Sr. Product Engineer

Description

COMPANY SUMMARY

Aero Industries, Inc. (“Aero”) is a global leader in the design and manufacture of tarp systems and trailer accessories. With over 80 years of industry success, we have built a reputation for high-quality products, superior engineering capabilities, and long-standing customer partnerships. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Aero supports customers through regional locations in Nebraska and Ohio, as well as a nationwide network of dealers.

Aero is a family-owned business with a legacy of craftsmanship and dedication to our employees. As a small, fast-paced organization, we are investing in the expansion and modernization of our engineering systems to meet the evolving needs of our business. We are currently seeking a Senior Product Engineer who is hands-on, highly motivated, and ready to take ownership of meaningful engineering initiatives that drive Aero forward.

Position Overview

The Senior Product Engineer will lead efforts in both new product development and improvements to current products. This role requires a technically strong, creative problem-solver who collaborates well across departments and brings practical manufacturing knowledge to the design process. The successful candidate will demonstrate initiative, accountability, and a passion for continuous improvement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead engineering projects from concept to production, including both new designs and enhancements to existing products
• Design and model components, assemblies, and systems using Autodesk Inventor
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation including Bills of Materials (BOMs), routings, and detailed drawings
• Collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, purchasing, quality, and sales to ensure alignment of design and business goals
• Work with internal teams and external suppliers to develop tooling and ensure manufacturability
• Participate in and lead design reviews, prototyping, testing, and product validation
• Drive product quality, cost reduction, and process improvement initiatives
• Ensure compliance with engineering standards, safety, and best practices

Requirements

REQUIRED SKILLS/ ABILITIES:

• Self-motivated, disciplined, and results-oriented
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a creative mindset
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Effective project management skills; able to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Clear communicator with strong interpersonal skills and customer focus
• Ethical, trustworthy, and a team player who upholds company values

Capability & Behavior Requirements: 

•  Accountability for Results: Holds self-accountable for ensuring that results are achieved; Seizes opportunities to produce results without direct supervision; Acts on items beyond formal job responsibility; Sets high expectations for self and others
• Communications: Strong communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, both oral and written, and ability to create as well as deliver effective presentations
• Creating Quality Deliverables: Establishes deliverable structure and content; Reviews deliverables of self and team to ensure that they meet internal/ external customer expectations; Implements and enforces high standards for quality deliverables 
• Development of innovative ideas: Generates innovative ideas that are sound and progressive; Challenges the status quo; Fosters creativity throughout Engineering 
• Problem Solving: Ability to work in a dynamic environment that requires critical thinking and strong analytical skills 
• Providing Exceptional Client Service: Manages self to provide exceptional service by responding with a sense of urgency, practicality, accountability, and integrity 
• Attitude: Exhibits enthusiasm, positive professional attitude, integrity, reliability, and leadership
• Building Rapport: Leads by example; actively listens; Respects the opinions and perspectives of others; Demonstrates strong personal commitment to others; clearly states thoughts, ideas, and expectations
• Decision-making: Decision making skills, and ability to challenge, negotiate, and influence

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Degree in Engineering or related technical field
• 7-10 years of experience in product development, manufacturing engineering, design and manufacturing environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 
• Proficient in Autodesk Inventor and familiar with Autodesk Vault or similar PDM tools
• Familiarity with aluminum fabrication, aluminum cast parts, or truck/trailer components
• Ability to assess, improve processes, and drive change within the Engineering Organization
• Ability to understand and interpret Policy, Procedure, Regulations and Engineering drawings
• Knowledge and experience with Design Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (DFMEA), Process Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (PFMEA), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee routinely is required to sit; walk; talk; hear; use hands to keyboard, finger, handle, and feel; stoop, kneel, crouch, twist, reach, and stretch.
• The employee is occasionally required to move around the plant.
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, and move through manufacturing areas and supplier facilities
• The employee may be required to travel based on business needs.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• The employee is occasionally exposed to a high level of heat/humidity conditions due to working in a non-climate controlled facility. The noise level in the work environment can occasionally be loud.
• Can work under deadlines.