Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer
American Rheinmetall· Defense & Space· Sep 21, 2026 · 1mo ago
Plymouth, MI
In office
Full-time
Senior
$137K–$186K est.
5+ years exp
Job description
American Rheinmetall is a leader in the design, development, and production of advanced tracked and wheeled vehicles, vehicle systems, and critical components that support U.S. military modernization. Our expertise spans electronic and mechanical systems, fabricated structures, armored products, rubber solutions, and track systems, delivering reliable innovation to both defense and commercial markets at the speed of need. As part of the global Rheinmetall family, we combine proven heritage with forward-looking technology to provide solutions that defend and feed the world.
Job Summary:
Performs the fundamental engineering tasks associated with the design and development of mechanical systems to product requirements and specifications. Typical products include structural components, suspension systems, and mechanical drive systems.
Location: Auburn Hills or Plymouth, MI
Essential Functions:
• Lead design/analysis of complex mechanical systems in accordance with the American Rheinmetall Product Development Process.
• Apply the principles of engineering to develop mechanical systems utilizing parametric modeling and using applicable standards and specifications.
• Verify and document design safety margins by performing stress, vibration, contact, and deflection analyses using finite element analysis (FEA).
• Apply GD&T to accurately communicate functional feature relationships and requirements.
• Verify component and assembly fit conditions using statistical stack up analyses of drawing dimensional requirements.
• Interaction with manufacturing engineering and quality to assure manufacturability of designed hardware.
• Develop and release 2D drawings and 3D models utilizing parametric CAD software.
• Direct the specification of purchased componentry, including bearings, seals, fasteners, etc.
• Support prototype and production manufacturing and assembly with the applicable assigned Program Manager.
• Develop / execute test plan for validating design to customer requirements.
• Support test plan reporting, including Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) documentation.
• Constructs engineering artifacts in support of design reviews, including APQP design process documents: DFMEA, DVP&R, etc.
• Prepare engineering reports in support of checkpoint design reviews.
• Contributes to the continuous improvement of Product Development Processes
• Analyze test data and reports to determine if design meets performance specifications.
• Ensures form, fit, and function of complex mechanical system concepts.
• Supports the preparation of and participates in design review meetings.
Supervisory Responsibility:
None, but may informally lead other design engineers on assigned projects/tasks.
Minimum Qualifications:
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (as demonstrated through experience, training and/or testing)
• Analytical
Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.
• Design
Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into images; Uses feedback to modify designs; Applies design principles; Demonstrates attention to detail.
• Problem Solving
Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Technical Skills
Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
• Language Skills
Ability to read and interpret documents such as proposals, MS Word files, PowerPoint files, etc.Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
• Mathematical Skills
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent, and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Reasoning Ability
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Computer Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Internet software; Presentation software; Spreadsheet software and Word Processing software.
Education:
• Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in engineering from a four-year college or university and 5 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience:
• Minimum 5 years of related experience in mechanical design engineering role
Background Prerequisites:
• Must undergo and meet company standards for background check, employment verification, reference checks and controlled substance testing.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experienced Creo user
• Experienced Ansys Mechanical user
• Formal GD&T training
Working Conditions and Physical Demands:
With or without reasonable accommodations, requires the physical and mental capacity to perform effectively all essential functions. In addition to other demands, the demands of the job include:
• Ability to lift to 25 pounds occasionally
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
American Rheinmetall provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
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