The Senior Design Engineer, working in the Plastics Product Development group, is responsible for the completion of engineering work for injection molded plastic component designs and provides engineering support through all required design phases to both internal and external customers, both independently and under the direction of the Design Engineering Manager and Lead Design Engineers. This includes engineering research, customer styling study support and creation of master sections, manufacturing feasibility, prototyping, trial builds, validation, launch, production, and on-site support. The Senior Design Engineer is responsible for delivering robust design solutions and CAD support to ensure optimal designs that maximize product quality by DFM/DFA optimization, minimizing tooling cost, reducing cycle time, and contributing toward both advanced manufacturing and plant production efficiency. Must have strong engineering knowledge and CAD capabilities in NX, Catia V5, or Creo.
This role requires working in an office environment (not hybrid or remote) at ConMet's corporate headquarters in Vancouver, Washington. Non-local candidates must be open to relocation (relocation assistance available).
Key Duties:
- Perform engineering work related to configuring, deploying, maintaining, and upgrading CAD models
- Sketch, concept, detail design, develop and engineer high quality models using 3D and 2D CAD tools
- Produce CAD models/designs that meet targets for feasibility, performance, costs, quality, safety, legislation, and timing.
- Produce and maintains Design Master Section and other engineering documentation to required standards, working with Design Leads, Senior Design Engineers and CAD Engineers to satisfy program requirements, both internally and externally as required, or as directed by the Design Engineering Manager
- Lead design reviews with Product Design Studio influencing plastic components surface execution based on feasibility, best practices and lessons learned.
- Ability to manage and lead diverse OEM projects from early surface development stages through launch and product maintenance.
- Actively participates on DFMEA sessions, material review meetings, DFA/DFM meetings, troubleshooting reviews and issue resolution to design/assembly problems when deemed necessary
- Support Lead Engineers and customer, as necessary to obtain critical design information necessary to complete CAD projects within intended time frame
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent
- 6 or more years (6+) experience and excellent working knowledge of concept, design, injection molded manufacturing and finishing processes
- Expert level proficiency designing in at least one of the following CAD systems; NX, CREO, and/or CATIA V5
- Strong working knowledge of plastics design guidelines and manufacturing processes required
- Experience using PLM systems (Teamcenter and/or Windchill) to manage CAD data and BOM revision control.
- Ability to create/revise CAD models in respective CAD system to produce quality plastic component designs and concepts
- Working knowledge of GD&T and 2D print creation to ASME Y14.5 standards
- Experience within the automotive/commercial trucking industry designing interior and/or exterior injection molded plastic components and assemblies
- Use of “Design of Experiments” methodologies in problem solving and process development
- Experience working with OEM styling studios and developing master section criteria.
- Reporting program status to upper management and multidisciplinary audience, ability to present complex information in a simple way.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Design and launch experience on diverse plastic interior systems.
- Knowledge of APQP processes
- Experience in DFM/DFA with respect to injection molded plastic assemblies
- Experience conducting prototype and development builds
- Experience with various rapid prototyping processes
About ConMet
ConMet, a division of Amsted Industries, is a leading global supplier of wheel hubs, aluminum castings, and structural plastics to original equipment manufacturers and aftermarket channels in the commercial vehicle industry. Founded in 1964, ConMet innovation has been critical in designing, engineering, and manufacturing revolutionary technologies for trucks and trailers. Today, ConMet products are standard equipment on most heavy-duty vehicles in North America and have a growing footprint worldwide.
ConMet is committed to creating products and services that align with critical customer needs. The development of more efficient products, processes, and technology that transform the way customers run and maintain their vehicles is central to ConMet’s vision.
Diversity & Inclusion Pledge
At ConMet, differences are not ignored, but celebrated. Our goal is to encourage a deeper knowing of our people, pulling out knowledge and experiences to ignite creativity. We are committed to achieving workplace equity by intentionally creating a work environment where all people are respected, accepted, and have a sense of belonging.
Because people are what drive our success, ConMet’s Diversity and Inclusion program empowers all employees to embrace their individuality and share their abilities to further our innovations, thus improving the lives of our employees and customers, and strengthening our position as a leader in our market.
Salaried Exempt Compensation & Benefits
- New hires generally start between $92,334 - $131,905. The full salary range for the position, across all geographies, is $92,334 - $158,286 per year. The upper portion of the salary range is typically reserved for existing employees who demonstrate strong performance over time. Starting salary will vary by location, qualifications, and prior experience.
- Targeted annual bonus is based on company performance to objectives during the fiscal plan year which runs from October 1 – September 30.
- Comprehensive employee benefits package, including medical/dental/vision coverage, life, and disability protection.
- Vacation plan – ConMet offers exempt employees a paid vacation benefit that provides the flexibility to take time off from work based on factors including good discretion, sound performance, and consideration of overall team and business needs.
- Paid sick leave up to 10 days (80 hours) per calendar year.
- ConMet offers an extremely strong retirement package:
- ESOP - Participation (100% company paid) in the ConMet/Amsted Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP). The Company contributes 10% of considered compensation into this plan each fiscal year.
- 401k - The Company provides a 401(k) Plan with a 4% employer contribution match.
- Ten paid holidays per year.
- Wellness reimbursement.
ConMet provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws (“Protected Characteristics”). Ensuring fair wages is an important Company value. Accordingly, the Company will not pay wages to any employee at a rate less than the Company pays to other employees for work that is substantially equivalent and requires comparable skills unless a bona fide factor justifies a pay differential. The Company prohibits pay disparity based on Protected Characteristics or prior salary history. The Company prohibits retaliation against employees for discussing compensation.
