Design Engineer

Design Engineer

Company: Loos & Co.
Department: Engineering
Reports To: Engineering Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Design Engineer is responsible for the design, development, modification, and improvement of products, components, tooling, and manufacturing processes at Loos & Co. This position works closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and production teams to develop practical, cost-effective designs that meet customer requirements, engineering specifications, quality standards, and manufacturing capabilities.

The Design Engineer develops and maintains detailed engineering drawings, 3D models, specifications, bills of materials, and other technical documentation. This position also supports new product development, existing product improvements, troubleshooting, prototyping, testing, and implementation of engineering changes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Design and Engineering

• Design and develop mechanical components, assemblies, products, tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing equipment.
• Create and modify detailed 2D drawings and 3D CAD models using applicable engineering software.
• Develop engineering drawings with appropriate dimensions, tolerances, materials, finishes, and manufacturing requirements.
• Apply engineering principles, manufacturing methods, and design standards to develop functional and manufacturable designs.
• Review existing designs and identify opportunities to improve performance, reliability, manufacturability, quality, and cost.
• Develop prototypes and support testing and evaluation of new or modified designs.
• Perform engineering calculations and analysis as required to support design decisions.
• Select appropriate materials, components, hardware, and manufacturing processes based on design and application requirements.
• Develop and maintain bills of materials, engineering specifications, and other technical documentation.
• Prepare engineering change documentation and update drawings and specifications as required.
• Ensure designs are suitable for manufacturing and can be produced consistently within established specifications.

Manufacturing and Production Support

• Work closely with manufacturing and production personnel to resolve design, tooling, equipment, and process issues.
• Provide engineering support for production problems and assist in identifying root causes and corrective actions.
• Design and modify tooling, fixtures, jigs, gauges, and other production-support equipment.
• Evaluate manufacturing processes and recommend design or process improvements.
• Support the introduction of new products and engineering changes into production.
• Review production feedback and incorporate appropriate improvements into product and process designs.
• Assist with troubleshooting dimensional, material, performance, and manufacturing issues.
• Collaborate with machinists, technicians, operators, and supervisors to ensure designs are practical and manufacturable.

Quality and Compliance

• Ensure engineering designs meet applicable customer requirements, company standards, specifications, and quality requirements.
• Work with Quality to investigate product and process concerns and implement appropriate engineering solutions.
• Review inspection results and manufacturing data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Support corrective and preventive action activities related to engineering and product issues.
• Maintain accurate engineering records and documentation.
• Follow applicable ISO/AS quality management system requirements and departmental procedures.
• Ensure engineering changes are properly documented, reviewed, and communicated to affected departments.

Project and Cross-Functional Support

• Participate in new product development and continuous improvement projects.
• Work with customers, suppliers, and internal departments as needed to resolve technical issues and clarify requirements.
• Assist with project planning, timelines, cost estimates, and implementation of engineering projects.
• Communicate design concepts, technical information, and project status effectively to engineering, management, production, and other stakeholders.
• Support sourcing and supplier activities involving technical specifications, drawings, materials, and components.
• Attend and actively participate in engineering, production, quality, and project meetings.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience with mechanical design, product development, manufacturing, or a related engineering function.
• Proficiency with 2D and 3D CAD software.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, manufacturing processes, materials, and mechanical components.
• Ability to read, interpret, and create engineering drawings and specifications.
• Working knowledge of dimensional tolerancing and GD&T.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical and manufacturing problems and develop practical solutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while meeting established deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and quality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a wire, cable, spring, or metal manufacturing environment.
• Experience designing tooling, fixtures, dies, gauges, or production equipment.
• Experience with manufacturing processes such as forming, drawing, winding, bending, machining, or related metalworking processes.
• Experience with product testing, prototyping, and validation.
• Experience with engineering change processes and document control.
• Experience working with ERP, PLM, or engineering document management systems.
• Familiarity with ISO quality management systems.
• Experience working directly with customers or suppliers on technical requirements.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong mechanical and technical aptitude.
• Ability to translate concepts and requirements into practical, manufacturable designs.
• Ability to analyze problems, identify root causes, and develop effective solutions.
• Strong CAD modeling and engineering drawing skills.
• Ability to balance performance, quality, manufacturability, and cost when making design decisions.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical personnel.
• Commitment to safety, quality, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout the workday.
• Ability to work in both an office and manufacturing environment.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials, components, samples, or tooling weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work around manufacturing equipment, machinery, metal materials, oils, coolants, and shop noise.
• Visual acuity sufficient to work with detailed engineering drawings, CAD models, measurements, and precision components.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate computers, measurement equipment, and other engineering tools.

Success Factors

A successful Design Engineer demonstrates strong mechanical engineering knowledge, creativity, analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to develop practical solutions to manufacturing and product challenges. The individual effectively translates engineering requirements into accurate, manufacturable designs while balancing quality, performance, cost, and production requirements. Success in this role requires strong collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, quality, production, suppliers, and customers, along with a commitment to continuous improvement and technical excellence.