Position Summary
The Advanced Design Engineer drives the development of dump bodies, subframes, hoist systems, and related truck equipment with a strong focus on design for manufacturability, fixture-based repeatability, and poka-yoke integration. This role ensures that every product is engineered to build consistently on the shop floor without reliance on tape measures, operator judgment, or variable manual processes. The engineer leads structural design, manufacturability optimization, and continuous improvement efforts while collaborating with production, quality, sourcing, and sales to convert concepts into high-performance, cost-effective, mistake-proof products.
Key Responsibilities
Product Design & Development
Engineer dump bodies, tailgates, hoist structures, and subframes using 3D CAD with an emphasis on geometry that aligns with fixtures, hard stops, and standardized locating features.
Create detailed drawings, weldments, and BOMs that support repeatable, fixture-driven assembly rather than floor-measured builds.
Perform structural calculations and FEA to validate strength, fatigue life, and load paths.
Lead new product development from concept through proto@type, ensuring designs are optimized for manufacturability and error-proof assembly.
Manufacturing & Production Support
Design products that eliminate tape-measure use by incorporating alignment tabs, slots, pins, datum surfaces, and modular subassemblies.
Partner with production to convert measurement-dependent tasks into poka-yoke, fixture-guided operations.
Resolve manufacturing issues by redesigning components for simpler welding, forming, cutting, and assembly.
Drive engineering change orders that reduce variation, shorten build time, and improve first-pass yield.
Testing & Validation
Develop test plans for proto@types with a focus on validating real-world manufacturability, structural performance, and hydraulic integration.
Analyze failures and implement corrective actions that strengthen both design robustness and production repeatability.
Document results and feed lessons learned back into DFM standards and fixture design.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Translate customer requirements into engineered solutions that can be built consistently across shifts and operators.
Support purchasing in evaluating suppliers for steel, hydraulics, and hardware that meet manufacturability and quality standards.
Work with quality teams to address field issues and implement design changes that prevent recurrence through poka-yoke principles.
Compliance & Standards
Ensure all designs meet FMVSS, OSHA, SAE, ANSI, and industry standards while also aligning with internal DFM and error-proofing guidelines.
Maintain documentation consistent with ISO or other quality management systems.
Innovation & Optimization
Lead weight-reduction initiatives using engineered geometry that maintains strength while simplifying fabrication.
Research new materials, coatings, hydraulic technologies, and fabrication methods that improve durability and manufacturability.
Develop modular, fixture-friendly designs that reduce lead times and support scalable production.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
3-7+ years of experience in metal fabrication, heavy equipment, truck bodies, or similar industries.
Proficiency in 3D CAD and drafting.
Strong understanding of structural steel design, weldments, and mechanical systems.
Experience with FEA and engineering simulation tools.
Ability to create engineering drawings with GD&T and clear manufacturing intent.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in dump body or vocational truck manufacturing.
Familiarity with hydraulic circuits, hoist systems, and PTO-driven equipment.
Knowledge of lean manufacturing, DFM, and poka-yoke design principles.
Experience with ERP systems for BOM management.
PE license or progress toward licensure.
Competencies & Traits
Strong mechanical aptitude and analytical thinking.
Creativity with a focus on simplifying builds and eliminating variation.
Excellent communication and project management skills.
Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving abilities.
Ability to lead cross-functional projects.
Commitment to safety, quality, and repeatable, measurement-free manufacturing.
About us:
Ox Bodies is a subsidiary of Federal Signal, our products have endured even the toughest of conditions on construction sites around the country and abroad since 1972. We've walked in your boots - we get it. Time is money, and we strive to provide the highest quality, most durable products, equipped to handle any job you throw at them.
Our reputation and our people are what have made Ox the industry leader. We are your premier partner for designing and manufacturing Class 6 to 8 dump bodies in the United States and across the globe. Innovative, rugged, high-performance truck bodies, parts, and accessories, all manufactured by hard-working people in Fayette, Alabama.
Our ingenuity allows us to manufacture, assemble, and deliver a complete product. No one else can duplicate what we do or do it better, and if that's not enough, we'll pick up and deliver right to your front door.
Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE: FSS) builds and delivers equipment of unmatched quality that moves material, cleans infrastructure, and protects the communities where we work and live. Founded in 1901, Federal Signal is a leading global designer and manufacturer of products and total solutions that serve municipal, governmental, industrial and commercial customers. Headquartered in Downers Grove, IL, with manufacturing facilities worldwide, the Company operates two groups: Environmental Solutions and Safety and Security Systems. For more information on Federal Signal, visit: www.federalsignal.com.
The Company is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of, and will receive consideration for employment without regard to, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category, characteristic, or trait under applicable law. If you require reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resources at 205-932-8177. All other applications must be submitted online.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
