Mechanical Engineering Associate Jobs in Arkansas

Job Purpose

The Mechanical Engineer owns the end-to-end design and launch of new and enhanced boat platforms. The role requires deep mechanical engineering expertise, hands-on nautical design experience, and disciplined project management to deliver safe, compliant, and high-performance products on time and within budget.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Define and document mechanical system specifications from concept through production release
• Build and drive detailed project plans, schedules, budgets, and resource allocations for multiple engineering projects
• Generate 3D CAD models, detailed drawings, and bills of materials; approve final engineering packages for release to manufacturing and purchasing
• Lead the development of composite parts and molds while partnering with manufacturing on tooling readiness and process flow
• Develop and optimize manufacturing and assembly processes, including equipment modifications that improve quality, cost, and throughput
• Track engineering change orders  (ECO) and communicate scope, timing, and cost impact to management
• Plan and oversee verification and validation testing (including on the water); analyze results and iterate designs to meet performance, reliability, and safety targets
• Certify products to USCG and NMMA standards and supervise compliance testing completed internally or through outside partners
• Evaluate vendor components for fit, finish, cost, and performance; liaise with suppliers and purchasing to qualify new sources when required
• Review and approve owners’ manuals for accurate and complete mechanical content
• Prepare and present clear technical reports, budgets, and status updates to leadership, clients, and the product development team
• Provide technical input on warranty claims and, when required, assist with product liability matters
• Lead and mentor a small tooling and prototype team; coordinate workload and professional development
• Supervises employee activities. This includes evaluation and discipline; overall performance management; training and development; analyzing and resolving work problems; initiating or suggesting plans to motivate workers to achieve goals; and effective communication with associates. 
• Assess the impact of new products, technologies, and strategic programs on current and future model lines

Qualifications:

•  Proven working experience in mechanical engineering.
• Proven work experience in nautical design
• Working experience with product lifecycle management (PLM), finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
• Hands-on experience with computer-aided engineering (CAM) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAE).
• Familiarity with 2D or 3D engineering design and manufacturing tools (e.g., AutoCAD, ProE, Solidworks or other).
• Adequate knowledge of engineering analysis tools (ANSYS, ProMechanica or similar).
• Mathematical computing and analysis tools knowledge (Matlab, Excel, LabView etc).
• Solid understanding of core concepts including mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics, materials science etc.
• Creativity and analytical skills.
• Ability to communicate technical knowledge in a clear and understandable manner.
• Technical writing skills.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
• Strong knowledge of CAD/CAM software and drafting procedures.
• Excellent prioritization and project development skills.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing and data entry
• Occasional standing, walking, and reaching
• Ability to lift up to 10–15 pounds, if applicable
• Visual acuity to view screens and read documents

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Bass Cat & Yar-Craft Boats is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement

Bass Cat & Yar-Craft Boats is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a position, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. Bass Cat & Yar-Craft Boats engages in an interactive process with applicants and employees to identify reasonable accommodations.