Design Engineering Manager

Summary of Responsibilities

Wilcox Bodies is seeking an experienced and dynamic Design Engineering Manager, leading the production design engineering team responsible for all truck body layouts, custom configurations, and manufacturing drawings that support daily operations.

This role ensures designs released to production are accurate, manufacturable, standardized where possible, and controlled through structured engineering systems. The Design Manager provides hands‑on leadership to the design team while implementing disciplined processes, design structure, and PDM practices that enable Wilcox Bodies to scale without compromising quality or efficiency.

This is a people leadership and systems leadership role focused on execution, consistency, and engineering accountability.

This role has a cross‑functional aspect with the Product Development team regarding innovation and ensuring the successful execution of new design initiatives through to Production. This role offers the opportunity to work in a fast‑paced environment, collaborate with cross‑functional teams, and contribute to the advancement of Wilcox Bodies design.

Key Responsibilities

Design Leadership and Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of designers, fostering a culture of collaboration and engineering excellence.
• Provide guidance and support to team members, ensuring alignment with company goals and objectives.
• Promote professional development opportunities and empower team members to reach their full potential.
• Conduct performance evaluations of team members and provide feedback in aligning performance with Company goals and objectives.
• Coordinate operational needs of the department (software licenses, IT).
• Onboarding and offboarding of permanent and student team members.
• Eliminate undocumented design practices.
• Convert legacy knowledge into controlled engineering standards.

Production Design Execution

• Distribute, direct, control and evaluate the activities and operations of the design department.
• Ensure all production drawings and Bills of Materials (BOMs) are complete, accurate, and released on time in both MRP and CAD.
• Maintain configuration integrity for customer builds.
• Oversee design updates related to sales orders and custom requirements.
• Support rapid engineering response when production issues arise.

Engineering Excellence

• Drive continuous improvement in engineering processes, methodologies, and best practices to enhance productivity and efficiency.
• Implement and maintain a structured engineering design framework.
• Establish standard assemblies, subassemblies, and reusable components.
• Define and enforce part numbering and BOM structure conventions.
• Reduce over‑customization through controlled design practices.
• Convert legacy and tribal knowledge into documented engineering standards.
• Manage CAD material databases and templates.
• Perform engineering calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) studies to validate design projects and prepare reports as necessary.

Customization & Control

• Support Sales with technical evaluation of customer requests.
• Ensure custom configurations remain within controlled engineering frameworks.
• Prevent scope creep that negatively impacts production or quality.

Engineering Change Management

• Implement approved engineering changes into production documentation.
• Maintain revision integrity and change traceability.
• Ensure changes are communicated to all relevant departments (e.g., Production, Parts, Purchasing, Quality).

Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate closely with sales and production management teams to understand customer requirements and translate them into design solutions.
• Communicate effectively with senior management, providing regular updates on project status, milestones, and key deliverables.
• Foster strong relationships with internal and external partners, and vendors to support design initiatives.

Attributes

Skills/Abilities

• Strong technical expertise in mechanical design and manufacturing processes; 3D CAD, Product Data Management (PDM), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Load path analysis and structural reinforcement strategies, Materials selection for fabricated structures, Weldment design and fabrication methods, Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles, Failure analysis and design improvement methodologies.
• Ability to listen and communicate concisely and effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with cross‑functional teams.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong people leader and communicator.
• Highly organized and process‑driven.
• Detail‑oriented with strong technical judgment.
• Calm under production pressure.

Relevant Experience and Education

Job Knowledge or Work Experience

• 5‑7 years of design experience, preferably in manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience in problem identification and resolution with customers and employees.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree or diploma in Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Work in both an office and manufacturing environment.
• Occasional lifting required.
• Wears all required PPE.
• Regular day shift schedule (8‑5 pm M‑T, 8‑4 pm Friday).

Additional Job Requirements

• Possess valid Passport and be available, and able to travel.

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Wilcox Bodies Limited is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive, barrier‑free recruitment and selection processes in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in all aspects of the selection process.

Job Details

• Job Types: Full‑time, Permanent
• Pay: $105,000.00‑$125,000.00 per year

Benefits

• Company events
• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On‑site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Work Location

• In person