is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to the design of commercial truck bodies and related mechanical systems.
• Develop 3D models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure manufacturable designs.

Skills

Proficiency in SolidWorks

Hands-on prototyping

3D printing technologies

Ability to manage multiple projects

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Mechanical Engineer, Production Development

Location: Ann Arbor, MI (Required)

Company & Position Overview

JB Poindexter & Co (JBPCO) is a privately held, diversified manufacturing company forecasting $2.75B in annual revenue and 9,000 team members in 2026. JBPCO prides itself on providing best‑in‑class commercial automotive and industrial vehicles. The nine operating subsidiaries, covering approximately 70 locations, are engaged in the production of commercial truck bodies, step‑vans, utility trucks, ambulances, funeral coaches, limousines, electric and alternative fuel vehicles, pickup truck bed enclosures, and commercial packaging. For more information about our industry leading brands and products, visit JBPoindexter.com or connect on LinkedIn.

We are the Corporate Engineering and Product Development organization within JB Poindexter & Co., supporting nine business units across the company’s portfolio of commercial vehicle and upfit solutions spanning Class 1–7 vehicles. This team leads the development and launch of innovative products and technologies across a diverse set of applications and end markets. We operate in a highly dynamic, project‑based environment, managing programs ranging from rapid development cycles (weeks) to complex, multi‑year product launches, while partnering closely with business units, customers, and suppliers to bring fresh solutions to market.

We are seeking a versatile and hands‑on Mechanical Engineer with 2 – 4 years of experience to join our Corporate Engineering team. You will serve as an internal centralized engineering resource supporting multiple businesses across our organization, working on a wide range of product development projects. While the primary focus is commercial truck bodies, you will also support one‑off accessory designs and custom engineering requests for testing and manufacturing—ideal for an engineer who enjoys variety and is not locked into a narrow specialty. This role blends design, analysis, prototyping, manufacturing support, supplier interaction, and customer engagement. We are looking for a well rounded engineer who thrives in both CAD and hands‑on shop environments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Product Development & Design

• Lead and contribute to the design of commercial truck bodies and related mechanical systems.
• Support custom accessories, retrofit, and specialty engineering projects across multiple business units.
• Develop 3D models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks.
• Apply GD&T, tolerance stack‑up analysis, and proper documentation practices.

Engineering Analysis

• Perform structural and mechanical simulations (e.g., FEA).
• Evaluate designs for durability in heavy‑duty, high‑vibration, and high‑load environments.
• Use sound engineering principles to ensure reliability, manufacturability, and safety.
• Conduct competitive benchmarking activities, reverse engineering, and VAVE.

Manufacturing, Prototyping & 3D Printing

• Work closely with in‑house prototype and fabrication teams to ensure manufacturable designs.
• Provide DFM guidance for production processes and manufacturing lines.
• Participate in hands‑on prototype builds, fit checks, and validation activities.
• Utilize 3D printing for prototyping, concept evaluation, fixtures, or low‑volume components.
• Incorporate additive manufacturing constraints and capabilities into design work when applicable.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with mechanical engineers, designers, fabricators, and cross‑functional teams.
• Serve as an internal centralized engineering resource to multiple business units, supporting diverse project needs.
• Communicate directly with customers to gather requirements, present designs, and provide technical insights.
• Work with suppliers on feasibility reviews, design improvements, and manufacturing considerations.

Project Leadership & Mentoring

• Lead engineering projects from concept through design release and handoff.
• Support multi‑disciplinary project teams as a key contributor.
• Train, mentor, and guide interns, new engineers, and junior technical staff.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 2 – 4 years of experience in mechanical engineering, preferably in automotive or commercial vehicle industries.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance analysis, product lifecycle, DFMEA / PFMEA, DFM, DVP & R.
• Familiarity with automotive and commercial truck standards (SAE, ISO, FMVSS).
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Hands‑on prototyping and experience with 3D printing technologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with body design.
• Background working with heavy‑duty or fleet vehicle environments.
• Experience using COMSOL or similar FEA tools.
• Practical fabrication, machining, or shop‑floor experience.
• Control systems understanding.
• Experience with Microsoft Suite of tools.
• Strong communication skills for customer and cross‑functional interactions.
• Comfort working in an engineering team with diverse project scopes.

What We Are Looking For

• A broad, adaptable problem solver—not overly specialized.
• Someone who enjoys a mix of CAD, analysis, prototyping, and hands‑on engineering.
• A team‑oriented engineer who can lead when necessary and support others when needed.
• A self‑starter who thrives working on varied projects in a dynamic environment.