What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mechanical Engineer position at Bil-Jax?
Mechanical Engineer – Aerial Work Platforms
Location: Archbold, OH
Job Type: Full-time, On-site
Reports to: Engineering Manager
About Haulotte Bil‑Jax
Haulotte Bil‑Jax is a global leader in the engineering and manufacturing of trailer-mounted boom lifts, vertical and material lifts, frame/scaffold systems, contractor equipment, and event staging solutions. Our equipment supports safe work-at-height operations and major event structures around the world. At Haulotte Bil‑Jax, we bring passion and pride to creating innovative solutions that lift people and materials safely and efficiently. Join a team where great experiences start with you.
Job Summary
The Mechanical Engineer is a key member of the Research & Development team responsible for designing, analyzing, testing, and improving mechanical, hydraulic, and electro‑mechanical components and systems used in Aerial Work Platforms (AWPs).
This role combines classic mechanical engineering with systems-level thinking. You will participate in developing whole-machine architecture, designing new components, improving existing products, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and supporting cross-functional teams.
Duties & Responsibilities
Mechanical & Systems Design
- Design new mechanical and hydraulic components and revise existing designs to meet market needs and customer expectations.
- Create and maintain 3D CAD models (SolidWorks), engineering drawings, and system architecture documents.
- Define technical specifications, sizing requirements, and performance criteria for mechanical systems and components.
- Conduct fit, form, and function verification, including FEA and manufacturability reviews.
- Develop machine-level system architectures integrating mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and electronic systems.
Testing, Validation & Prototyping
- Develop and participate in testing programs for mechanical, hydraulic, and electro‑mechanical systems.
- Oversee prototype builds and verify concept performance and structural integrity.
- Evaluate product design changes to ensure compliance with codes, safety standards, and internal quality expectations.
Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving
- Participate actively in continuous improvement initiatives and structured problem solving.
- Review nonconforming parts; recommend cost‑effective, customer‑focused solutions.
- Investigate manufacturing issues, support assembly troubleshooting, and recommend corrective actions.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Provide technical support to internal teams, including production, service, and quality.
- Coordinate system integration activities, including electrical, diagnostic, and mobile application interfaces as applicable.
- Summarize information in clear technical reports, PowerPoint presentations, and formal documentation.
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals, including mechanics, materials, hydraulics, and manufacturing processes.
- Ability to interpret, create, and modify engineering prints and technical documentation.
- Experience with SolidWorks, including routing and parametric modeling.
- Knowledge of functional analysis, technical drawings, and system-level engineering.
- Understanding of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
- Analytical and solutions‑oriented problem solver with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-based environment.
Preferred or Beneficial Skills
(These come from the systems role but are optional for a Mechanical Engineer. Include as needed.)
- Knowledge of electrical systems, sensors, CAN protocols (CANbus), and general electronics.
- Experience collaborating with software or diagnostic tool developers.
- Familiarity with ARAS, PCAN Explorer, Visio, or similar tools.
- Bilingual English/French.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field (required).
- Minimum 3–5 years of design engineering experience, preferably in off‑road equipment, construction machinery, heavy equipment, or AWP manufacturing.
- Experience with 3D parametric CAD (SolidWorks) and Microsoft Office tools.