R&D Mechanical Engineer

Rosenbauer America; Lyons Township (SD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Rosenbauer America is seeking an R&D Project Engineer-Mechanical to lead the design, development and testing of major subsystems for firetrucks. You will translate ideas into prototypes and production-ready designs while ensuring compatibility with manufacturing and service needs.

You will work cross-functionally with design, production, purchasing, service, and sales teams to meet regulatory and performance requirements, driving continuous improvement in design for manufacture and assembly.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent with hands‑on design experience.
• Experience with design experiments, data collection and analysis is preferred.
• SolidWorks experience and heavy-truck/automotive systems familiarity are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and testing of major subsystems for firetrucks.
• Create prototypes and production-ready designs.
• Develop test plans and analyze data to meet project objectives.
• Collaborate with design, production, purchasing, service, and sales teams.

Skills

Mechanical design

Cross-functional teamwork

Regulatory compliance

Data analysis

Communication

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

3 years mechanical engineering experience

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD/CAE tools

Job description

ROSENBAUER STATEMENT

At Rosenbauer we pride ourselves on providing top-of-the-line fire apparatus, created with state-of-the-art technology, for more than 150 years. When lives are at stake, anything less is unacceptable. As the world’s largest manufacturer of fire equipment, we make sure our vehicles, production teams, and service personnel are ready to do what is necessary to keep communities safe.

ROSENBAUER STATEMENT

At Rosenbauer we pride ourselves on providing top-of-the-line fire apparatus, created with state-of-the-art technology, for more than 150 years. When lives are at stake, anything less is unacceptable. As the world’s largest manufacturer of fire equipment, we make sure our vehicles, production teams, and service personnel are ready to do what is necessary to keep communities safe.

Position Summary

The R&D Project Engineer-Mechanical will lead the design, development, and testing of major sub-systems related to firetrucks. R&D Mechanical Engineering is responsible for turning ideas for products into functional prototypes and production-ready designs. The position will support advanced engineering design optimization, design for manufacture and assembly, and issue evaluation and resolution using engineering tools with efficient and affordable processes. The R&D Project Engineer-Mechanical will achieve these goals by working cross functionally with other sub‑system engineers, purchasing, production, service, and our sales team.

Essential Functions

All employees are required to support Rosenbauer’s Mission, Vision, and Values. The following are the essential duties of this position and do not include marginal functions that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. The scope and duties of a given position may change or be temporarily altered based on the business needs of Rosenbauer.

• Manages one or more medium‑term product improvement projects for the engineering team from start to finish, including product research, planning timelines, breaking milestones down into achievable tasks, technical documentation, and keeping management informed on the project status and trajectory.
• Understands and applies vehicle regulatory requirements and standards, such as FMVSS, SAE, NFPA, etc., to ensure product designs are compliant. Ensures engineering designs meet other requirements, such as corporate, customer, and performance requirements. May maintain regulatory agency approvals.
• Develops test plans, performs tests, and analyzes data to ensure designs meet requirements and project objectives.
• Develops internal standards for applying new engineering designs to customized product configurations in an efficient manner.
• Reviews analyzes service records related to vehicles in the field to assess product performance over time, ultimately finding and implementing opportunities for improvement.
• Evaluates opportunities for improvements in production efficiency by reducing product variants and implementing improvements in design for manufacture and assembly. Works with purchasing to evaluate new components and suppliers for improved cost or performance.
• Collaborates with design engineers, production teams, and suppliers to resolve technical issues and implement corrective actions. Acts as a technical resource for other departments including Manufacturing, Purchasing, Service, and Sales & Marketing to address and resolve inquiries and problems.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as required by management to meet the needs of the company.

Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Knowledge, Education, And/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or an additional 3 years of experience in a mechanical engineering role required.
• Experience with design experiments, data collection, and data analysis. Hands‑on experience with data acquisition systems preferred.
• Experience with SolidWorks preferred.
• Experience in heavy truck and/or automotive systems preferred.
• Experience with design for manufacturing, assembly, and service preferred.
• Knowledge of firefighting processes and equipment preferred.

Language

• Able to find, read, and interpret relevant scientific and technical documentation and standards.
• Able to organize and facilitate engineering discussions by listening, asking relevant questions, and suggesting solutions to problems.
• Able to create and follow written and verbal directions and communicate new information that could affect project trajectories.

Math

• Able to solve complex problems using engineering knowledge and calculations, with a high aptitude for accuracy.

Computer

• Able to perform intermediate PC functions including the use of spreadsheet tables and formulas.
• Able to work within SolidWorks or similar CAD program.

Abilities

• Able to deal with problems involving a variety of variables in non‑standard situations.
• Able to understand and apply an engineering development process.
• Able to prioritize work and to multitask while adhering to deadlines.
• Able to work with minimal supervision in a team environment.
• Able to understand and follow all safety policies to promote a safe working environment for all.

Other Qualifications

Check if applies: Give Examples as Necessary

• Driving- license x May need to travel off site for tradeshows, meetings, or company related events.
• Driving- Own Vehicle x May need to travel off site for tradeshows, meetings, or company related events.
• Hours of work- Ability to work evenings and/or weekends occasionally x Overtime as needed to meet the needs of the department.
• Travel- Local x May need to travel for local meetings/tradeshows.
• Travel- Overnight x May need to travel overnight for meetings, tradeshows, or visiting other Rosenbauer locations.
• Travel- Prolonged Periods x May need to travel off site for tradeshows, meetings, or company related events.

Qualifications- Other

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Lifting Requirements- Team Lift Required For 50lbs Or More.

Weight in pounds Never 0% Rarely 1-10% Occasionally 11-33% Frequently 34-66% Continuously 67% or more 1-10 x 11-20 x 21-35 x 35-50 x 51-75 x 76-100 x 100+ x

Vision Requirements Never 0% Rarely 1-10% Occasionally 11-33% Frequently 34-66% Continuously 67% or more Color Vision x Close Vision x Peripheral Vision x Long Distance Vision x

Movement Requirements Never 0% Rarely 1-10% Occasionally 11-33% Frequently 34-66% Continuously 67% or more Standing x Walking x Sitting x Talking or hearing x Feeling x Climb/Balance x Kneel/Crouch/Squat x Bending/Twisting x Reaching upward or outward x Bending neck side‑to‑side or front‑to‑back x Typing x Pinching/finger manipulation x Grasping/turning the wrist x Taste/Smell x Laying Down x

Work Environment Never 0% Rarely 1-10% Occasionally 11-33% Frequently 34-66% Continuously 67% or more Wet Humid Conditions (non‑weather) x Humid conditions (weather‑related) x Work Near Moving Mechanical Parts x Work in High Precarious Places x Fumes or Airborne Particles x Toxic or Caustic Chemicals x Outdoor Weather Conditions x Extreme Cold (non‑weather) x Extreme Heat (weather‑related) summer months x Risk of Electrical Shock x Work with Explosive Materials x Vibration x

Noise Level for Typical Environment x Moderate Noise: (Examples office with printers, phones, and light traffic) Loud Noise: (Examples: Metal Manufacturing, Construction sites) Very Loud Noise: (Examples: Jack Hammer Work)

Personal Protective Equipment PPE Never 0% Rarely 1-10% Occasionally 11-33% Frequently 34-66% Continuously 67% or more Safety boots x Safety Glasses x Cut resistant Gloves x Respirator x Face Shield x

Equal Opportunity Employer/individuals with disabilities/protected veterans. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre‑employment drug screening.