Design Engineer

Location: USA-IA-Dubuque Headquarters

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

At Rite-Hite, your work makes an impact. As the global leader in loading dock and door equipment, we design and deliver solutions that keep our customers safe, secure, and productive. Here, you’ll find innovation, stability, and the chance to grow your career as part of a team that’s always looking ahead. 

Purpose and Scope

Lead and support Advanced Technology Development and New Product Development projects for new and existing mechanical products. Work under the direction of the Engineering Manager, Engineering Project Manager, or Project Engineer to define requirements, develop and evaluate concepts, create production-ready designs, coordinate prototypes, complete validation testing, and support commercialization. The position also supports product life cycle needs, cost reduction, quality improvements, and alternative sourcing.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead mechanical product development activities from concept through production release, including design, analysis, prototyping, testing, and implementation.
• Support development of safety equipment and updates to established product lines in accordance with the New Product Development process.
• Use approved product requirements to develop detailed mechanical designs, component specifications, and verification plans.
• Create and revise 3D models, engineering drawings, bills of materials, specifications, and other product documentation.
• Develop and execute validation and production test plans, including outdoor testing when required.
• Analyze test results and field performance, identify failure modes, and implement design improvements.
• Evaluate materials, components, tolerances, and manufacturing methods to achieve product performance, quality, cost, and manufacturability objectives.
• Support supplier transitions by reviewing legacy documentation, updating designs and specifications, coordinating tooling, reviewing samples, and qualifying production components.
• Identify and implement cost-reduction opportunities during redesign, retooling, and product life cycle activities.
• Evaluate alternative components and suppliers, and redesign related components when required to maintain product availability and supply continuity.
• Investigate quality improvement requests, supplier concerns, procurement issues, and field problems using structured root-cause and corrective-action methods.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Product Management, Quality, Operations, Procurement, Sales, Service, customers, and suppliers throughout project execution.
• Maintain engineering documentation and product data in accordance with document revision and MRP requirements.
• Prepare, distribute, and review work completed by Associate Engineers and Designers when assigned.
• Mentor and collaborate with other team members to improve engineering practices and shorten development timelines.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Advance strategic product-development priorities by delivering new products, product improvements, and product life cycle projects to agreed requirements and schedules.
• Provide clear ownership of assigned projects, including technical decisions, risks, testing, documentation, and cross-functional communication.
• Protect product availability and business continuity by responding to supplier, quality, and procurement issues in a timely manner.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to apply algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, and statistics to engineering analysis, design decisions, and test data.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to organize complex information, identify root causes, compare alternatives, and develop practical design solutions.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts, risks, recommendations, and test results clearly to technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, make sound engineering decisions, and work independently with appropriate direction.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related engineering field required.
• Two or more years of experience in mechanical design, product development, manufacturing engineering, or a related field.
• Experience developing mechanical products from concept through production release.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD and engineering drawing software; SolidWorks experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of engineering drawings, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, tolerance analysis, and design documentation.
• Experience developing test plans, conducting validation testing, analyzing results, and documenting conclusions.
• Knowledge of common manufacturing processes, including casting, molded plastics, machining, metal fabrication, and assembly.
• Experience with design for manufacturability and assembly, supplier collaboration, and production-part qualification preferred.
• Experience with cost reduction and value engineering preferred.
• Familiarity with DFMEA, DVP&R, stage-gate product development, root-cause analysis, and corrective-action methods preferred.
• Strong written, verbal, organizational, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

What We Offer

At Rite-Hite, we take care of our people – because when you’re supported, you can do your best work. Our benefits are designed to support your health, your future and your life outside of work:

• Health & Well-being: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus life and disability insurance. A robust well-being program with an opportunity to receive an extra day off and more.

• Financial Security: A strong retirement savings program with 401(k), company match, and profit sharing.

• Time for You: Paid holidays, vacation time, and personal/sick days each year.

Join us and build a career where you’re supported – at work and beyond.

Rite-Hite is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. In accordance with VEVRAA, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for protected veterans. We are also committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace for the safety of our employees and customers.