What are the responsibilities and job description for the Design Engineer position at KA Group?
DESIGN ENGINEER
About the Role:
We are looking for a talented, driven, and entrepreneurial Design Engineer to join our Scraper division efforts. The ideal candidates are intensely curious about creating products for agriculture, construction, heavy equipment, exhibit a can-do attitude, and approach their work with vigor and determination. Candidates should have demonstrated the ability to learn quickly and work effectively in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment, and be excellent at multi-tasking. You’ll be responsible for creating models and detailed drawings of mechanical parts and assemblies using Solid works. You’ll also tackle challenges related to product performance and contribute to our product road map.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Contributes to our product evolution by sharing your technical knowledge and creativity.
- Works with document control to assign drawing numbers and ensuring that updates are revised correctly.
- Organizing and storing files in the designated storage area. (ECO process/preparation).
- Alters existing Ashland Industries drawings and parts for Engineering Change Orders (ECO).
- Assists Marketing/Publishing with graphics (3D pictures, etc.) as required – Solid Works
- Creates and maintains detailed parts books to be used by assembly, purchasing, parts/service and the customer in the field for identifying scraper components.
- Works closely with purchasing to ensure the proper/latest files are sent to the vendors to manufacture the parts/assemblies.
- Analyzes field problems and recommends possible solutions.
- Assists in the preparation of the monthly project status report.
- Designs, develops, and improves mechanical systems and components for heavy equipment products, ensuring they meet functional, performance, and safety requirements.
- Creates and maintains detailed design documentation, including 3D models, engineering drawings, specifications, and bills of materials (BOM).
- Collaborates with cross-functional teams (manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and field services) to ensure designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, and meet quality standards.
- Utilizes CAD software (such as Inventor or SolidWorks) to develop 3D models and detailed drawings for product designs.
- Conducts design reviews and participate in product testing and validation, ensuring that designs are tested for durability, performance, and safety.
- Analyzes data from testing and field use to identify design improvements and make modifications as necessary.
- Supports the production team in troubleshooting and resolving design-related issues during the manufacturing process.
- Works closely with the product management team to understand customer needs and market requirements, ensuring that designs meet customer expectations.
- Stays up to date with industry trends, new technologies, and design best practices to continuously improve product development processes.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Good strategic vision and business knowledge.
- High level of people skills, able to work in a team environment.
- Results and deadline driven.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision on complex efforts on the mechanical development of components and subsystems of products.
- Ability to multi-task and handle various projects simultaneously while being extremely productive and timely.
- Take great pride and ownership in designs produced.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field
- 3 years of experience
- Experience with a 3-D CAD modeling package, SolidWorks and DBWorks preferred.
- Experience creating drawings with good dimensional practices, adhering to ANSI standards.
- Preferred knowledge and understanding of Finite Element Analysis
- Working knowledge of machining practices and metals.
- Knowledge of production and manufacturing techniques a plus.
- Microsoft software including Excel, Project, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint.
- Experience with design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles.
- Familiarity with heavy equipment and machinery design standards, safety regulations, and industry certifications (e.g., ISO, ANSI).
- Experience in prototyping and testing designs in real-world conditions.
- Knowledge of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and other simulation tools for product validation.
- Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certification is a plus.
