Senior Design Engineer – Mechanical

Software Placement Group; Waterloo (IA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Software Placement Group in Waterloo, IA is seeking a Senior Design Engineer to lead mechanical design projects from concept to manufacturing. You will plan, evaluate, and optimize systems and processes, while collaborating with a team of engineers to deliver cost-effective solutions.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, 5+ years of experience, and strong Excel and CAD software skills. A focus on lean practices and quick learning of new tools is essential for success in this

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
• 5+ years senior/experienced design engineer required.
• Advanced computer skills and ability to understand electronic processing.
• Proficiency with Excel and design software systems.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication for internal/external interfaces.
• Analytical skills to understand business practices and recommend automation opportunities.
• Knowledge of cost accounting is preferred.
• Lean enterprise principles experience is a plus.
• Ability to quickly learn new tools and systems.

Responsibilities

• Plan and complete engineering projects by studying requirements, setting schedules, and assigning work.
• Evaluate mechanical systems by designing research programs and applying mechanics, hydraulics, and materials.
• Confirm capabilities by designing feasibility and testing methods.
• Develop mechanical products by researching manufacturing methods and soliciting operator feedback.
• Develop manufacturing processes focused on cost reduction and process improvement.
• Assure quality by designing testing methods and validating fabrication, assembly, and installation.
• Prepare product reports by collecting and summarizing information and trends.
• Provide engineering information by answering questions and requests.
• Maintain databases by writing programs and entering data.
• Keep up with professional knowledge through workshops and networks.
• Contribute to team effort by achieving related results.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Lean principles

Automation opportunities

Project planning

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Excel

Job description

Location: Waterloo, IA | Schedule: Full-time, on-site | Compensation: $80,000-$100,000 plus 10% bonus

Overview

An established manufacturer of mechanical products and systems is seeking a Senior Design Engineer to join a design team of up to 10 engineers. This role is central to delivering finished products that meet customer needs and expectations, from concept through manufacturing.

What you'll do

• Plan and complete engineering projects by studying customer requirements, market demand, and competitors' products; schedule and assign work; follow up on results
• Evaluate mechanical systems and products by designing and conducting research programs and applying principles of mechanics, hydraulics, and materials
• Confirm system and product capabilities by designing feasibility and testing methods and testing properties
• Develop mechanical products by studying customer requirements, researching and testing manufacturing and assembly methods and materials, and soliciting operator feedback
• Develop manufacturing processes focused 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, and confirming fabrication, assembly, and installation processes
• 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 databases 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
• Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Senior-level/experienced engineer with 5+ years experience
• Advanced computer skills and the ability 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
• Analytical and technical skills to understand business practices and recommend proper automation opportunities
• Functional understanding of cost accounting
• Innovator who embraces lean enterprise principles and practices
• Ability to quickly learn new tools and systems

Preferred qualifications

• Heavy haul trailer engineering experience a plus
• Heavy equipment engineering experience a plus

Compensation and benefits

• $80,000-$100,000 salary
• 10% bonus

Why this role

This position offers the opportunity to lead engineering projects within a collaborative design team, directly shaping product quality and manufacturing processes.