Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Curtiss-Wright is seeking a full-time Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for Arens Controls in the Industrial Division.  The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will lead the design, development, and problem resolution of new automotive shift selector products and their related component technologies and processes for the continuously evolving industrial vehicle market.  The development work performed by the Senior engineer will help to expand Curtiss-Wright’s business presence in the commercial truck/bus, electric vehicle, construction, agriculture, sports and recreation, and off-highway markets. This is a dynamic industry that offers the opportunity to work in a field with large potential growth.  The Senior Engineer will work directly with other engineers and cross functional teams and contribute to the entire scope of product life cycle including concept, design, development, analysis, validation, launch, and production support.  On-site prototype capabilities available to the engineer include a machine shop, PolyJet rapid prototyping, 5-axis machining, metal forming, etc.  This position may interface directly with the Curtiss-Wright India and China engineering teams providing guidance on engineering analysis and technical processes.  This position may also interact with the Curtiss-Wright power-electronics team for design reviews and consulting.  Though not a supervisory position, the Sr. Engineer will provide engineering assistance and consultation to other engineers and departments on technical matters.

Location: Arlington Heights, IL

Salary Range: $94,700 - $120,000 per year

Please note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only, reflecting a position based in IL. Criteria such as the candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience, the scope of the specific position, as well as market and business considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer.

We Take Care of Our People

Paid Time Off I 401K with Employer Match and Profit Sharing I Health and Wellness Benefits I Learning and Development Opportunities I Referral Program I Competitive Pay I Recognition I Employee Stock Purchase Plan I Inclusive & Supportive Culture *

Your Challenge:

• Perform on-going conceptual and detailed design, design review and engineering analysis in support of New Product Introduction (NPI) projects.

• Ensure all objectives regarding aesthetics, functionality, specifications, and manufacturability are met.

• Oversee the use of appropriate modeling and concept visualization techniques in keeping with data and client evaluations.

• Participate in customer meetings recommending design approaches and solutions to technical problems affecting the customer and consult on critical issues.

• Interface directly with customer engineering in the design of new components and assemblies. When appropriate and as requested, work closely with clients to create new math models of products.

• Support all technical based processes on projects such as: Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA), Process Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (PFMEA) reviews, IATF 16949 and US Government Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).

• Prepare, deliver, and release detailed engineering specifications and data regarding product testing, using 3D design and 2D documentation.  Support and verify design with tolerance analysis.

• Analyze final design with various plastics and metals for stress using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to ensure product meets customer specifications, making design modifications when appropriate.

• Coordinate with the Manufacturing and Quality Departments to resolve assembly, design, and measurement/ specification issues.

• Assist the lab in running tests to validate product design.

• Ensure that engineering support of new products meets quality, governmental and customer specifications and is current with industry best practices, documenting all quality reviews, tests, and prototypes.

• Be available for occasional travel to support customers and/or suppliers.

What You Bring:

• Customer-focus mindset with strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.

• Thorough experience with CAD, preferably with SolidWorks.  Competency in surfacing, sheet metal, assembly and drawings required.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

• 8-12 years of product development or project leadership experience from concept to realization.  Preferred industries of automotive, power tools, or healthcare.

• Experience with tolerance analysis, GD&T.

• Experience with stress analysis including FEA.

• Experience with thermal analysis is preferred.

• Experience with database management systems such as Agile PLM, Infor CSI, or other ERP systems.

• Proficiency in Microsoft products: Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, MS Project.

• Knowledge of Kaizen and Lean Manufacturing techniques in the automobile or commercial vehicle industry, preferred.

• Prior project management experience is preferred.

• Knowledge of Quality Systems is preferred (e.g. IATF 16949, ISO9001, AS9100, etc.).

• Understanding and knowledge of manufacturing processes including injection molding, sheet metal stamping, prototyping, etc.

• Experience with designing products with electromechanical packaging including enclosures, switches, displays, light piping, connectors, cables, etc.

• Experience with dynamic parts including gears, levers, motors, bearings, springs, etc.

• Understanding of tribology (wear, lubrication, friction, etc.) and selection of materials and plating

• Ability to work with physical components, assemblies, and tools in a laboratory setting.

• Proven track record of product design, assembling prototypes, performing tests, and writing reports.

• Superior planning and organization skills, ability to operate under pressure and meet deadlines.

• Highly motivated with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision

• Ability to work and interface directly with customers on a consistent basis.

Who We Are

Curtiss-Wright Industrial Division, which includes the legacy brands of Arens Controls, Penny & Giles, PG Drives Technology and Williams Controls, is an excellent supplier in providing components and sub-systems which enable customer specific solutions for on- and off-highway vehicles. These include medium- and heavy-duty trucks, buses and motor coaches, construction and agricultural vehicles, materials handling, and other specialty vehicles, as well as sophisticated wheelchairs and scooters for medical mobility.
Arens Controls products comprise state-of-the-art drivetrain components, such as ‘by-wire’ and mechanical transmission shifters, as well as electronic control systems for the Hybrid Electronic Vehicle (HEV) market.
The products are the legacy of the Arens Controls company founded in 1939 and acquired by Curtiss-Wright in 2013.

Find out more information and view our products here: https://www.cw-industrialgroup.com/About/Arens-Controls

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No unsolicited agency submittals please.  Agency partners must be invited to participate in a search by our Talent Acquisition Team and have signed terms in place prior to any submittal.  Resumes submitted directly to any Curtiss-Wright employee or affiliate will not qualify for fee payment, and therefore become the property of Curtiss-Wright.  

Compliance Statement

This position may require exposure to export-controlled information and subject to additional security screening.  In the event information provided during the security screening reveals ineligibility to access export-controlled information, any offer of employment may be reconsidered or withdrawn. 

Curtiss-Wright is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, age, ancestry, legally protected medical condition, family care status, marital status, religion, veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected status. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition.

For US Applicants: EEO is The Law – click here for more information.

If you require accommodation due to a disability at any time during the recruitment and/or assessment process, please contact Talent Acquisition and we will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate your request.