Job Description

Job Summary

The Lead Designer is an onsite technical execution leader responsible for translating engineering requirements and Design Lead direction into robust, manufacturable product designs. This role supports both New Product Development (NPD) and Sustaining Engineering efforts through advanced CAD (Computer-Aided Design) modeling, layout development, design refinement, technical review, and validation of engineering documentation. The Lead Designer serves as a technical resource for other designers, reviews design output for quality and accuracy, and helps ensure that design intent is correctly implemented.

This is a full-time, onsite position located in Charlotte, NC, operating on a standard Monday through Friday, day shift schedule.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and refine CAD (Computer-Aided Design) models, layouts, assembly structures, and detailed design implementations.
• Translate engineering requirements and Design Lead direction into practical design solutions.
• Lead complex packaging, integration, fit-up, and manufacturability evaluations.
• Perform detailed technical reviews of models, drawings, BOMs (Bills of Materials), and engineering documentation.
• Validate design work completed by other designers and ensure implementation aligns with design intent.
• Support development and maintenance of top-down assembly structures and product architectures.
• Drive resolution of complex design issues through collaboration with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain teams.
• Support offshore design resources through technical guidance, review, and issue resolution.
• Participate in design reviews, peer reviews, Virtual Builds, and release readiness activities.
• Assist in coordinating design execution activities when a Design Lead delegates responsibility.
• Support ECN (Engineering Change Notice) execution, documentation review, and release preparation activities.
• Identify technical risks, implementation concerns, and opportunities for design improvement.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to less experienced designers.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED with 5+ years of product design experience in an engineering environment, -or- Associate’s Degree in a technical field with 3+ years of product design experience in an engineering environment.
• 2+ years of Creo Parametric experience of demonstrated proficiency in complex modeling, assemblies, and drawing development.
• 2+ years of experience developing and maintaining large assembly structures and engineering documentation using Creo.
• 2+ years of experience reviewing 3D models, drawings, BOMs (Bills of Materials), and design implementations for accuracy and completeness.
• 2+ years of experience with top-down design methodologies and CAD (Computer-Aided Design) driven BOMs (Bills of Materials).
• 1+ years of working knowledge engineering release processes.
• 1+ years of experience with Creo sheet metal design.
• Willing and able to travel up to 10% annually across domestic locations and Mexico.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a technical field.
• Proficiency with windchill and working knowledge of PLM (product lifecycle management) systems.
• Experience leading technical reviews and validating work performed by other designers.
• Experience supporting offshore or remote design resources.
• Experience supporting both NPD (New Product Design) and Sustaining Engineering activities.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and design for manufacturability principles.
• Experience in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), industrial equipment, or manufacturing environments.
• Experience creating and maintaining configurable product structures and product family architectures.
• Ability to independently resolve complex design and integration issues.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to provide technical guidance and mentorship to other designers.
• A solid understanding and experience with drafting standards and procedures including ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) Y14.3 and ASME Y14.5.