Lead Project Engineer

In this role you will lead and manage a team of engineers responsible for the sustainment and new product development of the product line. Focusing on, manufacturability, cost reduction, enhancing machine performance, reliability, and standardization across the product line, through effective collaboration with our technology partners and across the company. Upholding the company’s culture, mission, and values by ensuring compliance with policies and procedures and fostering a collaborative work environment.

Essential Functions:

• Oversees and communicates the specifications and requirements of the project.

• Owns the project objectives and deliverables.

• Establish the a project plan and use it to manage project delivery while keeping focus on the impact it has on other projects.

• Lead sustainment development projects in cost reduction, manufacturability, and warranty reduction.

• Partner with purchasing and manufacturing for strategic direction and issue resolution.

• Collaborate across our technical engineering teams to develop full machines that meet our internal and external customer expectations and mission requirements.

• Partner with both our vehicle systems experts and external partners to develop machine level and component level validation strategies.

• Optimize cost, quality, and on-time delivery by improving the efficiency of development activities.

• Managing the DV/PV test plan and plan for the prototype builds.

• Schedule and execute design reviews and project gate reviews.

• Coach, mentor, and provide direction to the engineering team, fostering professional growth and technical proficiency.

• Maintain CAD for overall full-machine vehicle architecture and customer requirements (we use Autodesk Inventor).

• Uphold company policies and procedures, contributing to a harmonious working environment and strong working relationships.

• Accountable for project focus and requesting resources.

• Creates and maintains budgets and forecast requirements with economic justifications linked to project activities.

• Evaluate mechanical and structural systems for example but not limited to machine structures, winches/ gearboxes, motors, sheaves, drums, enclosures, and operator's cab.

• Evaluate the tolerance stack up for new or existing designs and recommending class fits for the application.

• Prepare component and system drawings (layouts, assemblies, installation drawings).

• Component and system drafting, properly annotating drawings with dimensions, surface finishes, welds (AWS D14.1 or D1.1), and tolerance fits for manufacturing and machine assemblies.

• Strong Mechanical design and the processes involved in producing a part or parts being burned, cut/saw, machined, formed, weldments, sheet metal, castings, and forgings.

• Strong knowledge of mechanical and structural connections being bolted, pinned, or welded.

• Working knowledge of bill-of-material management on both the drawings and within an ERP system.

Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities:

Decision Making

Has the ability to assess situations quickly. Understands and makes decisions reflecting the true needs and priorities of the company, even if they are not ideal for the employee’s work area. Decisions are always sound and trusted by all levels of the organization.

Initiative

A self-starter. Resourceful in any situation. Good follow-through. Consistently seeks opportunities to improve quality of results. Can quickly sense what will help or hinder accomplishing a goal. Takes action that goes beyond job requirements in order to achieve objectives.

Conceptual Thinking

Creates new concepts that are not obvious to others and not learned from previous education or experience, to explain situations or resolve problems. Routinely incorporates external learnings for improved business decisions.

Analytical Thinking

Has mastered use of analytical techniques or tools used within the group or engineering discipline. Can lead others through analytical process and reach good conclusions. Can articulate/present analysis at various levels in the organization that is appropriate for the intended audience. Is well recognized across organizations for good application of analytical techniques.

Expertise

Takes steps to maintain a deep understanding of key business issues and implications. Demonstrates deep understanding of solutions that could impact the business. Sees applicability of current or emerging technological solutions to the future needs of the business. Increased skills are recognized and utilized by the customer and the organization.

Strategic Organization

Prioritizes work in alignment with business goals. Acts in accordance with externally set strategies, objectives, or goals. Contributes in development of short and longer term technical strategies for area of responsibility.

Work Environment

This is primarily an office classification, and employees work in an office with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. May work offsite in various environments. Up to 10% domestic and international travel will be required.

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field.

• 10+ years of experience working in an engineering capacity supporting product development with a particular focus on full machine delivery in the material handling, construction equipment, agricultural equipment, or other heavy equipment industry.

• 5+ years of supervisory experience is essential with a proven track record of leading successful teams.

• Master's degree in related engineering field desired, but not required.

• Fluent in English, both verbal and written.