Principal Design Engineer

Sterling St James LLC; Waterloo (IA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling St James LLC in Waterloo, Iowa seeks a Senior Design Engineer to join a team of up to 10 engineers. You will design mechanical products and systems to meet customer needs, plan projects, and drive testing and optimization efforts.

The position emphasizes cost-aware manufacturing methods and continuous improvement. The incumbent will apply mechanics, hydraulics, and materials principles to evaluate systems, confirm capabilities, and document results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering is required.
• Senior-level/experienced engineer with 5+ years of experience.
• Heavy haul trailer engineering experience is a plus.
• Heavy equipment engineering experience is a plus.
• Must have advanced computer skills and understand electronic processing.
• Proficiency with Excel and design software systems.

Responsibilities

• Plan and complete engineering projects by studying customer requirements and scheduling work.
• Evaluate mechanical systems by designing research programs and applying mechanics.
• Confirm capabilities by designing feasibility tests and testing properties.
• Develop products by researching manufacturing and assembly methods.
• Improve manufacturing processes by designing and modifying equipment.
• Assure quality by designing testing methods and validating fabrication.
• Prepare product reports by analyzing information and trends.
• Provide engineering information by answering questions and requests.
• Maintain product database by writing programs and entering data.
• Maintain knowledge by attending workshops and readings.
• Contribute to team effort by achieving related results.

Skills

Analytical skills

Excel proficiency

Design software

Communication skills

Automation understanding

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Excel

Job description

Job Title: Senior Design Engineer

Location: Waterloo, Iowa

Salary: $80-100K plus 10% bonus

Job Summary of the Senior Design Engineer: The Senior Design Engineer will collaborate with a team of up to 10 Design Engineers responsible for designing mechanical products and systems, resulting in a finished product that meets the needs and expectations of the customer.

Job Duties & Responsibilities of the Senior Design Engineer:

• Plan and complete engineering projects by studying customer requirements, market demand, and competitors’ products; scheduling and assigning employees; following up on work results.
• Evaluate mechanical systems and products by designing and conducting research programs; applying principles of mechanics, hydraulics, and materials.
• Confirm system and product capabilities by designing feasibility and testing methods; testing properties.
• Develop mechanical products by studying customer requirements; researching and testing manufacturing and assembly methods and materials, and soliciting observations from operators.
• Develop manufacturing processes, focusing on cost reduction and process improvement by designing and modifying equipment for fabricating, building, assembling, and installing components.
• Assure system and product quality by designing testing methods; testing finished product and system capabilities; confirming fabrication, assembly, and installation process.
• Prepare product reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends.
• Provide engineering information by answering questions and requests.
• Maintain product and company reputation by complying with government regulations.
• Maintain system and product database by writing computer programs and entering data.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

Education & Experience Requirements of the Senior Design Engineer:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
• Senior-level/experienced Engineer with 5+ years experience.
• Heavy haul trailer engineering experience a plus.
• Heavy equipment engineering experience a plus
• Must have advanced computer skills and be able to understand electronic processing.
• Technically proficient in Excel, and Design software systems.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills for effective interface with all internal and external contacts.
• Possess analytical and technical skills required to understand business practices and recommend proper automation opportunities.
• Must have a functional understanding of cost accounting.
• Must be an innovator and embrace lean enterprise principles and practices.
• Ability to quickly learn new tools, systems, etc.