Mechanical Engineer IV

If you are looking to be part of a company focused on making our roads and communities safer, apply to join our team of talented individuals today!

*Please note - The pay rate will be based on experience. This position also includes a bonus plan*

What TAPCO has to offer you

• Quarterly Bonus Program
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation and Personal Time (starting day one)
• Four Weeks of Paid Parental Leave with no waiting period
• 401K Plan with Employer Match (fully vested on day one)
• Company-Funded Short-Term Disability
• Health, Vision, and Dental insurance
• Quarterly Company Events and Lunches
• Have a say in TAPCO Happenings by joining the Fun or Safety Committee

What you will accomplish as a Mechanical Engineer IV at TAPCO

The Mechanical Engineer IV is a Staff-level engineering leader within the Current Product Engineering (CPE) team who leads and owns major initiatives that drive measurable improvements in the performance, cost, reliability, and manufacturability of existing products. This role blends deep technical expertise with project leadership to resolve complex issues, reduce total cost of ownership, and optimize field performance. The ideal candidate demonstrates full-system thinking, a strong understanding of ROI, and a track record of successfully owning cross-functional projects from start to finish.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Recommend and implement engineering changes with clear ROI and business alignment.
• Lead cost reduction and performance improvement initiatives for existing products.
• Evaluate product data to enhance reliability, efficiency, and manufacturability.
• Drive Lean initiatives such as Kaizen events, 5S, and value stream mapping.
• Analyze and resolve field issues using root cause analysis and testing.
• Support Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) and Bill of Material (BOM) updates.
• Collaborate in cross-functional teams for problem-solving and design-for-assembly.
• Maintain and update technical documentation including CAD models and test plans.
• Conduct FMEAs and participate in design reviews to improve product robustness.
• Support product testing, validation, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead resolution of complex product issues through analysis and collaboration.
• Mentor junior engineers on sustaining engineering practices.
• Manage cross-functional projects, ensuring timelines, budgets, and deliverables are met.
• Apply systems-level thinking to assess design impact on cost, quality, and performance.
• Align technical solutions with business goals like margin improvement and customer satisfaction.

Required Experience and Knowledge/ Skills/Ability

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering
• 10+ years of experience in a manufacturing and mechanical design engineering environment.
• Proven success in leading projects that deliver measurable improvements in cost, quality, or efficiency
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and design-for-assembly
• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Electromechanical -strong plus
• Proficient in CAD (SolidWorks preferred), engineering documentation, and BOM management
• Skilled in Lean tools, FMEA, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methods
• Strong project management, problem-solving, cost modeling abilities and good communication.
• Familiar with general business software (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Understanding of routings, applying overhead rates (e.g., machine vs. labor), and ensuring accurate cost modeling to drive financial accountability.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Experienced in mentoring and guiding junior engineers to support their technical development and project execution.

About Us

At TAPCO, we aim to enhance transportation and personal safety in our communities through innovative solutions and products. We are driven to save lives! Are you looking for a career where you can earn a great wage based on experience and performance, your contributions are recognized, and you will have growth potential? Then choose TAPCO!

As an EEO Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran or disability status or other acceptable taglines in all printed employment advertisements.

If any assistance is needed with the application process, please contact TAPCO HR at 800-236-4462