Structural Design Engineer

About the position

We are seeking a highly skilled Structural Design Engineer with both practical and theoretical expertise to join our engineering team in the refuse truck manufacturing industry. This role will involve designing, analyzing, and testing structural components to ensure the durability, efficiency, and safety of our refuse trucks as well as transforming those designs into manufacturing drawings and components for our production facility. The ideal candidate will be experienced in structural design for heavy duty truck bodies, with a strong foundation in engineering principles and hands-on manufacturing experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop structural designs for refuse truck bodies and components, ensuring they meet strength, durability, and regulatory standards.
• Perform theoretical analysis and practical simulations to validate structural integrity and optimize design.
• Utilize finite element analysis (FEA) software and other tools to analyze stress, load-bearing capacity, and material durability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to balance design feasibility with production requirements.
• Work with the production team to build prototypes and conduct field testing of designs.
• Implement testing methods and oversee structural validation, including load testing, fatigue testing, and vibration analysis.
• Determine hotspot locations, apply strain gauges, record and process data when required. Analyze test results and recommend design modifications as needed to improve structural performance.
• Select appropriate materials for structural components, balancing cost, weight, strength, and sustainability.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings in materials or processes without compromising quality or safety standards.
• Ensure materials meet industry standards and company specifications for refuse truck applications.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, drawings, and specifications for all structural components.
• Maintain accurate documentation of design changes, testing data, and engineering calculations for reference and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure designs are easily interpretable by manufacturing teams, with practical application in mind.
• Stay updated with advancements in structural design, materials, and manufacturing technologies.
• Recommend and implement process improvements that enhance design efficiency and production quality.
• Participate in design reviews, providing input based on both theoretical analysis and practical considerations.
• Ensure all designs comply with industry standards, safety regulations, and environmental guidelines.
• Actively contribute to maintaining high safety and quality standards in all structural engineering activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related field is required.
• 5+ years of experience in structural design, preferably in heavy equipment or automotive manufacturing.
• Proven experience with both theoretical analysis and practical applications in a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with refuse truck manufacturing or related industries is a plus.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD)
• Demonstratable use of FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Experience in application of strain gauges, data logging and interpretation of results.
• Experience working with different disciplines in achieving team goals.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret theoretical data and apply it to practical designs.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.