Product Engineering Manager

Great Dane LLC; Wayne (NE); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Full benefits (medical/vision/dental)

Pension/401(k) with employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Great Dane LLC is seeking a Product Engineering Manager to oversee day‑to‑day product design decisions in collaboration with Manufacturing and Engineering. You will supervise engineers, guide BOM creation, and ensure production drawings meet specifications for custom trailers.

The role requires a Mechanical Engineering degree, 5+ years in manufacturing, and strong skills in CATIA V5, AutoCAD, and MRP systems. Travel as needed; leadership and communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering is required.
• Minimum 5 years of manufacturing experience.
• Proven ability to handle sensitive information and technical data with professionalism.
• Proficient in 3D modeling and drafting tools (CATIA V5, AutoCAD).
• Knowledge of MRP and World Class Manufacturing practices.

Responsibilities

• Train engineers in product design, BOMs, and structure analysis.
• Generate BOMs and release production drawings for manufacturing and purchasing.
• Review and approve BOMs and drawings produced by engineers.
• Make day‑to‑day design decisions with Manufacturing and Engineering.
• Propose design changes to meet custom specifications and queries from Sales or customers.
• Perform material specification determinations and basic structure analysis.
• Provide technical orders and assist with inquiries from Manufacturing or customers.
• Mentor other departments on product knowledge and processes.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Decision Making

Problem Solving

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

MRP system

Visual Basic

Job description

Overview

THE ROLE

At Great Dane, we rely on makers and we’re calling on them to join our expanding team. The time has never been better to Embrace Your Great and work in an environment with the highest safety standards in the industry.

The Position: The Product Engineering Manager is responsible for making decisions on day to day product design issues with Manufacturing and Engineering and supervising the engineers in designing custom trailers.

Responsibilities

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Train engineers in performing their duties such as designing products, generating mechanical drawing, bills of materials and structure analysis.
• Generate bills of materials to MRP to provide purchasing with trailer parts exposure.
• Review and approve bill of materials and production drawings generated by engineers.
• Perform decision making on day-to-day design issues with Manufacturing.
• Decide on design adjustments to fit custom specification.
• Determine material specification for final procurement.
• Perform structure analysis and calculation.
• Suggest product revision and improvements to Product Manager.
• Suggest and determine product specification with Sales Department and customers.
• Issue technical orders for product assemblies.
• Answer technical inquiries from Manufacturing or customers and provides plant tours for visitors.
• Provide technical assistance in material procurements and manufacturing inquiries.
• Provide training to other departments in product knowledge.
• Assist facilities with Manufacturing Engineering that is product driven.
• Communicate with and manager professional relationships with multiple internal departments on a daily basis.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

YOUR SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS)

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Experience: 5-years of manufacturing experience
• Skills: Professionalism in handling sensitive and confidential information and technical data.
• Proficient in 3D Modeling (CATIA V5), AutoCad, and Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of Visual Basic or similar programming language.
• Knowledge of basic air friction associated with air braking systems.
• High level of creativity, sound judgment, and technical knowledge.
• Excellent communication and management skills.
• Desire to own decisions and take responsibility for outcomes.
• Willingness to continually embrace personal and professional development.
• Knowledge of Materials Requirements Planning.
• Knowledge and skills in World Class Manufacturing.
• Proficient in MRP system.
• Working knowledge in Fabrication, Welding & Assembly Processes.
• Strong cross-functional team building skills.
• Record of managing and leading people in a diverse work environment in a manner that shows respect and upholds organizational values.
• Lead by example with hands-on approach.
• Travel: As needed.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Office and plant environment.
• Keyboarding, lifting, standing, bending, walking.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ABOUT GREAT DANE

With a history dating back to 1900, Great Dane has established itself as a transportation solutions leader of today – delivering innovative products and exceptional services that help our customers and employees succeed. We not only engineer durable and high-quality trailers and truck bodies; we foster relationships that last a lifetime.

WHY WORK FOR US?

Great Dane is a leading manufacturer of dry-freight vans, refrigerated trailers, and flatbeds with 10 manufacturing facilities and 20 service centers throughout the United States. With a legacy like ours comes a dedication to the hard-working individuals that make Great Dane what it is today. Our jobs are waiting to be filled by driven, challenge-focused & enthusiastic people like you.

Our culture is comprised of “Champions” and offers a rewarding workplace rooted in core values of safety, leadership, integrity, quality, and passion. Every employee has opportunities to learn, grow, succeed and be engaged in a collaborative environment.

BENEFITS OVERVIEW

• Competitive compensation
• Benefits, including but not limited to dental, vision, and medical with employer contributions
• Retirement programs, including a Pension Plan and 401(k) Plan with employer match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid holidays and vacation
• And more!

Great Dane is an Equal Opportunity Employer