Design Engineer

At Yakima, we’re committed to enhancing the journey and earning trust every day—connecting people and their gear to the activities they love. As a Design Engineer II, you will play a key role in the design, development, and support of innovative consumer products. You'll collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to lead the development of new products, improve existing ones, and manage value engineering initiatives. This role is critical to advancing Yakima’s strategic goals and maintaining our global competitive edge.

Key responsibilities include:

·         Collaborate with Category Business Management, Industrial Design, Quality Engineering, Global Sourcing, External Customers and Manufacturing Partners to design innovative products that meet performance, manufacturing and market needs.

·         Partnering with various roles across the local and global organisation to drive project success.

·         Communicating across Yakima’s global organisation and with suppliers and automotive OEM customers.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll do:

Engineering

·         Address design challenges during development; create and update prototypes, CAD models, drawings, BOMs, and product specifications.

·         Deliver engineering work on time and within budget using best-in-class tools and processes (e.g., 2D/3D CAD, PLM, BOM management, quality documentation).

·         Validate designs through testing and structural analysis.

·         Support implementation of new products and post–design freeze updates.

·         Lead or assist with cost-reduction and sustaining engineering initiatives.

·         Contribute to continuous improvement in product development processes with local and offshore teams.

·         Conduct special projects focused on new materials and improved design/manufacturing processes.

·         Maintain technical expertise through ongoing professional development.

 

Communication

·         Collaborate effectively with internal teams, offshore design groups, manufacturing partners, and customers.

·         Clearly document and communicate designs to ensure timely and cost-effective production.

·         Participate in technical reviews and provide input for NPI (New Product Introduction) projects.

·         Support project planning with accurate cost estimates, timelines, and specifications.

 

General

·         Comply with all Yakima and all Workplace Health and Safety policies and procedures.

·         Carry out other duties, responsibilities, and projects as assigned.

 

What you Bring:

·         Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing or related Engineering field (preferred).  

·         3+ years experience in consumer product design.

·         2+ years’ experience leading projects from concept to production.

·         Proficiency with SolidWorks (2D drawing, 3D modelling, Surfacing and FEA).

·         Experience using FEA tools and quality methodologies (FMEA and GD&T).

·         Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, metal fabrication, die casting, extrusions), test methods and basic machine shop practices.

·         Experience collaborating with offshore suppliers and manufacturing partners.

·         Experience working with Industrial Designers.

·         Familiarity with LEAN manufacturing principles.

·         Strong communication skills, including working cross-functionally with international teams and customers.

·         Experience working in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.

·         Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

·         Ability to thrive in both a team environment and autonomously as required.

·         Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.

·         Creative problem-solving skills and a commitment to quality and safety.

·         Fluent in English; Mandarin Chinese is a plus.

·         Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams).

·         Excellent organisational skills, analytical ability and attention to detail.