Design Engineer

Job Overview

The Design Engineer will play a pivotal role in driving product innovation and supporting the product development team. The ideal candidate will specialize in mechanical design for chains and material handling equipment, with a strong background in Bucket Elevators, Drag Chain Conveyors, and Apron Feeders. This role requires hands-on expertise in component-level design, engineering calculations, cost estimation, and BOM preparation along with effective cross-functional collaboration and documentation skills.

Key Responsibilities Area & Duties:

1. Evaluate requirements for new product designs based on information from the sales team.
2. Gather precise design inputs, including proof load, working load, and environmental specifications.
3. Perform detailed component-level engineering calculations for parts such as inner links, outer links, rollers, bushes, and attachments. Submit calculations for review and approval.
4. Direct draftsmen in preparing detailed part drawings using SolidWorks.
5. Review, verify, and approve all drawings before issuing them to the production team.
6. Release finalized drawings for prototype manufacturing.
7. Provide the purchasing team with complete material specifications and procurement details.
8. Conduct prototype inspection to ensure alignment with design intent.
9. Coordinate with the Quality Control (QC) team to verify product dimensions and specifications using the issued drawings. Secure QC reports as part of the design verification process.
10. Ensure timely completion of production and delivery to the customer.
11. Review customer trial reports to assess design performance and make improvements if required. Finalize the design for future production if no changes are needed.
12. Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of all design iterations, calculations, drawings, and revisions.
13. Continuously optimize designs for improved performance, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness.
14. Take ownership of cost estimation and BOM preparation, considering fabrication, machining, bought-out components, and assembly costs.

Qualifications & Skills Required

Education required

• Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical discipline.

Knowledge required

• Deep understanding of engineering principles and practices related to mechanical design.
• Knowledge of materials and their properties, including how different materials behave under various conditions and loads.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and how design impacts production, including machining, welding, casting, and assembly.
• Familiarity with industry standards, safety regulations, and compliance requirements related to product design.
• Ability to perform complex design calculations and use engineering formulas to ensure the integrity and functionality of the design.
• Knowledge of quality control procedures and inspection techniques to ensure that prototypes and final products meet design specifications.
• Basic understanding of project management principles to effectively coordinate with different departments and manage design projects from concept to completion.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify design issues and develop effective solutions.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with the sales department, production team, quality control, and customers.
• Proficiency in preparing and maintaining detailed technical documentation, including design calculations, drawings, and change records.
• Ability to analyze customer feedback and implement necessary design adjustments based on performance reviews and trial reports.

Experience required

• The role requires 3-7 years of experience in design engineering, with a proven track record of successfully designing and developing products mainly, preferably within the chain manufacturing industry, specifically drag chain conveyors and bucket elevators

Technical Competencies

1. Mechanical design expertise in chains and material handling equipment.
2. Proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D modeling, part design, and assemblies.
3. Experience with Bucket Elevators, Drag Chain Conveyors, and Apron Feeders.
4. Hands-on in component-level design and engineering calculations.
5. Expertise in cost estimation and BOM preparation.
6. Sound knowledge of manufacturing processes like fabrication, machining, welding, casting, molding, etc.
7. Familiarity with quality control (QC) validation and inspection procedures.
8. Understanding of material properties and their behavior under load.
9. Knowledge of PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems and technical documentation.
10. Strong skills in technical report writing, drawing revisions, and maintaining change logs.

Behavior & Leadership Competencies

1. Team Management for coordination with multiple departments
2. Team spirit & teamwork attitude
3. Coordination with follow-up to be on top of the situation
4. Attention to detail
5. Flexibility

Other Requirements

Preferred employees from industrial conveyor chains and material handling equipment manufacturing background.