Bearing Applications & Manufacturing Engineer

About the Role:
The Bearing Applications & Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for designing, modifying, and supporting the production of precision bearing components and assemblies within a metal stamping and machining environment. This role blends applications engineering, product design, and manufacturing process development to meet customer specifications while optimizing cost, quality, and performance. The ideal candidate brings strong mechanical design experience, metal stamping knowledge, and an understanding of manufacturing processes including progressive dies, machining, and heat treatment. This position collaborates closely with sales, tooling, production, and quality teams to deliver engineered bearing solutions from concept through production.

Responsibilities:

• Design and modify bearing components and assemblies to meet customer specifications and build-to-print requirements.
• Provide Applications Engineering support to Sales through design layouts, sales drawings, and technical documentation.
• Develop internal component drawings and vendor drawings using CAD software.
• Review customer requirements and evaluate designs for manufacturability and cost efficiency.
• Apply Design for Manufacturability and Assembly principles to optimize bearing components and assemblies.
• Develop cost models and support quoting and business case development for new opportunities.
• Support manufacturing teams with troubleshooting, process improvements, and production-related engineering issues.
• Design progressive and compound dies for metal stamping of bearing components such as jackets, ball cases, and races.
• Develop and release manufacturing plans, tooling methodologies, work instructions, and engineering change notices.
• Collaborate with toolmakers and cross-functional teams on new tooling development.
• Participate in Kaizen events and implement Lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Analyze and implement improvements to minimize production costs while maintaining tolerancing and quality standards.
• Partner with Quality Assurance to define control plans and inspection methods.
• Lead engineering projects and ensure objectives and timelines are met.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Experience in mechanical design, drafting, or manufacturing methods.
• Knowledge of metal stamping, machining, and bearing component manufacturing.
• Experience with progressive dies and compound dies preferred.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Microsoft Office tools including Excel.
• Strong blueprint reading skills and understanding of GD&T and tolerancing standards.
• Understanding of heat treatment processes such as case hardening.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and production personnel.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in assembly, machining, and press room operations.
• Knowledge of cost modeling and quoting support for engineered components.
• Experience in Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Background in precision bearing or industrial component manufacturing.