Lead Design Engineer (6-10 years experience in product design and development, sheet metal design,

About The Role

As a Lead Engineer for Kentucky Trailers ( https : / / www.kytrailer.com ), you will spearhead new product development, drive engineering excellence, and champion continuous improvement across all design processes. You will play a pivotal role in Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VA / VE) initiatives, optimizing cost and performance while ensuring robust, innovative solutions. Your expertise will be key in executing detailed design, analytical calculations, and tolerance stack-ups for sheet metal assemblies, and in delivering high-quality manufacturing drawings that meet global standards.

Mandatory Skills

Proficiency in Solid Works CAD Tool, PDM tools (Vault) , and engineering change management .

Understanding of Concept Selection, FMEA, and Design Validation Planning.

Expertise in DFM / DFA, fit analysis, tolerance stack-up, and weldments.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills to convey complex technical concepts.

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.

Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and commitment to quality.

Desired Skills

Lead end-to-end product development, applying advanced engineering methodologies such as Concept Selection, DFMEA, and Design Validation Planning.

Review and validate 3D models and drawings for fit, form, and function, ensuring compliance with ANSI GD&T and internal standards.

Apply mathematical and computer-based analyses to develop innovative, reliable solutions.

Drive VA / VE through modular design and commodity analysis, enhancing product value and manufacturability.

Identify and implement design improvements for existing product lines, focusing on quality, cost, and serviceability.

Collaborate cross-functionally with engineers, technicians, project managers, and stakeholders to achieve project milestones.

Support product rollout, including design validation, production readiness, and complex assembly reviews.

Act as a functional expert in design reviews, testing, and validation for components and subsystems across product lines.

Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly.

Opportunities for Growth

Mentor team members , building leadership and coaching experience.

Continuous learning culture that promotes technical mastery and professional growth.

Lead end-to-end product development, gaining exposure to full lifecycle management.

Gain experience in innovation and VA / VE initiatives.

Opportunity to collaborate cross-functionally with global teams and stakeholders.

Scope to grow into Senior Lead Design Engineer role.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical / automotive engineering.

Expertise in sheet metal design, metal forming, casting , and general engineering principles .

6–10 years of hands-on experience in product design and development.

Hands-on experience in integrating subsystems for commercial vehicles, trailers, buses, or construction equipment.

Good knowledge of standards and structural design for heavy vehicle systems.