Boat Designer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Dometic is a global market leader in the mobile living industry. Millions of people around the world use Dometic products in outdoor, residential, and professional applications.

Our Marine organization is a trusted provider of innovative solutions for the worldwide boating and boat building industry, and we recently expanded our scope to lead the boating industry into an electrified future. Dometic has won numerous NMMA Innovation Awards over the years and we are always striving for new ways to make boating easier, safer, and more enjoyable.

We are on a journey of continuous growth – now looking for our next star – a passionate Mechanical Engineer. This position reports to the Engineering Manager and will work in Sparta, TN.

As Mechanical Engineer of the Sparta team, you will be involved in leading the development, validation, launch, and ongoing support of mechanical and electromechanical products used in marine steering applications. This role combines new product development with project execution and sustaining engineering responsibilities, ensuring products meet customer requirements, regulatory standards, cost targets, and manufacturing needs.

The engineer will work cross‑functionally with product management, sales, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and customers to translate market needs into robust, production‑ready solutions. This position requires strong technical expertise, hands‑on design capability, disciplined project management, and the ability to support both new developments and legacy products throughout their lifecycle.

• Prepare and maintain engineering documentation including drawings, specifications, bills of materials, test procedures, and validation reports.
• Specify and evaluate materials to ensure suitability for marine and other harsh operating environments.
• Research and develop system‑level solutions for identified market and customer opportunities.
• Lead new product design and development activities from concept through production launch.
• Develop mechanical and electromechanical assemblies including concept generation, 3D modeling, material selection, stress analysis, and tolerance validation.
• Design products and components using structured engineering tools such as QFD, DFMA, DFMEA, and Design/Process FMEAs in accordance with ISO 9001 requirements.
• Develop test plans, test procedures, and validation methods to verify product performance and compliance with requirements.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable safety, regulatory, and industry standards (e.g., ISO, SAE, ASTM, CSA, CE, EPA, CARB, ABYC).
• Conduct and support validation testing such as lifecycle testing, salt spray, tolerance validation, and functional performance testing.
• Apply sound test methodology and design of experiments to ensure reliable, cost‑effective designs.
• Approve mechanical design and test documentation, including internal and customer‑facing reports.
• Manage engineering projects related to new product development, product variants, and sustaining engineering initiatives.
• Develop project plans, define deliverables, coordinate cross‑functional activities, and report project status to stakeholders.
• Balance priorities across multiple active projects while meeting schedule, cost, and performance commitments.
• Process Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and Engineering Change Notices (ECNs), including documentation updates and cross‑functional coordination.
• Support manufacturing and manufacturing engineering with production issues, design improvements, and cost‑reduction initiatives.
• Manage and maintain engineering bills of materials within MRP systems.
• Support sustaining engineering of existing and legacy products, including field issues and product improvements.
• Participate in assessments of competitive products and emerging technologies.
• Interface directly with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to define requirements and develop technical solutions.
• Support customer applications, troubleshooting, and field technical issues in coordination with Quality and Customer Support.
• Represent Dometic professionally in interactions with customers, suppliers, regulatory bodies, and industry groups.
• Work effectively within multifunctional teams including engineering, operations, quality, supply chain, program management, and sales.
• Apply company engineering procedures and quality system requirements throughout the development lifecycle.

You are offered an interesting role in a dynamic, fast paced and global environment with great opportunities to grow and take on new challenges. The growth at Dometic is continuous – which gives you great possibilities to evolve with the company.

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Disability insurance (STD/LTD)
• 401(k) with company match
• PTO
• Company defined holidays and two floating holidays for you to use as you choose
• Paid maternity/paternity leave
• Tuition assistance
• Membership reimbursement (wholesale club and gym)
• Employee discounts on our incredible products
• Opportunities to make an impact

solid experience within manufacturing and engineering as well as the following qualifications and experiences:

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Electro‑Mechanical, or a related Engineering discipline.
• A relevant combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks or similar systems; familiarity with 2D drafting tools is a plus.
• Solid understanding of GD&T and practical application of dimensional tolerancing.
• Familiarity with volume production processes including machining, casting, molding, extrusion, sheet metal fabrication, welding, and assembly.
• Working knowledge of engineering simulation and analysis tools (e.g., FEA, CFD) preferred.
• Familiarity with sensors, electronic instrumentation, and test equipment. Knowledge of MRP systems for controlling engineering bills of materials.

• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Highly organized with strong time management and prioritization abilities.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Self‑starter with a proactive, “can‑do” mindset.
• Innovative thinker with the ability to learn from both successes and failures.
• Collaborative team player comfortable working up, down, and across the organization.
• Professional demeanor in all forms of communication.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a strong team environment.
• Experience working with individuals of diverse backgrounds with respect for differences.
• Onsite role within a manufacturing and engineering facility.
• Occasional travel to customer locations and other Dometic sites may be required.

To thrive and succeed in this role, you understand the importance of our core values – Together We build our future, We play to win, We embrace change and We walk the talk; these values reflect the heart and soul of Dometic and they define what it takes to work here and how we do things.

Then we would love to see your application.

Dometic is passionate about building together an inclusive and equitable working environment, that respects individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that diversity enables us to thrive across our differences. Be yourself and join us!

Dometic is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Dometic evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.