Design Engineering Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Design Engineering Manager will lead cross-functional efforts to ensure product designs are optimized for efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality manufacturing. This role bridges design engineering and production, driving collaboration to reduce complexity, improve yield, and accelerate time-to-market. The Design Engineering Manager must have hands-on design experience and be proficient in CAD software such as SolidWorks, and will have the opportunity to build, grow, and develop their own design engineering team.

CORE FUNCTIONS

• Manage and mentor a team of DFM engineers, fostering innovation and continuous improvement through product design.
• Define and implement best practices for manufacturability across product lines.
• Oversee the design and development of tooling related to the enhancement of manufacturing processes, product changes, and new products that are consistent with a zero-defect level and low product cost.
• Recommend changes, prepare cost justifications, and coordinate the design and development of current products.
• Assist engineering, purchasing, and manufacturing personnel in troubleshooting or problem-solving activities.
• Provide technical guidance on materials, processes, and assembly methods.
• Identify design risks and propose solutions to improve scalability, reliability, and cost efficiency.
• Drive standardization of components and processes to streamline production.
• Ensure designs meet industry standards, regulatory requirements, and internal quality benchmarks.
• Champion design reviews and manufacturability assessments throughout the product lifecycle.
• Monitor emerging technologies and manufacturing trends to enhance competitiveness.
• Lead initiatives to reduce waste, improve yield, and lower production costs through product design.
• Ensure all engineering projects fit within the overall company goals and strategy.
• Provide support to new product design engineering and production during the hand-off of a new product.
• Implement new line extensions to existing product lines.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or a related Engineering field is required.
• 7+ years of engineering experience, with 2+ years of supervisory experience is required.
• Lean or similar Continuous Improvement knowledge and experience is required.
• CAD software experience is required.
• Proven experience in DFM, new product introduction (NPI), and high-volume production environments is required.
• ISO/IATF experience preferred.

Required Licenses

• Valid driver’s license required.

Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge

• Skilled in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to read and understand technical drawings.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others, both verbally and in writing.
• Actively attends to, conveys, and understands comments and questions of others.
• Mathematical skills commensurate with an engineering degree.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and priorities through the analysis of business needs.

Travel

• Occasional travel may be required.

COMPETENCIES

• Innovative – Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas.

• Judgement – Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.

• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

• Professionalism – Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.

• Safety and Security – Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.

• Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Supports everyone’s efforts to succeed.

• Verbal Communication – Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manager+: Plans, organizes, evaluates, and directs the employees within the department function. Has direct reports.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• This position is subject to medium work; Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Physical Activities

• This position is subject to the following physical activities: reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, talking, and hearing.

Visual Acuity

• The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; expansive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts and/or operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; and/or assembly of fabrication of parts at distances close to the eyes.

Working Conditions

• The worker is subject to both an office and production floor environment with inside environmental conditions, including noise, vibration, and hazards from a production-based environment.

Perks That Go the Extra Mile :
At RealTruck, we take care of our people—because they drive our success. Enjoy great benefits like medical, dental, and vision coverage, company-paid life insurance and disability, and a 401(k) with company match (eligible the first of the month after you start). Need balance? We’ve got wellbeing days and parental leave. Want to grow? Take advantage of educational reimbursement. Plus, earn referral bonuses and score exclusive employee discounts on RealTruck products. Great benefits. Great people. Even better careers.

RealTruck is the premier manufacturer and digital destination of accessories for truck, Jeep®, Bronco® and off-road enthusiasts around the world. Globally headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, RealTruck’s 6,000+ associates operate from 35+ facilities across four continents. RealTruck’s industry leading product portfolio, which includes the Husky Liners total vehicle protection brand, boasts over 1,000 patents and pending applications. The company’s omni-channel retail approach delivers a seamless consumer experience online at RealTruck.com, as well as through its 12,000+ dealer network and automotive (OEM) partnerships.