At least 5 years
Job Description
The Lead Engineer drives value analysis and value engineering (VA/VE) initiatives across the full product lifecycle, from concept and design through prototyping, testing, and implementation. This role focuses on developing innovative, cost-effective vehicle conversion solutions while meeting quality, performance, and customer requirements. The Lead Engineer collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to deliver robust designs that support business objectives and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
- Lead VA/VE projects from initial concept through design, prototyping, testing, and implementation to deliver cost-effective vehicle solutions.
- Identify and develop innovative ideas that enhance vehicle products while reducing overall cost without compromising quality or performance.
- Build and maintain a structured pipeline of cost reduction opportunities by organizing and participating in internal and external VA/VE events.
- Partner with cross-functional teams, including portfolio, sales, quality, manufacturing engineering, customer experience, and purchasing, to create feasible designs and strong business cases.
- Utilize rapid prototyping methods to evaluate, refine, and validate concept designs before full-scale implementation.
- Coordinate with production and purchasing teams to implement cost-saving initiatives and ensure smooth integration into existing processes.
- Design and develop vehicle conversions using CAD tools, specifically Inventor, to produce detailed and accurate engineering models and drawings.
- Engineer mechanisms, suspensions, structures, and closures such as doors and liftgates to meet functional, durability, and safety requirements.
- Plan design, procurement, assembly, and validation activities in alignment with project timelines and APQP stage gates.
- Ensure all designs meet defined quality, cost, and performance targets and comply with internal standards and customer expectations.
- Lead initiatives focused on low-cost design alternatives, standardization of components, and design commonality across vehicle platforms.
- Continuously improve designs, engineering processes, and project timelines to enhance efficiency and product robustness.
- Participate in and contribute to design reviews to ensure all vehicle conversions meet engineering specifications and customer requirements.
- Apply dimensional management principles and GD&T to ensure manufacturable, repeatable, and high-quality designs.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
- Minimum of 5 years of work experience in automotive design.
- Proficiency in designing and developing vehicle conversions using CAD, specifically Inventor.
- Strong knowledge of dimensional management and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
- Experience in mechanism design, including moving components and kinematic systems.
- Experience in steel and aluminum part design and related manufacturing processes.
- Demonstrated experience working with cross-functional teams such as engineering, manufacturing, quality, sales, and purchasing.
- Ability to lead VA/VE projects and drive cost reduction while maintaining or improving product performance.
- Strong planning skills to align design, procurement, assembly, and validation activities with project timelines and APQP stage gates.
- Excellent problem-solving skills with a focus on continuous improvement in designs and processes.
- Effective communication skills to present concepts, participate in design reviews, and collaborate with internal stakeholders.
- Previous assembly plant launch experience is preferred.
- Prior experience with VA/VE methodologies and events.
- Experience leading standardization and design commonality initiatives.
- Familiarity with automotive structures, suspensions, closures, and vehicle conversion engineering.
- Ability to develop business cases in partnership with cross-functional teams.
- Comfort with rapid prototyping techniques to quickly iterate and validate design concepts.
This role is based onsite, providing close interaction with engineering, production, and cross-functional teams. The onsite setting supports hands-on involvement with vehicle conversions, prototypes, and production activities, as well as direct collaboration with manufacturing and purchasing. The environment emphasizes structured project execution aligned with APQP stage gates, and frequent design reviews to ensure that engineering solutions meet quality, cost, and performance targets.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Winamac, IN.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $70000.00 - $120000.00/yr.
This is an opportunity to join a large, nationally recognized organization with multiple locations across the U.S. that is actively investing in its future through major facility and automation upgrades. The team is growing and evolving, creating strong long term stability and career growth potential. In this role, you will gain exposure to both automotive and consumer product manufacturing environments, allowing you to build a diverse and highly transferable skill set. Engineers here are given the chance to work across multiple projects and technologies, creating a well rounded experience that supports both internal advancement and future career opportunities. There is a clear path for growth within the engineering organization, with defined levels ranging from Engineer I through Engineer VII. This structure allows for continued progression as you develop your technical and leadership capabilities. The company offers a strong culture and collaborative work environment, along with competitive benefits including a 401k match program of up to 40 percent and a relocation package for qualified candidates. As an Actalent consultant, you will also have ongoing support and advocacy from our team, ensuring a smooth onboarding process, consistent communication, and career guidance throughout your engagement. Equal Opportunity Statement We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.
Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Winamac,IN.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Jul 1, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
Posting ID: JP-006099842
