Mechanical Engineer – New Product Development

Mechanical Engineer – New Product Development Location: Carrollton, TX About Us: Western Extrusions Corporation is a national leader in the manufacturing of extruded aluminum products.

Headquartered in Carrollton, Texas we manufacture quality products used in America’s critical infrastructure industries including but not limited to class 8 trucks, electric vehicles, truck trailers, utility scale solar power, electrical transmission, and numerous commercial construction products.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the New Product Development Manager, the Mechanical Engineer will lead the design, development, testing, and commercialization of new products from concept through production.

This position is responsible for translating customer needs and market opportunities into innovative engineering solutions that meet performance, quality, cost, and manufacturability objectives while supporting a successful transition to full-scale production.

Full-Lifecycle Capital Project Execution

Lead major capital projects ranging from approximately $100,000 to multi-million-dollar investments, managing the complete project lifecycle from initial concept and feasibility through engineering design, CapEx approval, procurement, installation, commissioning, operational handoff, and final closeout. Lead the mechanical design and development of new products from concept through production launch.

Generate innovative product concepts and evaluate design alternatives to meet customer and market requirements. Create 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, specifications, and Bills of Materials (BOMs). Perform engineering calculations, tolerance stack-ups, and design analyses to validate product performance.

Develop and execute product verification and validation plans. Build, test, and evaluate prototypes to ensure compliance with functional, performance, reliability, and safety requirements. Collaborate with manufacturing teams to optimize designs for manufacturability, assembly, quality, and cost.

Work closely with suppliers to identify and qualify materials, components, and manufacturing processes. Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) activities. Manage engineering changes throughout the product lifecycle.

Support pilot production runs and new product introductions (NPI). Investigate product issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions. Maintain project schedules and provide regular updates to stakeholders.

Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards, regulatory requirements, and company design guidelines.

Key Competencies Innovation and problem-solving Accountability and ownership Customer-focused decision-making Technical leadership Collaboration and teamwork Project management Analytical thinking Attention to detail Continuous improvement Technical Competencies New Product Development (NPD) Mechanical design and engineering 3D CAD modeling and drafting CAD/CAM (Mastercam) Product testing and validation FEA and engineering analysis GD&T and tolerance analysis Root cause analysis and FMEA Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Engineering change management

Performance Expectations

Deliver projects on time and within budget. Meet product performance, quality, and reliability standards. Support successful product launches and production readiness.

Balance innovation with manufacturability and cost objectives. Minimize development risk through effective testing and validation.

What You Will Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• 3+ years of experience in new product development, product engineering, or product design.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, Creo, Autodesk Inventor, or similar platforms.
• Experience designing products from concept through production release.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles and engineering fundamentals.
• Experience developing engineering drawings and applying GD&T principles.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes including machining, injection molding, casting, sheet metal fabrication, and assembly.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to perform the Essential Duties and Responsibilities listed above.
• Promote, support, and enforce compliance with applicable ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), and ISO/IEC 27001 (Information Security Management) standards as they relate to facility operations, engineering activities, capital projects, equipment installations, documentation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with aluminum extrusions and extrusion processes.
• Experience with electrochemical and mechanical surface treatment processes, including anodizing, liquid painting, powder coating, shot blasting, brushing, and buffing/polishing.
• Understanding of metallurgy, aluminum alloys, and alloying elements.
• Project management experience leading cross-functional product development initiatives.
• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma training or certification.
• Experience with robotics programming and implementation.
• Experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Experience using CAD/CAM software, CNC programming, and/or fixturing.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).

Working Conditions

Regularly required to walk and stand for extended periods throughout manufacturing and production areas. Occasionally required to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds. Must be able to work safely in a manufacturing environment and wear all required personal protective equipment, including hearing, eye, foot, and heat protection.

Must be available to support a 24/7 operation, including off-shift, weekend, and emergency response requirements as needed.

Work Environment

Duties are performed both indoors and in the plant which is an uncontrolled environment subject to extreme temperatures, loud noise, and moving equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to industrial noise, vibration, temperature and waste. Other activities include sitting for extended periods of time and extensive work at a computer and/or calculator and regular use of telephone.

Disclaimer Notice

The essential duties and responsibilities, education, experience, abilities, physical demands, and work environment, among other things, listed in this job description are representative only and not exhaustive of the tasks that an employee may be required to perform. The Employer retains the right to modify this job description, either by revising or expanding it, at any given time.

This may include assigning employees’ additional tasks based on business circumstances or changes within the work environment. Western Extrusions is an equal opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, National, or Local Laws.

Please Note

No 3rd party candidates are being accepted.