Trailer Design & Product Development Engineer, Fabrication
Trailer Manufacturing and Metal Fabrication Industry
Position Summary
We are seeking a skilled and hands-on Trailer Design & Product Development Engineer to lead the design, drafting, and development of custom and production trailer products. This role is responsible for creating detailed engineering drawings, developing new trailer concepts, improving existing designs, and supporting manufacturing operations through strong technical expertise in welding, metal fabrication, and structural design.
The ideal candidate combines engineering knowledge with practical shop-floor experience and understands how trailers are built from concept to production.
Key Responsibilities Design & Drafting
- Create detailed 2D and 3D CAD drawings for trailers, components, and assemblies
- Develop fabrication drawings, weld symbols, bills of materials (BOMs), and manufacturing documentation
- Ensure all designs meet structural, safety, and customer requirements
- Revise and maintain engineering drawings and product specifications
Product Development
- Design new trailer models and product enhancements
- Collaborate with sales, production, and leadership teams to develop innovative trailer solutions
- Evaluate materials, components, and manufacturing methods to improve product quality and efficiency
- Prototype and test new trailer concepts and systems
Manufacturing Support
- Provide technical support to fabrication and welding teams during production
- Troubleshoot design or fabrication issues on the shop floor
- Assist in developing standard work instructions and production processes
- Ensure manufacturability and cost-effective design practices
Engineering & Compliance
- Perform basic structural calculations and load analysis
- Ensure designs comply with applicable DOT, OSHA, and industry regulations
- Support continuous improvement initiatives related to quality, efficiency, and product reliability
QualificationsRequired
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Design, or related field
- (Equivalent fabrication/design experience may be considered in lieu of degree)
- 3+ years of engineering or trailer design experience in manufacturing
- Proficiency in CAD software such as:
- SolidWorks
- Alebre 3D Modling
- AutoCAD
- Inventor or similar 3D modeling software
- Strong knowledge of:
- Welding processes and weld design
- Metal fabrication techniques
- Structural steel and aluminum design
- Manufacturing processes
- Ability to read and create fabrication drawings and weld symbols
- Strong problem-solving and communication skillsPreferred
- Experience in trailer manufacturing or heavy equipment design
- Knowledge of hydraulic, electrical, and brake systems for trailers
- Familiarity with FEA (Finite Element Analysis)
- Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience
Key Skills
- Trailer Design
- Product Development
- CAD Drafting
- Welding Knowledge
- Metal Fabrication
- Structural Design
- Manufacturing Support
- Blueprint Reading
- Problem Solving
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
Physical & Work Environment
- A combination of office and manufacturing shop environment
- Ability to walk production floor and interact with fabrication teams regularly
- Occasional lifting, measuring, and inspection activities in manufacturing areas
Success Metrics
- Accuracy and quality of engineering drawings
- Speed of new product development
- Reduction in production errors and rework
- Manufacturability and efficiency of designs
- On-time completion of engineering projects
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person