Design Engineering Supervisor

POSITION SUMMARY

The Supervisor of Design Engineering will be responsible for overseeing all product design engineering/validation of aftermarket/ OEM pick-up truck bed covers and accessories, and related components. This role will focus on the organization and distribution of the workload amongst the Engineering team, to ensure the delivery of timely results that meet all expectations. Projects and work will include conceptual development all the way through start of production, as well as extensive private label and vehicle application engineering.

CORE FUNCTIONS

• Supervise and mentor other engineers, teaching RealTruck processes, best practices, and industry standards.
• • Ensure team members follow best practices for design (including supplier-provided design criteria), Design for Manufacturing (DFM), DFMEA, and DVP&R procedures are followed. This includes support for all Continuous Improvement (i.e., cost savings) activities.
  • Lead and motivate the team to achieve goals and objectives.
  • Responsible for assigning projects and workload, setting and adjusting priorities based on changing direction, and tracking project hours.
  • Conduct performance reviews, manage employee conflict and concern, hold staff meetings and team building activities.
• Review and approve 2D technical prints for quote or ECN (Engineering Change Notice) release.
• Approve product analysis and validation testing activities for existing and new products for commercial viability, durability, and functionality.
• Lead the design team to ensure that all goals set by the NPDs defining documents are being achieved and are on budget.
• Lead cross-functional program gate reviews to (ELT) executive leadership teams, communication achievements, open issues, risks, and recovery plans.
• Approve internal engineering design reviews.
• Work closely with other technical roles (Industrial Design, CAD Designers, Electrical Engineers, and Manufacturing Engineers), to integrate mechanical design into larger systems.
• Work closely with manufacturing teams to address concerns like tooling, assembly processes, and overall manufacturability early in the design phase.
• Work with Quality teams to meet quality standard and produce defect-free products before production.
• Assist in decision making by offering insights into technical trade-offs, costs, and resource requirements to non-technical stakeholders.
• Work with vendors/suppliers to understand materials, manufacturing constraints, and negotiate a balance of cost, quality, and delivery.
• Collaborate with and support the OEM Engineering projects regarding all new OEM programs. This includes arranging BOM content, evaluating added complexity, and finding the best solution, cost, and timing.
• Lead and engage in trouble shooting with the team to develop options for success in complex situations.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

· Bachelor of Science in Engineering is required.

· 4+ years of working as an OEM engineer or as an engineer supplying components to OEM customers.

· 5+ years of experience mentoring peers. 1-3 years of supervisory experience preferred.

· Strong understanding of supplier and customer PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) processes.

· Lean or similar continuous improvement knowledge and experience.

· ERP or manufacturing software experience preferred.

Required Licenses

· None.

Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge

· Skilled in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

· Skilled in CAD design. Skilled in SolidWorks a plus.

· Strong interpersonal skills that create a positive and collaborative working relationship at all levels.

· Strong knowledge of CAD software and how to apply them to project applications.

· Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills, with the ability to skillfully present ideas/risks to technical or non-technical team members.

· Ability to solve problems independently and resourcefully.

· Ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple activities to meet deadlines.

· Strong attention to detail, analytical skills and the ability to drive process improvements.

· Write, speak, and comprehend English.

· Ability to multi-task and function efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

· Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills with a focus on root cause analysis.

Travel

· Travel will be project dependent, sporadic, and occasionally with short notice.

COMPETENCIES

– Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.

– Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Contributes to profits and revenue; Conserves organizational resources.

– Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into images; Uses feedback to modify designs; Applies design principles; Demonstrates attention to detail.

– Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.

– 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.

– 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.

– Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.

– Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES

· Supervisor: Schedules, oversees, and reviews the work of 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: kneeling, 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; 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 position is located within a technical office environment with proper HVAC where a private desk/cubicle will be provided. Further, there are shop facilities which are both environmentally controlled, and not environmentally controlled (Machine Shop, Vehicle and Mock-up areas). These facilities are separate from production facilities.

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.