Design Engineer Jobs in Columbus, IN (NOW HIRING)

Sandalwood Engineering & Ergonomics is an industry-leading consulting firm specializing in engineering and ergonomics solutions for manufacturers. Our mission is to help clients reduce work-related risks, improve productivity, and enhance employee health through innovative programs, research, and technology. We work closely with manufacturers across many sectors, supporting stakeholders from executives to the factory floor.

As a Procurement Engineer, you will play a critical role in the development and implementation of engineering solutions within manufacturing environments. This position is responsible for leading projects from concept through implementation, including solution development, supplier selection, procurement, installation, and commissioning. The successful candidate will work closely with suppliers, manufacturing teams, ergonomists, and other stakeholders to deliver turnkey material-handling and process improvement solutions that enhance safety, ergonomics, and operational performance.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and implementation of manufacturing, ergonomic, and material-handling solutions for manufacturing processes with significant ergonomic risk exposure.
• Develop and evaluate engineering concepts and turnkey solutions to reduce ergonomic risk and improve operational efficiency.
• Coordinate and manage supplier sourcing activities, including supplier identification, technical evaluations, RFQs, supplier selection, and contract support.
• Collaborate with suppliers to engineer, design, manufacture, install, and validate manufacturing, ergonomic, and material-handling solutions.
• Manage project capital budgets, procurement activities, timelines, and implementation schedules to ensure successful project execution.
• Lead design reviews and stakeholder meetings to gain alignment and approval throughout the project lifecycle.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including manufacturing, maintenance, safety, ergonomics, operations, quality, and management personnel.
• Facilitate equipment installation, commissioning, runoff activities, buyoff processes, and final acceptance of implemented solutions.
• Verify that all proposed and installed solutions meet ergonomic, safety, quality, and operational requirements.
• Develop project documentation, technical specifications, implementation plans, and supplier performance metrics.
• Support employee training and change management activities associated with newly implemented equipment and processes.
• Track project status, risks, issues, and corrective actions while providing regular updates to stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary technical liaison between suppliers, clients, and internal project teams throughout all phases of implementation.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Ergonomics, Systems Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience managing engineering projects within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading capital equipment procurement, supplier selection, and equipment implementation projects..
• Experience working with external suppliers, integrators, and equipment manufacturers.
• Demonstrated project management experience, including budget management, scheduling, and resource coordination.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and collaborating with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience supporting equipment installation, commissioning, runoff, and buyoff activities.
• English proficiency sufficient for professional work
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States at time of application

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience implementing automated or semi-automated material-handling solutions.
• Experience working within automotive manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of ergonomics assessment methodologies and risk-reduction strategies.
• Familiarity with health and safety requirements related to manufacturing equipment and ergonomic compliance.
• Experience developing equipment specifications and managing supplier design reviews.
• Familiarity with lifting assists, robotic systems, conveyors, manipulators, and other ergonomic material-handling technologies.
• Experience managing multiple capital projects simultaneously.
• PMP certification or formal project management training.
• Experience delivering turnkey engineering solutions from concept through production implementation.
• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma experience.

Benefits

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• Profit Sharing
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Break, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States,

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if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-248-848-9500.