Structural Design Engineer – Loader Frames

Ready to design the structural backbone of next-generation heavy equipment?

A leading heavy equipment manufacturer is seeking an experienced Structural Design Engineer to design, develop, and optimize high-strength structural frames for large-scale mining loaders. This is an opportunity to work on complex off-highway machinery, tackle demanding structural engineering challenges, and directly influence equipment strength, durability, and long-term performance.

You'll collaborate with cross-functional engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supplier teams to bring structural designs from concept through analysis, prototype evaluation, and production.

About the Role

The Structural Design Engineer will be responsible for designing and optimizing heavy-duty loader frames, managing structural interfaces, and improving fatigue life, manufacturability, and durability through engineering analysis and testing.

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience designing steel structures or frames for off-highway equipment, along with knowledge of 3D CAD, finite element analysis, weldments, and structural validation.

Key Responsibilities

System Design & Engineering

• Design and optimize high-load loader frames, including complex multi-system packaging and structural interfaces.

• Use computer-aided engineering (CAE), finite element analysis, and physical testing to improve fatigue life, manufacturability, and durability.

• Evaluate structural performance and identify opportunities for design improvements.

Testing, Validation & Collaboration

• Develop welding and machining requirements to support structural integrity and manufacturing quality.

• Support FMEA, prototype evaluations, and competitive benchmarking.

• Collaborate with manufacturing and suppliers to resolve structural design and production challenges.

Quality, Safety & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with engineering, manufacturing, quality, suppliers, and other stakeholders to resolve design issues and support product launches and continuous improvement.

• Maintain clear engineering documentation and follow applicable product safety, quality, and company standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related discipline.

• 4+ years of experience designing steel structures or frames for off-highway equipment.

• Working knowledge of 3D CAD, finite element analysis (FEA), weldments, FMEA, dimensional interfaces, and durability testing.

• Ability to manage priorities, communicate technical findings, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with off-highway construction or mining equipment.

• Exposure to hybrid or electric equipment platforms.

• Experience working with international engineering or supplier teams.

• Experience with prototype validation, root-cause analysis, and structured design reviews.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Technical documentation and attention to detail.

• Sound engineering judgment.

• Effective written and verbal communication.

• Collaboration, accountability, and a continuous-improvement mindset.

Work Environment

This is primarily an office-based engineering role involving computer-aided design, analysis, and engineering reviews, with occasional visits to prototype, testing, and manufacturing environments. These visits may involve standing, walking, PPE, and exposure to noise, moving equipment, or varying temperatures.

Travel: Occasional travel, up to 25%.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation based on experience.

• Eligibility for an annual performance bonus, subject to the approved compensation plan.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Paid time off.

• 401(k) savings plan.

• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).

• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability benefits.

• Life insurance.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).