Project Engineer

Position Purpose:

Responsible for the design, development, and optimization of suspension systems and components for the Trailer Division as assigned. Provide technical support of current products to ensure they exceed the expectations of our production facilities and customers. Support the development of technical excellence standards in the design and support of products, applications, VA/VE execution, and continuous improvement.

Essential Functions:

• Collaborates with the Product Engineering Manger and the Product Line leaders to create and maintain priorities, schedules, and metrics for assigned projects and tasks

• Lead VA/VE identification and execution process for suspension system and components
• Lead product engineering design activities for new products as assigned using the SPPD process
• Create 3D models, assembly layouts, drawings, and specifications necessary to insure the proper fit, form, and function of the designs

• Works closely with the R&D testing groups to ensure that new products and changes to current products are appropriately specified and validated
• Create drawings and plans of suspension components and assemblies, for use in construction of prototypes to be built and tested at Hendrickson’s R&D facility and assist in the testing when applicable
• Communicate design intent and critical design requirements through the AQP process; develop and manage design FMEAs, specify and approve PPAP requirements, and review and approve product deviations as assigned. 
• Works with customers and production facilities to ensure existing products exceed expectations

• Assist in the creation and continuous improvement of best practices for suspension products

• Work closely with internal manufacturing, purchasing, and quality departments, as well as outside suppliers, to obtain the best overall solutions to design problems.
• Create and present material for Management review

Education and Training

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or similar discipline.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5-8 years engineering experience in automotive (preferably commercial vehicles), heavy equipment, or related industry is desired.
• Experience in vehicle structural design (preferably heavy or medium duty truck) with exposure to vehicle dynamics, structural analysis, fatigue analysis, and system design preferred.
• Strong fundamentals of design knowledge required.
• Solid modeling experience using 3D modeling software required, PTC Creo preferred.
• Strong drafting skills, including knowledge of dimensioning and tolerance practices per ANSI Y14.5
• Knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes related to welding, stamping, forming, machining, casting, forging, fasteners, etc. preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines required. Exposure to Project Management skills and techniques a plus.
• Self-motivated with good organization and planning skills.
• Computer literacy with Windows environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• Must have good people skills and be able to develop good working relationships with suppliers, internal production personnel, sales group, staff, customers, etc.

Physical Demands

• Frequent sitting, work at computer for extended periods of time
• Occasional travel as required

Environmental Conditions

• Office setting
• Exposure to R&D and manufacturing setting

Behavioral Traits

• Ability to prioritize and plan work activities to efficiently meet deadlines
• Must be detail-oriented
• Ability to handle multiple assignments and complete tasks within demanding time frames with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly, ask questions for clarification, and take initiative
• Must be able to work effectively in a team
• Strong numeric, analytical, and mechanical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

*This is not a comprehensive list of duties.  Duties may change without notice in management’s sole discretion.  Hendrickson is an at-will employer, each employee is free to resign at any time, just as Hendrickson is free to terminate employment at any time without cause or notice.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.