Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Timpte Inc

Location: Lincoln, NE, US

Job Type: Office Hourly Full-Time

Category: Engineering & Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-13T21:34:00

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive innovation in aftermarket product design, focusing on component updates, special options, and installation instructions to enhance product offerings.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including bills of material (BOMs) and engineering change requests/notifications (ECRs/ECNs), ensuring data integrity within ERP systems.

• Conduct rigorous component testing and data collection to validate designs, improve quality, and ensure reliability in new and existing product lines.

• Apply advanced analytical tools such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to optimize design performance, reduce costs, and enhance overall product reliability.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is crucial for Timpte Inc.'s product lifecycle management, bridging the gap between conceptual design and market-ready products. The focus on aftermarket products indicates a need for continuous improvement and adaptation to customer needs and market trends.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design new aftermarket products and create all necessary supporting documentation, ensuring compliance with engineering standards.

• Generate and accurately enter Bills of Material (BOMs) into the company's ERP system to facilitate procurement and inventory management.

• Execute Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and Engineering Change Notifications (ECNs) to meticulously document and release all design modifications.

• Propose and implement design improvements specifically targeting cost reduction and enhancing component quality and reliability.

• Produce detailed technical drawings and comprehensive documentation required to support the successful completion of new and ongoing product development projects.

• Research, design, and develop special options based on specific requests and requirements from the Sales and Customer Service departments.

• Utilize Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools to rigorously test and improve the quality and reliability of both new and existing product designs.

• Provide essential support for warranty investigations, collaborating with the Product Engineering Manager to resolve issues.

• Assist with broader engineering activities as directed by the Product Engineering Manager and Senior Designers, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to contribute across the team.

• Undertake additional duties as assigned by management or as necessitated by the evolving requirements of the position, showcasing adaptability and a proactive approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on role with significant documentation and analysis components. The emphasis on ECRs/ECNs and BOM creation within ERP systems points to a need for strong process adherence and system proficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate Degree in Engineering, Design, or Drafting.

Experience: 2-5 years of experience in product design, engineering support, or a related technical field.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in CAD and 3D modeling software for creating detailed designs and visualizations.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and Excel, for documentation and data management.

• Familiarity with basic measuring tools, calipers, tape measures, and scientific calculators for accurate data collection and verification.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with internal teams and stakeholders.

• Ability to understand and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Rhino and MPanel software for advanced design and simulation.

• Knowledge of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools and their application in design validation.

• Experience creating and managing Bills of Material (BOMs) within an ERP system.

• Understanding of Engineering Change Request (ECR) and Engineering Change Notification (ECN) processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a specific degree is listed, the emphasis on practical skills like CAD, 3D modeling, and measurement tools suggests that equivalent experience combined with a strong portfolio could be considered. The preference for Rhino and MPanel indicates a desire for advanced design capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate clear examples of new aftermarket product designs, showcasing innovation and problem-solving capabilities.

• Include case studies of component updates or special option creations, detailing the design process and final outcome.

• Present examples of technical documentation, such as detailed drawings, installation instructions, and test reports.

• Showcase experience in BOM creation and how it integrates with ERP systems for efficient production. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have documented design changes using ECRs and ECNs, illustrating your understanding of change management.

• Illustrate your approach to developing design improvements focused on cost reduction and enhancing component quality and reliability.

• Detail your methodology for conducting component testing and collecting data to support design validation and performance analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, demonstrating not just design output but also the process and documentation rigor. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their design choices and the impact of their work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $28 - $35 per hour, commensurate with experience.

Benefits:

• Competitive monthly bonus structure linked to performance.

• Generous personal time off (PTO) and paid holidays to support work-life balance.

• Employee tuition reimbursement program to encourage continuous learning and professional development.

• 401k plan with a company match, supporting long-term financial planning.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Company-paid lunches for holidays, fostering a positive team environment.

• Annual golf membership, offering recreational opportunities.

• Participation in company holiday parties and other social events.

Working Hours: Monday - Thursday, 6:00 AM - 4:30 PM (40 hours per week).

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly pay rate, combined with a monthly bonus, suggests a performance-driven compensation model. The extensive benefits package, including unique perks like company-paid lunches and a golf membership, indicates a strong emphasis on employee well-being and company culture. The consistent 4-day work week (Monday-Thursday) offers a predictable schedule.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Manufacturing (Trailers and Transportation Equipment). Timpte Inc. has a long-standing history in the manufacturing sector, specifically in the design and production of trailers. This industry context implies a focus on durability, functionality, and meeting stringent operational demands.

Company Size: Approximately 600 employees across the organization. This mid-size structure often allows for a balance between established processes and a more personal, collaborative work environment where individual contributions are highly visible.

Founded: 142 years ago. This significant history suggests a stable, experienced company with deep roots in its industry, likely possessing robust manufacturing processes and a strong understanding of its customer base.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will be part of the Product Engineering team, likely comprising other designers, engineers, and support staff.

• Reporting directly to the Product Engineering Manager, indicating a clear line of authority and a structured communication flow.

• Close collaboration is expected with Sales and Customer Service for understanding market needs and special option requests, as well as with Senior Designers for guidance and mentorship. Methodology:

• Data-driven design improvements, utilizing FEA tools and component testing to validate hypotheses and optimize performance.

• Process-oriented workflow planning, with strict adherence to ECR/ECN procedures and BOM management within ERP systems.

• Efficiency-focused design, with a continuous effort to reduce costs and enhance product reliability.

Company Website: https://www.timpte.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Timpte's long history suggests a culture that values stability, quality, and long-term relationships. The company's focus on engineering and manufacturing implies a practical, results-oriented environment where technical expertise is highly regarded.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Product Designer, requiring specific technical skills and a degree or equivalent experience. It offers an opportunity to contribute directly to product development and improvement within the manufacturing sector.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer reports to the Product Engineering Manager, providing a direct reporting line for guidance, performance evaluation, and career development discussions. This structure facilitates clear communication and project oversight.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly influences product quality, cost-effectiveness, and market competitiveness. By designing new aftermarket products, improving existing ones, and ensuring accurate documentation, they play a vital role in customer satisfaction and Timpte's ongoing success in the trailer manufacturing industry.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific design software (Rhino, MPanel), FEA applications, or particular product lines within Timpte's portfolio.

• Advancement: Progress to Senior Product Designer roles, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior designers, and potentially leading design initiatives.

• Skill Development: Leverage tuition reimbursement and on-the-job training to expand knowledge in areas like materials science, manufacturing processes, and advanced design simulation techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for technical growth within a specialized manufacturing environment. The company's long history and established structure suggest stable career progression opportunities for dedicated employees.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position at Timpte's new facility in Lincoln, NE. The environment is expected to be a professional office setting supporting engineering and design functions.

Office Location(s): Lincoln, NE, 68524. This location is specific and requires candidates to be within a reasonable daily commute.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be equipped with standard office amenities and dedicated CAD/design workstations.

• Access to measuring tools, calipers, and other necessary equipment for design validation will be available.

• Opportunities for collaboration with fellow designers, engineers, and product managers will be present, fostering a team-oriented approach.

• The environment is expected to be focused and conducive to detailed design work, with a 4-day work week structure.

Work Schedule: Monday - Thursday, 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM. This structured schedule allows for focused work blocks and a three-day weekend.

📝 Enhancement Note: The 4-day work week with longer daily hours (6 AM - 4:30 PM) is a distinctive feature, offering a condensed work schedule that might appeal to individuals seeking extended weekends. The "new facility" aspect suggests modern amenities and potentially a well-organized workspace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application to assess qualifications against the required education and experience.

• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing design projects, problem-solving approaches, and the application of CAD/3D modeling and FEA tools. This stage will evaluate technical proficiency and design thinking.

• Manager Interview: Discussion with the Product Engineering Manager to assess fit with the team, understanding of responsibilities, and career aspirations.

• On-site Visit/Team Interaction: Potential for an on-site visit to tour the facility and meet key team members, allowing for assessment of cultural fit and team collaboration potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in product design, CAD/3D modeling, and technical documentation.

• For each project, be prepared to discuss the design problem, your approach, the tools used (including any FEA), the challenges faced, and the ultimate outcome or impact.

• Clearly articulate your role in each project, especially if it was a team effort.

• Highlight any experience with BOM creation, ECR/ECN processes, or aftermarket product development.

• Ensure your portfolio is well-organized and easy to navigate, with clear visuals and concise descriptions. Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing a specific aftermarket component or improving an existing one, considering cost, reliability, and manufacturability.

• Prepare to answer questions about your experience with FEA tools and how you've used them to validate designs.

• Think about how you manage design changes and document them effectively.

• Familiarize yourself with Timpte's product lines through their website to better understand their market and potential design challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh the candidate's portfolio and technical problem-solving abilities. Demonstrating a structured approach to design and documentation, along with an understanding of manufacturing considerations, will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in CAD is essential, with a strong emphasis on 3D modeling capabilities. While specific software isn't mandated beyond "CAD and 3D modeling software," familiarity with industry-standard tools is expected.

• FEA Tools: Experience applying Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for design improvement and reliability testing is a significant advantage and a stated requirement.

• Measuring Tools: Practical experience with basic measuring tools, calipers, and scientific calculators for design validation and data collection.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: Required for data analysis, reporting, and general task management.

CRM & Automation:

• ERP Systems: Experience creating and entering Bills of Material into ERP systems is a key responsibility, indicating a need for familiarity with enterprise resource planning software for manufacturing.

Preferred Software:

• Rhino: Preferred for its advanced surfacing and modeling capabilities.

• MPanel: Preferred for its structural analysis and optimization features.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software beyond general CAD is preferred rather than required, candidates with experience in Rhino, MPanel, and FEA tools will have a distinct advantage. Understanding how design data flows into ERP systems is critical.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Reliability: A strong emphasis on producing durable, high-quality products that perform reliably in demanding conditions, reflecting the manufacturing industry's core tenets.

• Innovation & Improvement: A commitment to continuous improvement, evident in the focus on designing new aftermarket products and enhancing existing ones for cost reduction and better performance.

• Process Adherence: A culture that values structured processes, as seen in the requirements for ECR/ECN documentation and BOM management.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: The need to work effectively with Sales, Customer Service, and other engineering team members suggests a collaborative environment where cross-functional communication is key.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with Sales and Customer Service to understand market needs and specific requests, necessitating strong communication and responsiveness.

• Mentorship & Learning: Working alongside Senior Designers and reporting to a Manager implies a culture that supports knowledge transfer and professional development through guidance and feedback.

• Data-Driven Discussions: Decisions and design improvements are likely based on data from testing and FEA, fostering a culture of evidence-based problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: Timpte's long history and manufacturing focus suggest a culture that values practical expertise, dedication, and a commitment to producing tangible, high-quality products. The emphasis on collaboration points to a team-oriented approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design with Constraints: Effectively designing new aftermarket products and special options while meeting cost reduction targets and maintaining high quality and reliability standards.

• Data Integration: Ensuring accurate and efficient transfer of design data, particularly BOMs, into ERP systems, which can sometimes present integration challenges.

• Rapid Prototyping & Testing: Supporting component testing and data collection efficiently to validate designs and address warranty investigations promptly.

• Adapting to Evolving Needs: Responding to diverse requests from Sales and Customer Service for special options requires flexibility and quick design iteration.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Proficiency: Opportunity to gain expertise in preferred software like Rhino and MPanel, enhancing design capabilities.

• FEA Specialization: Deepen knowledge and application of FEA tools for more sophisticated design analysis and optimization.

• Product Lifecycle Management: Gain comprehensive experience across the entire product lifecycle, from initial concept and design to documentation, testing, and post-launch support.

• Manufacturing Process Understanding: Develop a more profound understanding of manufacturing processes and how design decisions impact production and costs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to tackle complex design challenges within a stable manufacturing environment. Growth is likely to come from deepening technical expertise and understanding the nuances of aftermarket product development in the trailer industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you designed an aftermarket product or component that improved performance or reduced costs. What was your process, and what were the results?" (Focus on problem-solving, design methodology, and quantifiable outcomes.)

• "How do you approach creating a Bill of Material (BOM) for a new product? What are the critical elements to consider, especially when entering it into an ERP system?" (Assess understanding of BOM structure, data accuracy, and ERP integration.)

• "Walk me through your experience using FEA tools. Provide an example of how FEA helped you improve a design's quality or reliability." (Demonstrate technical application and analytical skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Timpte Inc. and our role in the trailer manufacturing industry?" (Show research into the company and industry.)

• "How do you handle design changes or updates that are requested by other departments, such as Sales or Customer Service?" (Evaluate collaboration and responsiveness.)

• "Describe your experience with ECRs and ECNs. Why are these processes important in product engineering?" (Assess understanding of change management protocols.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your portfolio, then dive into 2-3 key projects. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the design process, the tools used, challenges, and the final outcome.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss technical details of your designs, including materials, dimensions, and the rationale behind your design choices.

• Impact: Quantify the impact of your work where possible (e.g., "reduced manufacturing cost by X%", "improved durability by Y%").

• Aftermarket Focus: If possible, highlight projects related to aftermarket products or improvements to existing designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only their design skills but also their understanding of manufacturing processes, cost considerations, and the importance of thorough documentation within a structured engineering environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the ADP workforcenow portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight experience with CAD, 3D modeling, FEA, BOM creation, and technical documentation. If you have specific examples of aftermarket product design or component improvements, emphasize these.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your Associate Degree in Engineering, Design, or Drafting, along with your years of relevant experience. Use keywords from the job description such as "Product Designer," "CAD," "3D Modeling," "FEA," and "Bill of Material."

• Portfolio Preparation: Compile a digital portfolio showcasing your best design work. Be ready to present specific projects that demonstrate your problem-solving skills, design process, and technical proficiency, especially any related to aftermarket products or improvements.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Timpte Inc.'s history, product lines (especially their aftermarket offerings), and company values. Understanding their market position will help you tailor your responses during the interview.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.