Research & Development Engineer
About the job
- At least 1 year of mechanical engineering or related experience is preferred; research and development engineering internship or entry-level experience will be considered.
- Ability to follow quality system standards.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- Demonstrated computer literacy.
- Demonstrated engineering aptitude.
- Must be eligible to obtain a valid passport.
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Understanding of computer-aided design software.
- Valid driver's license required.
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related Engineering field required.
- Follow established product development processes to ensure products meet customer and internal requirements.
- Lead product design activities from concept through launch.
- Partner with Materials Planning & Logistics to support shipping, transit, and product launch readiness.
- Plan and manage project targets for quality, cost, weight, and timing throughout the product development lifecycle.
- Support the planning phase of product development.
- Apply Design for Manufacturability and Assembly principles to support efficient manufacturing processes and tooling.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, customers, suppliers, and production personnel to support product development initiatives.
- Collaborate with Purchasing to define supply chain requirements and material specifications.
- Develop product design strategies that achieve performance objectives while identifying potential failure modes and special characteristics.
- Develop validation and verification plans to confirm product performance and compliance with requirements.
- At least 1 year of mechanical engineering or related experience.
About the company
Dee Zee makes durable, USA-made truck and SUV accessories for the automotive aftermarket. Its product lineup includes items that help protect and equip vehicles for work, family trips, and adventures, designed to endure tough use and daily life. The company emphasizes practical, high-quality parts that fit a variety of vehicles and provide peace of mind for customers who rely on their vehicles. Dee Zee differentiates itself through its family-owned, community-focused approach and commitment to American-made products, aiming to treat customers like neighbors. The goal is to help you equip your journey and enjoy life’s moments with reliable accessories that support everyday life and hard work.
Company Size
201-500
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Des Moines, Iowa
Founded
1977
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Dee Zee's September 2026 careers page shows 1,000+ employees and active automation hiring.
- Pleasant Hill expansion adds structural-component capacity, supporting OEM growth and broader product mix.
- Official facilities pages updated May 2026 confirm seven Des Moines facilities plus Pleasant Hill campus scale.
What critics are saying
- Revelio estimates headcount fell from 638 in 2023 to 608 in March 2026.
- Pleasant Hill capex and new factory spending raise fixed costs before demand proves durable.
- Two-campus consolidation risks operational disruption; execution failures could erase margins and jeopardize Dee Zee's core manufacturing footprint.
What makes Dee Zee unique
- Dee Zee runs nine Iowa facilities, including Pleasant Hill automation and Broadway campuses.
- It manufactures OEM and aftermarket truck accessories, spanning stamping, welding, CNC, and powder-coating.
- The 2027 consolidation plan targets efficiency through robotic welding, temperature control, and AI adoption.
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