Engineering Manager – Product Design & Development
Location: Waco, Texas
Reports to: General Manager
CellTech Cargo (CellTech Trailers) is a growing U.S. manufacturer of heavy-duty cargo trailers, combining proven construction methods with forward-thinking product design. Our patented panel system, galvanized-steel construction, and continued investment in engineering reflect our commitment to producing the strongest, most durable, and most innovative trailers on the market.
We are looking for an experienced engineering leader who is creative, practical, and still enjoys designing and building real products.
This is not primarily a people-management position. We need an idea person with the experience and judgment to turn concepts into products that can be manufactured, used, and supported in the real world.
The right person will be equally comfortable developing a new product concept, working through a design in CAD, building or modifying a prototype, and standing on the manufacturing floor with the people responsible for producing it.
You should enjoy solving problems that do not come with complete instructions.
What You Will Do
Lead the development of new products, major product improvements, and custom engineering solutions.
Generate practical concepts and turn them into manufacturable designs.
Remain directly involved from initial idea through CAD, prototyping, testing, production launch, and field performance.
Work closely with manufacturing, purchasing, quality, sales, and company leadership.
Solve structural, mechanical, material, assembly, durability, and production problems.
Improve existing products for performance, reliability, weight, cost, appearance, and ease of manufacturing.
Build, modify, test, and evaluate prototypes and first-production units.
Establish sound engineering standards without creating unnecessary bureaucracy.
Review designs and provide technical direction to designers, engineers, and production personnel.
Help develop the engineering team while remaining personally involved in the technical work.
The Person We Are Looking For
You are an experienced product engineer who has spent enough time building things to understand the difference between a good-looking design and a good product.
You know when a sophisticated solution is necessary and when a simple bracket, material change, or process improvement is the better answer.
You are creative without losing sight of cost, schedule, manufacturing capability, serviceability, and the people who must build the product every day.
You should be comfortable moving quickly from:
Idea → Design → Prototype → Test → Production
This position is best suited for someone who enjoys being close to the product and the manufacturing floor. It will not be a good fit for someone who primarily wants to manage engineers, administer projects, or remain removed from hands-on product development.
Preferred Background
Strong candidates may come from:
Automotive or specialty vehicle manufacturing
Trailer or truck-body manufacturing
Construction, agricultural, or heavy equipment
Recreational or off-highway vehicles
Aerospace, defense, or other engineered products where practical manufacturing experience was required
Low-volume, high-mix, or custom product development environments
Experience and Qualifications
Significant experience designing and developing mechanical products.
Strong practical understanding of fabricated steel and aluminum structures.
Experience with welded assemblies, sheet metal, extrusions, fasteners, adhesives, and mechanical components.
Strong 3D CAD and drawing-development skills.
Experience with prototype development, testing, design validation, and production launches.
Ability to evaluate structural loads, tolerances, materials, weight, durability, and manufacturability.
Experience working directly with fabrication, welding, assembly, and production teams.
Strong problem-solving and technical decision-making skills.
Ability to communicate clearly with both technical and nontechnical team members.
Engineering degree preferred, but substantial relevant product-development experience and demonstrated ability will receive serious consideration.
Experience with electrical systems, hydraulics, vehicle systems, suspension, running gear, doors, ramps, or composite and bonded structures would be valuable.
Compensation and Benefits
Base compensation of $145,000–$175,000 or more, depending on experience and demonstrated capability.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Paid vacation and holidays.
Performance-based bonus opportunity.
•
Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate.
What We Offer
•
The authority and freedom to influence products, processes, and technical direction.
•
A role where good ideas can move quickly from concept to a finished product.
•
Direct access to company leadership and manufacturing operations.
•
An opportunity to build products rather than simply manage engineering activity.
•
Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate.
To Apply
Please submit a résumé along with a brief description of one or two products, systems, or major improvements you personally helped take from concept through production.
We are especially interested in understanding what you designed, what problems you solved, how involved you were in building or testing it, and what the result accomplished.
CellTech Cargo is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. This is an on-site position in Waco, Texas.
Pay: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
