Manager of Design Engineering

Position Summary

The Manager of Design Engineering will manage all product development activities for new and current products in support of designated product categories. This position will lead a team of engineers by providing support, input, and guidance on all product design and development activities.

Core Functions

• Provide design engineering support in alignment with the Manufacturing Center of Excellence (COE) leader and Product Category Manager.
• Manage all product development activities, including new product development (NPD), testing & validation, vehicle application development (a.k.a., line extensions) and continuous product improvements.
• New product development is managed according to the RealTruck Product Roadmap, Phase Gate process, and established RACI.
• Manage the vehicle application engineering activity per RealTruck's Line Extension Annual Process (LEAP). Ensure all performance and safety targets are met.
• Support continuous improvement (C.I.) activities as it relates to product warranty, design-to-value (DTV), and Compass Room activities.
• Maintain the CAD files within the ePDM structure and ensure defined drawing criteria are met on all new and existing drawings.
• Provide Resource Management per the annual Project Workload planning and budgeting process. Additionally, establish the R&D budget related to expenses, travel & entertainment, and CAPEX.
• Initiate and approve re-designs for existing products that improve manufacturability, reduce warranty, or reduce costs.
• Coordinate among cross-functional departments to ensure proper communication of projects, priorities, and responsibilities. Ensure full utilization of engineering resources.
• Initiate and validate ECNs as they relate to product improvements and/or modifications.
• Manage a team of design engineering professionals
• Provide leadership and direction on project priorities and workload.
• Coach and develop team members; identify gaps in talent and provide training opportunities. Provide feedback and recognition

Qualifications & Requirements

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related Engineering field is required.
• 7+ years of engineering experience, with 2+ years of supervisory experience is required.
• Lean or similar Continuous Improvement knowledge and experience is required.
• CAD/CAM software experience is required.
• Experience with a maintenance software tool preferred.
• ERP or manufacturing software experience preferred.

Required Licenses

• Valid driver’s license required.

Skills, Abilities, And Knowledge

• Skilled in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to read and understand technical drawings.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others, both verbally and in writing.
• Actively attends to, conveys, and understands comments and questions of others.
• Mathematical skills commensurate with an engineering degree.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and priorities through the analysis of business needs.

Travel

• Occasional travel may be required.

COMPETENCIES

• Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas.
• Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
• Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Supports everyone’s efforts to succeed.
• Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.

Supervisor Responsibilities

• This position will plan, staff, evaluate, and direct the work of employees of a work unit.

Physical Requirements

• This position is subject to medium work; Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Physical Activities

• This position is subject to the following physical activities: reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, talking, and hearing.

Visual Acuity

• The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; expansive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts and/or operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; and/or assembly of fabrication of parts at distances close to the eyes.

Working Conditions

• The worker is subject to both an office and production floor environment with inside environmental conditions, including noise, vibration, and hazards from a production-based environment.

Perks That Go The Extra Mile

• medical, dental, and vision coverage
• company-paid life insurance and disability
• 401(k) with company match (eligible the first of the month after you start)
• wellbeing days
• parental leave
• educational reimbursement
• referral bonuses
• exclusive employee discounts on RealTruck products

Great benefits. Great people. Even better careers.

RealTruck is the premier manufacturer and digital destination of accessories for truck, Jeep®, Bronco® and off-road enthusiasts around the world. Globally headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, RealTruck's 6,000+ associates operate from 35+ facilities across four continents. RealTruck's industry leading product portfolio, which includes the Husky Liners total vehicle protection brand, boasts over 1,000 patents and pending applications. The company's omni-channel retail approach delivers a seamless consumer experience online at RealTruck.com, as well as through its 12,000+ dealer network and automotive (OEM) partnerships.