Western Protective Solutions

The Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for the complete design and development lifecycle of parts and assemblies for shelter and mobility projects. The engineer will conceptualize, design, and analyze new components, ensuring they meet customer requirements, optimize system performance, and are cost-effective and manufacturable. This position is assigned to Western Shelter, a member of the Western Protective Solutions family located in Springfield, Oregon and will report to the Engineering Manager.
Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design and develop parts and assemblies using customer requirements, cost comparisons, system performance and manufacturability.
• Analyze concepts and designs for intended applications using hand calculations and FEA.
• Generate cost estimates and quote packages for shelter and mobility projects.
• Create and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) and detailed engineering documentation for parts and assemblies.
• Lead or contribute to design and program review presentations.
• Verify dimensions, materials, and tolerances across component and system-level drawings.
• Review and ensure the completeness and accuracy of drawings, including peer review of work by other designers.
• Document manufacturing processes and create standard work instructions.
• Collaborate with vendors regarding part selection and sourcing.
• Partner with internal departments including purchasing, quality control, production, and accounting.
• Other duties as assigned.

Summary
The Mechanical Design Engineer supports new product development by contributing to the design and validation of next-generation shelter and mobility systems from concept through production release. This role translates customer and market requirements into engineered solutions, develops structural and mechanical components and assemblies, and validates performance through engineering analysis, prototyping, and testing. It also supports engineer-to-order (ETO) customization of standard base units, adapting existing platforms to unique customer specifications.
Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop parts and assemblies using customer requirements, cost comparisons, system performance and manufacturability
• Analyze concepts and designs for intended applications using hand calculations and FEA
• Generate cost and schedule estimates for project quote packages
• Create and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) and detailed engineering documentation for parts and assemblies
• Contribute to or lead design and program review presentations
• Verify that drawing dimensions, materials, and tolerances meet system requirements
• Review and ensure the completeness and accuracy of drawings, including peer review of work by other designers
• Document manufacturing processes and create standard work instructions
• Identify and evaluate suppliers to support component selection, assessing technical capability, cost and business fit
• Work cross-functionally to streamline product development and manufacturing launch
• Other duties as assigned

Key Attributes

• Demonstrated project management and multitasking proficiency
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Proven problem solving and independent decision making skills
• Ability to analyze technical data and make design recommendations
• Comfortable collaborating across departments and with external vendors

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift/move up to 50 lbs independently; heavier with assistance
• Ability to bend and stand for extended periods
• Visual acuity sufficient to read drawings and instructions, operate machines, and inspect parts

Qualifications

• BSME with 2-6 years mechanical design and project management experience
• Experience defining and developing products to meet customer requirements
• Hands-on knowledge with trailers and container based systems is a strong plus
• Design experience using CAD, PDM and FEA, SolidWorks preferred
• Microsoft Office Suite, Smartsheet
• Some travel may be required (<5%)

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
Per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application, please contact our Human Resources department at 541.344.7267 for ADA assistance.
All applicants must have legal authorization to work in the U.S. Please note that some of our positions require the ability to obtain security clearance from the U.S. government, which may require U.S. citizenship.