Design Engineer II

Position Overview

The Design Engineer II is responsible for independently developing and executing designs for components and subsystems. This role requires strong CAD proficiency, application of engineering principles, and the ability to manage design deliverables throughout the product lifecycle. The DE II collaborates cross-functionally and supports project timelines while ensuring design quality and manufacturability.

The Design Engineer II will report to the Director of Engineering Operations. This position requires a full-time work week spent in the shop/office. Normal hours are Monday through Thursday 7:00am-4:30pm and Friday 7:00am-12:00pm. (Must be flexible to work additional hours as needed based on project requirements and deadlines).

Key Responsibilities

• Independently design and develop vehicle components and subsystems in CAD using MSI's parametric modeling approach
• Own and manage BOM development and drawing packages for assigned areas
• Ensure designs meet performance, cost, manufacturability, and schedule requirements
• Apply GD&T and ASME Y14.5 standards in all designs
• Perform engineering analysis (FEA, hand calculations) to validate designs
• Interface with Project Managers to provide schedule updates and technical input
• Support prototype builds and resolve manufacturing issues
• Collaborate with vendors and suppliers to support part fabrication
• Identify design improvements and contribute new design concepts
• Mentor DE-1 Engineers on CAD practices and engineering fundamentals

Skills and Qualifications Required

• Minimum of a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering or similar
• Minimum 2+ years in appropriate automotive, motorsports or defense vehicle related field
• Experience with sheet metal, weldments, and machined parts is a plus
• Strong CAD experience preferred (CREO Preferred)
• Minimum of 2+ years of PDM experience (Windchill Preferred)
• Experience in FEA (Ansys) is a plus
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience designing and analyzing automotive components and systems
• Highly motivated, organized, and responsible.
• Ability to interact with all types of people under pressure
• Knowledge of machining practices, industry workings, fabrication shop procedures
• Microsoft Office Suite experience
• U.S. Citizenship is required. Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance, if required for the position.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization's facilities.

The MSI Operating Code

Every employee at MSI is expected to operate in accordance with the MSI Operating Code. These seven principles define how we think, decide, and execute. They are not aspirational. They are the working standard by which all employees are evaluated.

The Seven Principles

• Own It. If a problem touches your function, it is yours until it is solved or explicitly transferred. Do not wait. Do not delegate upward. Do not hide behind process. Ownership means driving to resolution, not monitoring status.
• Kill the Wrong Fight. Before optimizing a solution, question whether the problem is yours to solve. If an opportunity requires MSI to become something we are not, kill it fast. The discipline to say no is what protects our ability to say yes to the right things.
• Move Before You're Told. Speed is MSI's compounding advantage. We move when directionally correct and adjust in motion. Leaders who wait for permission are not leading. We would rather correct a fast decision than wait for a perfect one.
• Solve Before You Contract. Prove the integration works before formalizing the relationship. Capability first, paperwork follows. Working capability is the strongest negotiating position and the most honest form of business development.
• Integrate First. MSI's moat is not any single technology. It is the ability to integrate modular systems faster and more effectively than anyone else. Every decision should reinforce our position as the integration hub.
• Say It Now. Silence is not alignment. If you disagree, say so, with data, with reasoning, and with an alternative path. Passive execution is institutional risk.
• Build Beyond Yourself. If your function depends on your presence to operate, you have not built anything. Develop your people. Document your processes. Create depth that survives your absence.

Benefits

• 401(k) with employer match
• Dental Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Parental and Maternity Leave
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off – 120 hours per year to start (prorated in first year of employment)
• Continuing Education
• Annual Year End Paid Holiday Closure

Classification

• Position is full-time, Exempt

MSI Defense Solutions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.