Project Engineer

Horstman Inc; Sterling Heights (MI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Horstman Inc. is seeking a Project Engineer in Michigan to lead multi‑phase engineering efforts from proposal to production support.

You will develop CAD models and drawings, perform structural analyses, and deliver complete technical data packages for suspension solutions meeting performance, quality, cost, and schedule targets. The role requires a Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and at least 3 years of project management experience, plus strong communication and CAD/FEA

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering is required.
• At least 3 years of engineering experience managing multiple projects or customers.
• Knowledge of suspension systems for heavy commercial and/or defense vehicles.
• Highly motivated, self-starting, and detail-oriented.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Experience using SolidWorks and/or Pro E CAD systems and FEA tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-phase engineering projects from proposal through production support.
• Create CAD models and drawings; perform analyses and system calculations.
• Develop performance targets aligned with customer requirements.
• Present technical data, progress, and schedules to customers.
• Collaborate with prototype and production teams; support manufacturing changes.
• Prepare technical data packages including CAD models, BOMs, DFMEAs, and DVP&Rs.

Skills

MS Office

SolidWorks

Creo

FEA tools

Strong communication

Self-motivated

Education

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Pro/ENGINEER (Creo)

FEA tools

Job description

Project Engineer

Department: 400

Reports To: Director of Engineering

FLSA: Salary - Exempt

Prepared By: Human Resources

General Description of Position

The Project Engineer leads multi‑phase engineering projects from proposal and concept development through detailed design, analysis, prototyping, testing, and production support. Responsibilities include CAD model and drawing creation, structural analysis, system calculations, and delivery of complete technical data packages. Project Engineers ensure suspension solutions meet customer performance, quality, cost, and schedule goals.

Primary Function and Responsibilities

• Develop concept designs, analyses, and cost/timing estimates for proposals.
• Establish performance targets aligned with customer requirements.
• Perform feasibility assessments and system trade studies.
• Present technical data, progress, and schedules to customers.
• Communicate project status and next steps to cross‑functional teams.
• Select components / subsystems based on performance, cost, and quality criteria.
• Design and conduct testing to confirm product performance.
• Develop and validate corrective actions based on test results.
• Collaborate with prototype and production manufacturing teams.
• Create designs optimized for manufacturing and assembly; support supplier / manufacturing changes.
• Prepare technical data packages including CAD models, drawings, BOMs, specifications, DFMEAs, DVP&Rs, and assembly/installation procedures.
• Maintain focus on safety, quality, and compliance with company policies.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum 3 years of engineering experience managing multiple projects or customers.
• Knowledge of suspension systems for heavy commercial and/or defense vehicles.
• Highly motivated, self‑starting, and detail‑oriented.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Experience using SolidWorks and/or Pro E CAD systems and FEA tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Suspension design experience for military wheeled or tracked vehicles.
• Experience with high pressure hydraulics, seals, valves, and structural components.
• Stress analysis skills; knowledge of materials, heat treatments, finishes, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with damping valve tuning for ride and handling performance.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks and/or Creo CAD systems and FEA tools.

Work Environment

• Requires occasional travel (national and international).
• May be exposed to various outdoor weather conditions including but not limited to heat, cold, wind, rain and humidity.
• Occasional exposure to work near moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles; risk of vibration.
• Moderate noise level when working in shop environment.