The Lead Design Engineer, working in the Plastics Product Development group, leads the engineering work for injection molded plastic component designs and provides engineering support through all required design phases to both internal and external customers, including engineering research, creation of master sections, manufacturing feasibility, prototyping, trial builds, validation, launch, production, and on-site support. The Lead Design Engineer ensures optimal qualities in the CAD design to maximize product quality, DFM/DFA, minimize tooling cost, reduce cycle time, and contribute toward both advanced manufacturing and plant production efficiency. Must have strong engineering and CAD capabilities and support various plastic team needs. Lead Design Engineers may be responsible for leading and reviewing the work of assigned engineers, designers, technicians, and contractors.

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

• Conducts own job responsible function, along with supervising the work of both Senior Design Engineer / CAD Engineer activities in their allocated roles, to be in accordance with all corporate policies, plans, procedures, instructions, and standards
• Produce and maintains Design Master Section and other engineering documentation to required standards, working with both the Senior Design Engineers and CAD Engineers to satisfy program requirements, both internally and externally as required, or as directed by the Engineering Design Manager
• Actively facilitates and leads design reviews, DFMEA sessions, material review meetings, DFA/DFM meetings, troubleshooting reviews and issue resolution to design/assembly problems when deemed necessary
• Supervise allocated Senior Design Engineer / CAD Engineer resources to support both program and development strategies
• Leads Senior Design Engineers / CAD Engineers activity based upon all customer specifications and known quality requirements

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Production or Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent
• Experience within the automotive/commercial trucking industry designing interior and/or exterior injection molded plastic components and assemblies
• NX12 design and/or CATIA V5 design experience required
• Minimum 6 or more years (6 ) experience and excellent working knowledge of concept, design, injection molding manufacturing and finishing processes
• Working knowledge of GD&T and experience creating and releasing 2D engineering drawings
• Demonstrated experience communicating cross functionally with internal and external customers
• Working knowledge using quality and product development tools such as DFMEA’s, DVP&R’s, 8D’s, DFM/DFA’s

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing and leading complex projects
• Experience working with styling studios, managing tier 2 suppliers, and tool shops
• Working knowledge of APQP
• Experience with various rapid prototyping processes
• Experience using PLM software such as Teamcenter/Enovia/Windchill
• History of progressively increasing responsibility roles within engineering

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 $89,211 - $127,445. The full salary range for the position, across all geographies, is $89,211 - $152,933 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.