Design Engineering Lead

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Location:  Milwaukee, WI (relocation assistance provided, if needed)

Position Overview:

Cleaver-Brooks is seeking an innovative and results-driven Design Engineering Lead to support cutting-edge product development initiatives. This role requires working in product development environment to pursue advanced research, product design, and technology integration to drive the future of industrial heating solutions.  The ideal candidate is an experienced engineering leader with a passion for innovation, team mentorship, and hands-on technical expertise. You will work with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and launch next-generation products that enhance Cleaver-Brooks' market leadership in sustainable, high-efficiency solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

Drive Innovation & Product Development

• Work with  R&D engineers on initiatives to develop new high-performance, energy-efficient thermal solutions aligned with company goals.
• Identify and integrate emerging technologies, materials, and design methodologies to enhance product performance.
• Ensure products meet all regulatory, performance, and safety standards, including ASME Pressure Vessel codes.

Leadership & Team Development

• Provide leadership and mentorship to the design drafting team.
• Align designer team with product development activities, ensuring projects stay on schedule and exceed expectations.
• Encourage collaboration between R&D, Manufacturing, Sales, and Service to ensure seamless product integration.

Project Management & Execution

• Lead testing and development efforts, ensuring designs meet required standards and timelines.
• Develop and manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables, ensuring high-quality execution.
• Implement agile and lean engineering practices to optimize design and development efficiency.

Strategic Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as a technical expert, guiding stakeholders on design, application, and performance considerations.
• Engage with suppliers and vendors to drive cost-effective, high-quality manufacturing solutions.

Industry Leadership & Compliance

• Stay ahead of industry trends, regulatory changes, and competitive advancements to inform product strategy.
• Ensure products comply with all safety regulations, codes, and industry standards.
• Contribute to thought leadership through technical presentations, patents, and innovation forums.

 

Qualifications & Experience:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical discipline is required; a Master’s degree is beneficial but not required.

Experience: Minimum 5+ years in R&D product development, engineering project management, and leading design teams in a manufacturing environment.

Technical Expertise:

• Deep knowledge of heat transfer, combustion systems, and ASME Pressure Vessel codes.
• Experience with machining processes, sheet metal fabrication, welding, and industrial piping.
• Strong background in engineering design, prototyping, and product testing.

 

Leadership & Collaboration: Proven experience leading teams of designers/engineers and driving cross-functional collaboration.

Strategic Thinking: Ability to connect technical innovations with business strategy, identifying opportunities for product differentiation.

Project Management: Expertise in managing complex R&D projects, balancing technical depth with project execution.

Problem-Solving Mindset: Strong analytical skills with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges.

Communication Skills: Ability to articulate technical concepts clearly to executives, customers, and engineering teams.

 

Why Join Cleaver-Brooks?

Cleaver-Brooks is the market leader in providing fully integrated boiler and burner systems. We lead the boiler/burner industry due to our unmatched distribution network’s ability to deliver the knowledge, service, training, and support that are essential to long-term performance. Our customers will tell you that we are the only equipment provider that manufactures boilers, burners, controls, and a full array of ancillary and afte