What are the responsibilities and job description for the DESIGN ENGINEER II position at Thompson Pump?
Summary: Design Engineer II is responsible for the design and development of mechanical components and systems for mobile pump units. This role emphasizes practical, manufacturable designs including sheet metal fabrications, pump components, diesel power unit integration and sound enclosures. The engineer works closely with manufacturing, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to support prototypes, first articles, and production builds.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Independently design and release components or subsystems in SolidWorks, including complex assemblies that meet performance, manufacturability, and cost targets.
- Interpret and refine requirements, developing concepts and to meet functional, cost, and schedule objectives.
- Apply DFMA and design-to-cost principles to optimize reliability, manufacturability, and lifecycle cost.
- Review and approve engineering designs and documentation, ensuring technical integrity, standardization, and risk control.
- Plan and manage assigned projects to meet milestones; identify and communicate risks, constraints, and schedule impacts.
- Lead component or subsystem testing and validation, analyze results, and implement design improvements.
- Lead build support for assigned hardware, resolving manufacturability, tolerance, and production challenges.
- Work directly with suppliers and fabricators to resolve technical issues, improve manufacturability, and reduce cost.
- Independently develop subsystem layout and packaging that balances performance, serviceability, safety, and assembly efficiency.
- Lead root cause analysis for component or subsystem failures and implement effective corrective actions.
- Coordinate cross-functional efforts to ensure subsystem success and alignment with program objectives.
- Interface with internal customers and external partners to resolve technical issues.
- Identify technical risks and tradeoffs and recommend mitigation strategies.
- Implement improvements to designs, workflows, and engineering practices.
- Provide day-to-day technical guidance to Engineers I and drafters as needed.
- Design to cost targets and lead cost-reduction efforts for assigned components or subsystems.
- Apply industry and manufacturing knowledge to improve design quality and process selection.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Education/Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from an ABET-accredited university.
- 3–5 years of mechanical design experience in an industrial equipment manufacturing environment.
- Proficiency in SolidWorks for part modeling, assemblies, and production drawings.
- Experience in SolidWorks PDM is desired.
- Experience with sheet metal components and welded assemblies.
- Working knowledge of centrifugal pumps or rotating equipment is preferred.
- Basic knowledge of diesel power unit integration is preferred.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes including laser cutting, press brake forming, welding, and machining is preferred.
- Ability to create production-ready designs that accommodate manufacturing tolerances.
- Ability to produce clear, accurate drawings with basic GD&T.
- Familiarity with production releasing processes, BOM management, engineering change workflows, and controlled documentation.
- Strong problem-solving skills with a practical, hands-on approach.
- Effective communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.
- Willingness to support builds and spend time in manufacturing environments as needed.
Equal Opportunity Employer