THE ROLEWe are seeking an Engineering Compliance Manager to join our team and help drive our continued success. This role plays an important part in supporting our customers, strengthening our business, and contributing to the long-term growth of Douglas Dynamics.
HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTEResponsible for ensuring the company is conducting business in compliance with applicable product and facility regulations, certifications, and standards (internal and external). Provides expertise to the company in the areas covering product liability and intellectual property protection. Participates in the development and review of current and new products and services for existing and future customers.
In this role, you will leverage your skills, experience, and perspective to make a meaningful impact. You'll collaborate with teammates across the organization, contribute ideas, and help deliver results that matter for our customers and our business.
HOW YOU'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE- Develop and document procedures relating to DD's Intellectual Property management.
- Assure regulatory policies are accurate, current and in compliance with applicable federal, state and municipal regulations and standards. Review and update policies as laws change.
- Monitor, summarize, and recommend companies' position relating to legislation that impacts the truck equipment industry.
- Interpret and disseminate information on regulatory matters to leadership and functional teams.
- Develop and update compliance issues in publications as needed.
- Develop and implement product related regulatory and compliance training for internal resources.
- Draft transactional documents dealing with non-disclosure and intellectual property matters.
- Manage outside counsel for intellectual property, patents, product liability, litigation, etc.
- Recommend resolutions to and participate in litigation related to product liability and intellectual property issues.
- Search patent files to ascertain originality of patent application.
- Coordinate preparation, application and maintenance of patents, copyrights and trademarks.
- Perform product risk & safety assessment in conjunction with development teams.
- Review/Complete environmental and facility compliance reports such as SARA 313, DNR reports, MMSD.
- Document and maintain standard operating procedures for processes and requirements related to patents, trademarks, intellectual property, warnings & labels, company publications (service manuals, operator manuals, marketing and advertising, etc), and others as assigned.
- File correspondence and legal documents in office filing system.
- Monitor and maintain budget related to legal expenses incurred on product liability, intellectual property, trademarks, and copyrights.
- Perform other duties as assigned including project management and new product development.
WHAT THIS ROLE NEEDSEducation/Experience: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial), Quality Assurance, or related field. Legal background is beneficial.
Experience and/or Training: 10-15 years of experience in product development and product safety, product liability, regulatory affairs, or quality control in a manufacturing setting. Legal background is beneficial. Knowledge of FMVSS standards, CE certifications, and other global standards.
Licenses/Certificates: Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP) or similar preferred
Technology/Equipment: Demonstrated computer skills competency required (Microsoft Office Tools, Database use, etc.), SolidWorks use.
Additional Skills: - Strong analytical skills for data-driven compliance.
- Ability to respond effectively to sensitive/confidential inquiries or complaints.
- Excellent communication skills for cross-functional collaboration (R&D, Marketing, Sales).
- High level of ethics and integrity.
- Knowledge of regulations within the industry.
- Ability to identify business risks and propose alternative approaches to mitigate risks.
- Proactive approach to emerging ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards
- Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of ambiguous variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Physical Demands: Frequently required to sit, use a computer, and use a phone. Occasionally required to lift up to 50#, use hand tools.
Working Environment: Predominantly office setting with occasional lab, outdoor, and manufacturing environment requiring personal protective equipment (PPE) including hearing protection, eye protection and metatarsal guards required, other safety PPE as needed. Intermittent travel to other company locations, test sites, or supplier/customer visits.
WHAT WE OFFER YOU- A fulfilling career with the opportunity to contribute to an industry leader
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- A comprehensive benefits package
- Generous 401(k) match
- Profit sharing for all full-time employees
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities, including access to Douglas Dynamics University (DDU)
At Douglas Dynamics, we don't just talk about improvement -
we live it. We're committed to creating an environment where people can grow, ideas are encouraged, and learning never stops. Your development matters here, and we are invested in helping you build a rewarding career.
Don't meet every requirement? Studies show that women, people of color, and historically underrepresented talent are less likely to apply unless they meet every qualification. At Douglas Dynamics, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace - and we encourage you to apply.
