Position Summary
The Design Engineer develops innovative, reliable, and manufacturable fluid‑handling products that meet customer needs, regulatory requirements, and Fill‑Rite’s quality standards. This role supports new product development, product enhancements, and legacy product maintenance through hands‑on engineering design, analysis, testing, and cross‑functional collaboration. The Design Engineer transforms customer and market requirements into robust engineering solutions that strengthen Fill‑Rite’s reputation for durable, high‑performance fuel transfer equipment.
Essential Functions and Basic Duties
- Support mechanical and electromechanical design activities for pumps, meters, and related fluid‑handling products.
- Create 3D models, detailed drawings, and engineering documentation using CAD tools in accordance with Fill‑Rite standards.
- Apply engineering fundamentals and design best practices to ensure product reliability and manufacturability.
- Support concept development, prototyping, and iterative design refinement based on testing and cross‑functional feedback.
- Plan, execute, and document engineering tests to validate product performance, durability, and regulatory compliance.
- Conduct engineering analyses including fluid dynamics, structural analysis, material selection, and failure analysis.
- Ensure product designs meet applicable regulatory and agency standards (UL, CE, ATEX, IECEx, CSA, etc.).
- Collaborate with manufacturing, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure designs are cost‑effective and production‑ready.
- Participate in design reviews, production readiness activities, and supplier evaluations.
- Support Engineering Change Processes and maintain accurate documentation, revision control, and traceability, including maintaining Bill of Materials in ERP software.
- Provide technical support for legacy product maintenance, customer‑specific modifications, and cross‑functional teams as needed.
- Apply Lean Product Development principles to improve design quality, reduce waste, and support Policy Deployment objectives.
- Apply project management to ensure projects remain on time and within budget.
- Models the importance of safety within a manufacturing facility.
- Demonstrates excellence in completion of all other duties as assigned.
Quality & Customer Commitment
- Design products that meet or exceed customer expectations for performance, durability, and ease of use.
- Incorporate VOC insights into design decisions and product improvements.
- Ensure all engineering deliverables meet Fill‑Rite quality standards, documentation requirements, and regulatory obligations.
- Support root‑cause analysis and corrective actions to resolve product quality issues.
Strategic Leadership
- Contribute to long‑term product roadmaps and innovation initiatives.
- Identify opportunities for cost reduction, design simplification, and manufacturability improvements.
- Support continuous improvement efforts across engineering processes, tools, and standards.
- Demonstrate ownership, accountability, and professional judgment in all phases of product development.
Experience Required
- 2–5 years of engineering experience in product development or mechanical design preferred.
- Experience with pumps, fluid‑handling equipment, or industrial products is a plus.
- Hands‑on experience with prototyping, testing, and iterative design refinement
Required Knowledge
- Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling and engineering documentation (SolidWorks preferred).
- Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes.
- Familiarity with regulatory and compliance standards for hazardous‑location equipment.
- Ability to conduct engineering analyses and interpret test data.
- Strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
- Effective communication and collaboration across cross‑functional teams.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
- Understanding of Document Control systems and Engineering Change Processes.
- Experience with ERP/PDM systems preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline required.
- Professional certifications (e.g., FE/EIT) are a plus
Physical Activities and Mental Demands Requirements
- Ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods.
- Ability to lift up to 35 lbs.
- Ability to work in office, lab, and shop environments as needed.
- Ability to perform detailed engineering work requiring concentration, analysis, and problem‑solving.
- Ability to use hand tools for product assembly / disassembly.
- Safe handling of petroleum-based fluids and use of PPE in lab/shop environments.
Working Environment
- Standard office, engineering lab containing petroleum products, and shop environments.
- Occasional travel to suppliers, customers, or other Fill‑Rite facilities may be required (Up to 10%).
This position is open for Fort Wayne, IN or Lenexa, KS
Pay: $75,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
