Job Title: Lead EngineerJob DescriptionThe Lead Engineer drives value analysis and value engineering (VA/VE) initiatives across the full vehicle conversion lifecycle, from concept and design through prototyping, testing, and implementation. This role focuses on developing innovative, cost-effective vehicle solutions while ensuring high standards of quality, performance, and customer satisfaction. The Lead Engineer collaborates closely with cross-functional teams and leads design efforts for mechanisms, suspensions, structures, and closures using CAD tools.
Responsibilities
- Lead VA/VE projects through all phases, including concept development, detailed design, prototyping, testing, and implementation.
- Identify innovative ideas and solutions to enhance vehicle products while reducing overall cost.
- Build and maintain a strong pipeline of cost reduction opportunities by organizing and participating in internal and external VA/VE events.
- Partner with cross-functional teams such as Portfolio, Sales, Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, Customer Experience, and Purchasing to develop feasible designs and robust business cases.
- Utilize rapid prototyping methods to evaluate, iterate, and validate concept designs efficiently.
- Coordinate with production and purchasing teams to implement cost-saving initiatives and ensure smooth integration into manufacturing.
- Design and develop vehicle conversions using CAD software (Inventor), ensuring designs are feasible and manufacturable.
- Engineer mechanisms, suspensions, structures, and closures, including doors and liftgates, to meet functional and performance requirements.
- Plan design, procurement, assembly, and validation activities in alignment with project timelines and APQP stage gates.
- Ensure all designs meet established quality, cost, and performance targets and comply with engineering standards.
- Lead initiatives to develop low-cost design alternatives, drive standardization, and promote design commonality across products.
- Continuously improve designs, engineering processes, and project timelines to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
- Participate actively in design reviews to ensure all vehicle conversions meet engineering requirements and customer expectations.
Essential Skills
- Bachelors degree in Engineering.
- Minimum of 5 years of work experience in automotive design.
- Proficiency in CAD-based design, specifically using Inventor, for vehicle conversions and component development.
- Strong understanding of dimensional management and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
- Hands-on experience with mechanism design and the design and manufacturing of steel and aluminum parts.
- Proven cross-functional team experience within an automotive environment.
- Ability to lead VA/VE projects and drive cost reduction while maintaining quality and performance.
- Strong planning skills to manage design, procurement, assembly, and validation activities within defined timelines.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with engineering, manufacturing, and commercial teams.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Previous assembly plant launch experience is preferred.
- Prior experience with VA/VE methodologies and events.
- Experience working with APQP stage gates or similar product development frameworks.
- Background in engineering mechanisms, suspensions, structures, and closures such as doors and liftgates.
- Ability to develop and present business cases for design and cost reduction initiatives.
- Track record of driving continuous improvement in designs and engineering processes.
Work EnvironmentThis role is based onsite, providing direct access to engineering, manufacturing, and cross-functional teams involved in vehicle conversions and cost optimization initiatives. The Lead Engineer works in a collaborative environment that supports hands-on engagement with prototypes, production components, and manufacturing processes. Onsite presence enables close coordination with production and purchasing teams, participation in VA/VE events, and active involvement in design reviews and validation activities. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Winamac, IN. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $70000.00 - $120000.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.This is an opportunity to join a large, nationally recognized organization with multiple locations across the U.S. that is actively investing in its future through major facility and automation upgrades. The team is growing and evolving, creating strong long term stability and career growth potential. In this role, you will gain exposure to both automotive and consumer product manufacturing environments, allowing you to build a diverse and highly transferable skill set. Engineers here are given the chance to work across multiple projects and technologies, creating a well rounded experience that supports both internal advancement and future career opportunities. There is a clear path for growth within the engineering organization, with defined levels ranging from Engineer I through Engineer VII. This structure allows for continued progression as you develop your technical and leadership capabilities. The company offers a strong culture and collaborative work environment, along with competitive benefits including a 401k match program of up to 40 percent and a relocation package for qualified candidates. As an Actalent consultant, you will also have ongoing support and advocacy from our team, ensuring a smooth onboarding process, consistent communication, and career guidance throughout your engagement. Equal Opportunity Statement We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Winamac, IN. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 18, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Winamac,IN.About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.