Design Engineer

Novae is one of North America’s leading trailer manufacturers, proudly producing 13 distinct brands of trailers and accessories. We believe our strength comes from a diverse, talented team committed to excellence, integrity, and meaningful collaboration. At Novae, you’ll join a mission-driven organization where your ideas matter, your skills are recognized, and your career growth is supported. Here, we don’t just build trailers—we build careers, community connections, and opportunities to make a real impact.

Job Summary:  Design, verify, build, and validate new products, as well as improvements to existing products. The design engineer will research and develop new ideas and prototypes to create and build trailers.

Essential Functions

• Design new and innovative products from small features on trailers to complete trailers. 
• Create Inventor Models, schematics and other material needed for prototype builds.
• Manage multiple prototype projects simultaneously across multiple departments and locations.
• Responsible for quoting and tracking cost of new designs. 
• Take ideas from concept to a completed project.
• Make recommendations to improve design of current products.
• Aid in the launch of new products into manufacturing. 
• Train and communicate new designs to Operations and Manufacturing Engineers.
• Take initiative to recommend and develop processes with respect to engineering and manufacturing areas to drive consistency in approach, methods, and results. Support Engineering team in implementing new processes to ensure consistency in approach and methodologies across all plants in the organization.
• Research, understand and evaluate competitive products and use cases.
• Assist in other areas and perform other duties, as needed.  (This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this job.)

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering Technology preferred or demonstrated skills and abilities. Associates degree and experience will be considered.
• Experience in a design/manufacturing environment, preferred.
• Demonstrated use of Mechanical Engineering verification tools/techniques, ISO/QS Quality systems, projects resulting in cost/quality/delivery improvements.
• Hands-on trouble shooting skills to find solutions in high pressure situations and implement solutions in area of responsibility.
• Engineering theory hand calculations as well as use of FEA for verification.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills - effectively present important messages at all levels of the organization.
• Teamwork beyond an average level, ability to collaborate with colleagues effectively to achieve mutual goals throughout the organization.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and drawing software.
• Advanced level of influence and negotiation skills.
• Able to exercise effective judgment, sensitivity, and creativity to changing needs and situations.
• Knowledge of basic electric circuity and hydraulic systems.
• Ability to learn product lines to become subject matter expert.
• Ability to prioritize workload and balance multiple projects simultaneously, including following through on commitments – exceptional organizational skills.

Competencies:

• Empathy.  Treat all individuals with respect and dignity – see all sides of a situation.
• Active learner.   Continuously expand knowledge for the good of the company.
• Big picture mindset. See the end goal and identify the plan for success.
• Flexibility.   Be open to change and willing to continually revise created material to best fit the needs of whole team.

www.novae.com

Novae LLC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Novae LLC complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.