Lead Product Designer - Military veterans preferred

2025-07-02
American Rheinmetall Vehicles, LLC
Other

/yr

  employee   contract


Troy
Michigan
48007
United States

American Rheinmetall Vehicles, LLC

TITLE Lead Product Designer

CATEGORY Engineering

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Rheinmetall's U.S. organizations include American Rheinmetall Systems, American Rheinmetall Vehicles, American Rheinmetall Munitions and American Rheinmetall Defense. The operating companies have established engineering and production capabilities that allow them to modify existing products and develop new solutions that meet the priority requirements of their US customers. These products consist of, but are not limited to, game-changing solutions for next-generation vehicles, innovations for increased soldier lethality, and advanced high-tech munitions.



Description

What’s your passion?

At American Rheinmetall Vehicles, we’re driven by technology, and we’re using it to alter the landscape of today’s modern battlespace in order to provide our soldiers with the equipment they need to come home safely. We are committed to supporting critical advancements in the United States defense industry – like the U.S. Army’s OMFV program (now named the XM30 Combat Vehicle Program) – with our next-generation vehicle systems that empower and protect the members of our U.S. Armed Forces.

If you share our passion, we welcome you to join our tight-knit team as we continue to make a difference. We are proud of our work, we are devoted to our customers, and we are dedicated to our employees.

If you’re satisfied, so are we.

Job Summary

Product Design Lead will be a self-starter with a strong record of meeting project deadlines and ability to successfully work with cross-functional teams in a dynamic environment. Will maintain responsibility and ownership for the sub-system design, development, and integration for military combat vehicles. When deemed necessary, Product Design Lead will support task priorities and timing required to meet design schedules with other Designer team members. Design responsibility will range from top-level CAD assemblies requiring large assembly management, vehicle sub-systems assemblies, and in some instances single components. Areas of design competency should include but not limited to mechanical and/or electrical design feasibility concepts, initial packaging studies, design of complete prototypes, production design, sub-system integration, and balance of systems based on known requirements. A solid understanding of various design based CAD process, design methods, prototype manufacturing, and production level manufacturing techniques.

American Rheinmetall Vehicles (ARV), in Sterling Heights, MI, delivers next generation capability, technology and competition to high priority United States modernization programs. Leveraging the global portfolio of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems Division, ARV provides advanced tracked and wheeled combat vehicles and tactical wheeled vehicles. ARV offers forward thinking capabilities such open systems architectures to enable the rapid insertion of maturing technologies, platform commonality to reduce production and lifecycle costs, and the transfer of technology to establish local production capabilities. Rheinmetall’s collaborative global structure allows for the maturation and strengthening of the U.S. Industrial Base now and into the future.

We are looking for a Lead Product Designer to work for our Sterling Heights, MI office. If you have at least 10 years in product design and development in US Defense Programs and 15 years of experience or equivelent work experience with PTC Creo Parametric, and have a required Associate Degree in Product Design (e.g. Mechanical, Structural, Systems, Aerospace, Automotive), we invite you to click the Apply button to learn more and share your qualifications with us.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the employment application or for any part of the application process, please contact hr@rheinmetall-arv-us.com.

Essential Functions:

  • Core CompetenciesManage designs using CAD software per project requirements/specifications.
  • Creation of 3D components (parts and assemblies). Which includes the application of MBD (Model Based Definition) elements and metadata.
  • Creation of 2D drawings (single components, sub-system installations and top-level exploded drawings).
  • Ability to understand and manage multiple sub-system designs.
  • Create and manage core standards and procedures related to the creation, release, and revision of CAD models and drawings.
  • Provide CAD process support and training across the entire design team improving internal company standards, customer standards, and specifications to ensure technical data packages meet program/project requirements.
  • Willing participant for process improvement in all aspects of design responsibilities. (CAD fundamentals, CAD data management, Design/Engineering, etc.).
  • Conduct packaging, feasibility, and kinematic studies.
  • Possess a foundation of CAD data management knowledge including Part Numbering, Revision History, Engineering Change Requests, and Configuration Management etc.
  • Reverse engineering and design capabilities including dimensional stack-ups defining fit and function.
  • Troubleshoot design issues concerning manufacturing, quality, and sub-system requirements on existing designs.
  • Working knowledge and application of ASME MBD type standards (Y14.4X-XX).
  • Working knowledge and application of ASME Engineering Drawing Practices (Y14.100).
  • Working knowledge and application of industry, standard Dimensioning and Tolerancing Principles (Y14.5-XXX and various ISO).
  • Support and adhere to all company safety and environmental regulations and policies.
  • Core Project Competencies
  • Ability to apply the appropriate prioritization of designs/tasks supporting sub-system design maturity and scheduled completion dates.
  • Ability to lead design reviews and customer meetings.
  • Report, track, and resolve open issues within a sub-system design team/group.
  • Provide technical support to customers (internal and external) as needed.
  • Ability to prepare/present project design status of multiple sub-systems.
  • Create, manage, and communicate BOM structure/requirements in a collaborative fashion with project team members.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks within multiple projects simultaneously and properly prioritize based on project scope/timing.
  • Responsibility, management, and completion of sub-system level design releases packages for on time delivery, program requirements, and design fidelity.
  • Support concurrent engineering, procurement and prototype build/integration activities by providing technical assistance.
  • Efficient use and knowledge of Microsoft Office software suite
  • Additional Competencies (desired)
  • General understanding of 3D top down design (use of skeletons) methods
  • Familiarity with Finite Element Analysis simulation (FEA)
  • General understanding of how technical user manuals and technical illustrations are utilized in within the Department of Defense (DOD) environment



DIVISION American Rheinmetall Vehicles, LLC

LOCATION Troy, MI

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (as demonstrated through experience, training and/or testing)
  • Knowledge of Systems based design and related Standards/Processes
  • Ability to present technical solutions to clients and internal stakeholders.
  • Familiarity with the US DoD ground vehicle requirements
  • Knowledge of the US DoD process and procedures for vehicle development and acquisition
  • Familiarity with the US Army TACOM / TARDEC organizations
  • Practical ‘hands on’ attitude with the ability to operate independently
  • Currently holds or has the ability to obtain SECRET US Defense clearance
  • Knowledge of Military Standards and regulations
  • 3D printing and general knowledge of material properties (e.g. Steel, Aluminum, Ceramic).
  • Must be able to communicate effectively in a variety of settings and be able to assimilate complex instructions easily. Ability to communicate with all levels of management and staff to establish productive relationships. Superior consultation, diplomacy, influencing and negotiating skills is required. Must possess the ability to explain complex concepts in a way that makes sense to someone less knowledgeable about the topic.
  • Must demonstrate an enthusiasm to engage with and support overseas colleagues to ensure all staff have the information and opportunity to perform to the best of their abilities.
  • Must promote collaboration and facilitate teamwork across the organization and its external service providers. Must be tactful, diplomatic, and work with integrity, honesty, and respect for others.
  • Must display exceptional listening and analytical skills in order to understand customer concerns and needs with the ability to respond promptly and effectively to those needs.
  • Shall support and encourage performance by motivating individuals and teams to achieve high performance. Will clarify and define the goals and strategies of the organization and successfully communicate this to all. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required to work effectively with the US team, suppliers, customer, and corporate parent staff.

High level of self-motivation and standards with the ability to multi-task; balancing "analysis" with "doing". Must be adaptable and able to prioritize and work under pressure to meet deadlines. Work on own initiative.

Education:

  • AS Product Design (e.g. Mechanical, Structural, Systems, Aerospace, Automotive)
  • Minimum: High School Diploma or Equivalent

Experience:

  • 10+ years of experience in product design and development US Defense programs
  • 15+ years of experience or equivalent work experience with PTC Creo Parametric desired. Proficient use of other MCAD tools will also be considered. (i.e. UG Nx, Solid Works, CATIA)
  • Experience of working in a multi-national, multi-organizational and corporate environment.
  • Experience with engineering and supply chain management in a highly regulated industry

Background Prerequisites:

  • Must undergo and meet company standards for background check, employment verification, reference checks and controlled substance testing.
  • All employment at ARV is contingent upon the ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance if the position requires it.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • BS in Engineering desired (e.g. Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, Management) or equivalent work experience
  • Ability to speak German desired


BENEFITS Robust medical, dental, vision, 401(k), short- and long-term disability, life insurance, education reimbursement and Employee Assistance Program

E-VERIFY This employer participates in E-Verify. For more information on E-Verify and Your Rights to Work please visit: https://www.e-verify.gov.

PAY TRANSPARENCY This company abides by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.35(c), found here: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/pdf/pay-transp_%20English_formattedESQA50

EOE 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law. Please find details here: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf





Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PI274636970