Design Engineer

About Guardian Bikes 

Guardian Bikes is a leading direct-to-consumer kids' bike brand, known for its patented SureStop brake technology and a mission to build the safest kids' bikes in the industry. Guardian is building a vertically integrated, AI-driven manufacturing and commerce company — we design, manufacture, fulfill, and sell directly from our U.S. factory floor to the customer's door. The company has grown from a small startup into a major brand, selling over a million bikes to families across the country.

Job Summary

The Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, improving, and supporting products, equipment, tooling, and manufacturing processes. This position works closely with engineering, manufacturing, maintenance, quality, purchasing, and operations teams to develop practical, cost-effective designs that meet safety, quality, performance, and production requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components, assemblies, fixtures, tooling, equipment, and process improvements.
• Create and maintain detailed 2D drawings, 3D models, specifications, and bills of materials.
• Use CAD software to develop and modify engineering designs.
• Evaluate existing designs and identify opportunities to improve reliability, manufacturability, cost, and performance.
• Work directly with manufacturing and operations to troubleshoot design and production issues.
• Develop prototypes and coordinate testing and validation of new or modified designs.
• Perform engineering calculations, tolerance analysis, material selection, and design reviews as required.
• Collaborate with suppliers to develop components, obtain quotes, and resolve technical issues.
• Support new product introduction and engineering changes from concept through production.
• Ensure designs meet applicable safety, quality, regulatory, and customer requirements.
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation and revision control.
• Participate in continuous improvement, cost-reduction, and process-improvement initiatives.
• Investigate root causes of design or equipment failures and implement corrective actions.
• Provide technical support to production, maintenance, quality, and other departments.
• Manage multiple engineering projects while meeting established timelines and budgets.

Skills & Qualifications

• 4+ years of engineering/design experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment preferred.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, materials, tolerances, and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on background with production equipment, tooling, fixtures, or automation systems.
• Proficient in GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis.
• Skilled in CNC machining, fabrication, welding, and tubular product manufacturing.
• Familiar with continuous improvement methodologies, including Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma.
• Proven ability to manage engineering projects from concept through implementation.
• Comfortable working within ERP/MRP and engineering document-control systems.

• Mechanical design and engineering
• CAD modeling and drafting
• Problem solving and root-cause analysis
• Design for manufacturability
• Continuous improvement
• Project management
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Technical communication
• Safety and quality awareness