Fontaine Fifth Wheel Company

As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings—which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway—you’ll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We’re committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone’s empowered to be their best.

The Design Engineer II reports to the Engineering Manager and supports product development, validation, and technical assistance for Sales and Customer Service teams. This role supports engineering activities across the Jasper, AL and Matamoros, Mexico locations and is responsible for new product design, continuous product improvement, cost-reduction initiatives, and the maintenance of engineering drawings and bills of material.

The position includes tactical product management responsibilities, ensuring project schedules are met and products are released on time. This role will manage multiple projects simultaneously, working independently within a structured engineering organization. In addition, this role contributes to strategic product planning by helping develop three- to five-year product and technology roadmaps aligned with business objectives.

The ideal candidate holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related discipline and has a minimum of three years of experience as a design engineer, preferably focused on product design and innovation. Strong proficiency with 3D solid modeling tools and experience applying FEA-based optimization techniques are required. This role also supports advanced product development through mechanical design leadership and collaboration with adjacent electrical and software engineering functions.

Key Responsibilities

Design Engineering:

• R&D and Innovation:
  • Evaluate and propose current products and new product innovation.
  • Create multiple iterations of design prototypes using computer-aided design tools, FEA, CMC and 3D printing processes.
• Project management:
  • Estimate and establish cost parameters for designs.
  • Create project schedules for multiple concurrent design projects.
  • Present project progress and challenges during design review meetings.
  • Ability to take on strategic role in project planning as well as tactical role in project management and execution.
• Testing and validation:
  • Conduct tests in the research and development lab to revise and improve product design.
  • Assist in the R&D test lab to set up, monitor and run various tests.
• Engineering support roles:
  • Support IATF 16949 quality management system within product engineering.
  • Duties will include engineering drawing maintenance, engineering change notices, BOM and costing maintenance in the company ERP system and engineering project documentation.
  • Assist in providing engineering support to sales, marketing, and customer service departments.
  • Assist in communicating with major truck OEM engineering departments.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, or a closely related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in an engineering role. (Product Development, Research and Development disciplines preferred)
• Technology Proficiency: Proficient in Solid Modelling principles (Pro-E Creo with Windchill database management experience preferred), FEA analysis, engineering design principles, 3D printing, and rapid prototype methods. Proficient computer skills. Strong aptitude for creating detailed drawings and instructions.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze technical issues and implement effective solutions.
• Creativity: Creative and innovative thinker with precise attention to detail and accuracy.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Team skills: Enjoys working with engineering teams and strong intradepartmental communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

• Experience: Prior experience working with heavy-duty truck fleets, suppliers, and/or OEMs.
• Technology Proficiency: Prior experience with heavy-duty truck electrical systems, CANbus connectivity, telematics, and/or autonomous operations is a plus.
• Embedded Systems: Prior experience with embedded applications and sensors is a plus.

Following receipt of a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or required by applicable law.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to their membership in any protected class. If you require any reasonable accommodation to complete your application or any part of the recruiting process, please email your request to [email protected], and please be sure to include the title and the location of the position for which you are applying.