Lead Design Engineer

There’s never been a better time to join Stratus! As the market leader in brand implementation and maintenance, we transform how national brands connect with their customers. From exterior signage & interior branding to site refresh & remodel, from energy & lighting to repair & maintenance solutions, we deliver ideal solutions to meet all our client's branding needs.

From our locations across the country, to our corporate headquarters in Mentor, Ohio, every employee is a stakeholder in Stratus’ success. This environment offers endless career opportunities for individuals with a commitment to customer service, focus on execution and bias for action.

Job Summary: The Lead Engineer is responsible for providing technical leadership and strategic direction, and people management in the design, engineering, and development of signage and component products to meet customer image requirements. This role involves mentoring junior engineers, driving architectural decisions, and ensuring the efficient and effective execution of engineering projects. The Lead Engineer will leverage their expertise in manufacturing processes related to metal, plastic, vinyl, electrical lighting, and construction principles to optimize product design and installation.

Responsibilities

Essential Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

People Management & Team Leadership:

• Manage and lead a team of engineers, providing guidance, support, and performance feedback.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with team members to discuss progress, address concerns, and foster professional development.
• Set clear performance expectations, monitor progress, and conduct performance evaluations.
• Facilitate team collaboration and communication, ensuring a positive and productive work environment.
• Resolve team conflicts and address performance issues in a timely and effective manner.
• Recruit, onboard, and train new engineering team members.
  
  

Technical Leadership & Mentorship

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineering team members, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
• Conduct code reviews and ensure adherence to engineering standards and best practices.
• Lead and participate in architectural design discussions, contributing to the long-term technical vision.
  
  

Project Management & Planning

• Collaborate with the VP of Engineering to plan and execute engineering projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget.
• Delegate tasks effectively and monitor team performance, providing constructive feedback and support.
• Contribute to the development of project timelines and resource allocation.
  
  

Design & Development

• Utilize AutoCAD to produce detailed fabrication, assembly, and installation drawings and graphics.
• Perform structural analysis on steel and aluminum frames, ensuring product integrity and safety.
• Translate complex engineering concepts into finished sign designs that meet customer specifications and manufacturing requirements.
• Incorporate principles of manufacturability, value engineering, and installation efficiency into all designs.
  
  

Standardization & Optimization

• Create and maintain families of standard pylons, monuments, wall signs, and other product commodities.
• Develop and revise engineering standards to improve efficiency and quality.
• Create and maintain accurate Bills of Materials.
• Standardize components to enhance manufacturing efficiency and control costs.
• Design products to maximize material yield and improve productivity.
  
  

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with approved methods and quality standards.
• Maintain inventory control through component standardization.
  
  

Technical Support & Innovation

• Provide technical support for sign site surveys and field installation issues.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends through continuous learning, trade shows, and literature.
• Lead special projects and drive innovation in product design and manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure smooth project flow.
  
  

Qualifications

Education, experience, certifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in engineering and/or metal fabrication, with a proven track record of technical leadership.
• Extensive experience with computer-aided drafting (AutoCAD preferred).
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Proven experience in leading technical projects.
• Strong understanding of structural analysis.
  
  

Skills

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead and mentor a team.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Ability to think strategically.
  
  

Why Work With Us

• Supportive & Friendly Culture
• Manage national accounts for Fortune 500 companies
• Medical, Dental, Vision coverage options
• Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
• Company paid Life Insurance
• 401k with Employer Contribution
• Company paid Short/Long Term Disability
• Generous Paid Time Off program Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Career Mapping
• Additional perks including Pet Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Educational Assistance Program, Identity Theft Protection, Critical Illness Plans, Commuter Benefits and various employee discount offerings from our Vendors
  
  

Pay Range

$85,000- $95,000 annually - Pay range listed reflects the potential pay for this role. The pay will depend on various factors, such as responsibilities of the position, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. Not all positions posted will have a pay range listed.

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