Design Engineer

Lakeside Manufacturing is America's Premier Stainless Steel Utility Cart Manufacturer. Since 1946, Lakeside has continued to move the food service industry forward with innovative utility carts and stainless steel moving, storing, delivery, dispensing, and merchandising solutions. We look to hire people who value a positive work environment, have a passion for serving our customers, and have a desire to learn and grow. Lakeside's culture of continuous improvement values hiring individuals who are looking for the opportunity to stretch their current talents to the next level and beyond.

Lakeside is currently seeking a motivated Design Engineer to join our Engineering team. Under the direction of the Engineering Manager, this role is responsible for designing new or special products, as well as developing modifications to our standard product line, while meeting engineering specifications, production and quality standards, and customer delivery requirements.

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:

Schedule: 5-day workweek – Monday through Friday, 8-hour shifts
Shift: 1st Shift
Work Environment: Culture-forward, team-oriented, safety-first, free coffee, nice lunchroom

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Review and interpret customer specifications and sales agreements to create accurate production drawings using SolidWorks 3D.

• Produce buildable 3D models based on sales input and customer requirements and clearly communicate design intent to manufacturing teams.

• Support Design for Manufacturability (DFM) through Engineering Change Requests (ECR) and Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives.

• Utilize computer-aided design techniques to perform design work, including calculations for performance standards, material selection, and construction methods.

• Prepare sketches, layouts, drawings, specifications, and other pertinent design data.

• Conduct necessary investigations related to design and maintain appropriate reference criteria.

• Analyze projects for manufacturing feasibility and material costs, developing cost-effective designs that support Lakeside's competitive position.

• Serve as a technical resource for customers, service personnel, and field sales to address and resolve product questions and issues.

• Collaborate closely with fabrication, welding, and assembly teams to resolve design or production challenges and improve product quality and efficiency.

• Participate on cross-functional teams to address manufacturing, design, and quality issues and support continuous improvement efforts.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED required; 2- or 4-year degree preferred in engineering, drafting, or a related technical field.

• 1–3 years of engineering or design experience preferred; sheet metal experience is a plus.

• Proficiency with SolidWorks 3D and computer-aided design tools.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

• Demonstrated leadership competencies, including the ability to inspire, influence, and collaborate with others.

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret customer specifications, technical documents, and engineering drawings.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present information effectively to internal teams and customers.

• Strong problem-solving and reasoning abilities in environments with limited standardization.

• Proficient math skills, including the ability to compute rates, ratios, and percentages.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk as required throughout the workday.

• Ability to use hands and fingers to handle, touch, and reach, including reaching above shoulder level.

• Ability to talk and hear effectively in a manufacturing environment.

• Ability to lift up to 10 pounds.

• Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Some key advantages of working at Lakeside include: a wonderful culture, career opportunities in diverse areas, a highly competitive benefits package, including a generous 401(k) plan, profit sharing, attendance, anniversary and holiday bonuses, generous paid time off, and an educational assistance program offering up to $5,250 per year.