Mechanical Product Design Engineer I

Thomas Built Buses, Inc.; Gaffney, Northern (SC, KY); Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus program

401k with company match up to 6%

Non-elective company retirement cont.

4 weeks paid vacation

13+ calendar holidays

8 weeks paid parental leave

Employee assistance program

Healthcare plans and wellness programs

Onsite fitness

Tuition assistance

Volunteer paid time off

Short-term and long-term disability

Job summary

Thomas Built Buses, Inc. in Gaffney, SC is seeking a Mechanical Product Design Engineer I to join our Powertrain Engineering team.

You will contribute to the design, development, and integration of powertrain components and systems for heavy-duty vehicles, collaborating with CAE, FEA, and MBS tools to meet performance and manufacturability goals. Candidates should have a BSME or BSMET and 0–2 years of relevant experience, strong communication, and a passion for automotive engineering.

Qualifications

• BSME or BSMET degree required.
• 0–2 years of relevant experience.
• Basic understanding of CAE/FEA/MBS and fatigue analysis desirable.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Uses CAE/FEA/MBS to analyze and improve vehicle powertrain designs.
• Designs and develops mechanical components or systems for heavy-duty vehicles.
• Collaborates with marketing and industrial design to meet specs and cost targets.
• Supports prototype testing, fabrication, and assembly.

Skills

Strong communication

3D design experience

Passion for automotive

Education

BSME or BSMET degree

Job description

## Mechanical Product Design Engineer IApply: Onsite: Gaffney, SC US: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: October 1, 2026 (13 days left to apply): DT-19689**Inside the Role**Powertrain Engineering team is responsible for the development, design, and integration of ICE powertrains into industry-leading heavy-duty specialty vehicles. Powertrain includes, but is not limited to, gas and diesel engines, transmissions, cooling packages, exhaust systems, and aftertreatment systems. The Powertrain Engineering team contributes to on-highway vehicle chassis models produced by Daimler Truck Specialty Vehicles for applications including trucks, buses, RVs, and motor coaches.**Posting Information**We provide a scheduled posting end date to assist our candidates with their application planning. While this date reflects our latest plans, it is subject to change, and postings may be extended or removed earlier than expected.**We Take Care of Our Team****Position offers a starting salary range of $71,000 - $91,000 USD**Pay offered dependent on knowledge, skills, and experience. Benefits include annual bonus program; 401k company contribution with company match up to 6% as well as non-elective company contribution of 3 - 7% depending on age; starting at 4 weeks paid vacation; 13+ calendar holidays; 8 weeks paid parental leave; employee assistance program; comprehensive healthcare plans and wellness programs; onsite fitness (at some locations); tuition assistance and volunteer paid time off; short-term and long-term disability plans.**What You Drive at DTNA*** Uses computer-aided engineering (CAE) to solve complex vehicle design problems using finite element analysis (FEA) and multi-body simulation (MBS), and fatigue analysis* Designs and develops mechanical products, components, or systems including applying mechanical engineering principles to develop products, components, and systems that involve movement* May also be involved with designing product specific manufacturing production processes and equipment* Collaborates with marketing and industrial design teams to develop products that meet technical/functional specifications as well as manufacturing cost/efficiency requirements* Supports and participates in the design, test, modification, fabrication, and assembly of prototype mechanical products and assemblies**Knowledge You Should Bring*** Requires a BSME or BSMET degree* Requires 0-2 years of relevant experience* Requires basic understanding of theories, practices, and procedures related to job field* Works within standard practices and procedures to analyze information and problems* Works within standardized procedures to meet objectives and deadlines**Exceptional Candidates Might Have*** Strong oral and written communication skills* Working 3D design experience* Passion for automotive* Some hands on and practical application of engineering skills* Experience in technical writing#LI-TN1 #LI-Onsite**Where We Work**This position is open to applicants who can work in (or relocate to) the following location(s)-Gaffney, SC US. Relocation assistance is not available for this position.**Schedule Type:**OnsiteAt Daimler Truck North America, we recognize our world is changing faster than ever before. By listening to the needs of today, we’re building to solve with cutting-edge solutions in sustainability and future driving technology across electric, hydrogen and autonomous. These solutions, backed by years of innovative success and achievement, continue DTNA’s legacy as the undisputed industry leader. Our evolving brand portfolio is second to none, including Freightliner Trucks, Western Star, Demand Detroit, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis, and Financial Services. Together, we work as one team towards our envisioned future – building a cleaner, safer and more efficient tomorrow for all.That is what we are working toward - for all who keep the world moving.**Additional Information*** This position is **not open** for Visa sponsorship **or** to existing Visa holders* Applicants must be legally authorized to work permanently in the country the position is located in at the time of application* Final candidate must successfully complete a criminal background check* Final candidate may be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen* Contractors, professional services, or other contingent workers should confirm with their local agency if they are eligible to apply for FTE positions* EEO - Disabled/VeteransDaimler Truck North America is committed to workforce inclusion and providing an environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, age, marital status, family relationship, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (including transgender and transitioning status), genetic information, or veteran status.