Job Title: Product Design Engineering Manager
Location: Waterloo, Iowa
Salary: $80-90K plus 15% bonus
Job Summary of the Product Design Engineering Manager: As the Product Design Engineering Manager, you will lead a team responsible for overseeing a portion of our product offerings to ensure they meet production requirements. This role involves managing existing product platforms, focusing on standardization, continuous improvement, and lifecycle support while maintaining manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, compliance, and scalability. Working closely with other Senior Engineering Managers, you will ensure alignment and effective execution across the product portfolio, supporting various functions within the organization. This position requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and collaboration with key departments.
Job Duties & Responsibilities of the Product Design Engineering Manager:
- Lead a team of product design engineers supporting production and existing products
- Manage product architectures, standards, and design intent across heavy haul trailer platforms
- Prioritize engineering work based on production needs, product improvements, and cost-reduction initiatives
- Serve as the engineering owner for sustaining engineering, product changes, and platform evolution
- Ensure timely resolution of design, quality, and manufacturability issues
- Collaborate with other departments to improve manufacturing processes and product quality
- Lead design reviews, approve engineering changes, and oversee product updates
- Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations while enhancing product durability and safety
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives and support cross-functional teams
- Provide engineering guidance and technical support to sales, service, and operations
- Maintain and enhance engineering documentation, databases, and design tools
- Support the development of standardized product offerings to improve efficiency
Education & Experience Requirements of the Product Design Engineering Manager:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
- Experience in heavy haul trailers, heavy equipment, or fabricated mobile equipment
- Strong background in mechanical systems, structures, hydraulics, and manufacturing processes
- Proven experience supporting products in production environments
- Practical, hands-on engineering judgment
- Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to balance cost, performance, manufacturability, and reliability
- Proficiency with CAD tools, Excel, and engineering data systems
