Design Engineer

About the Role

This position guides the technical scope of new product development projects from inception to introduction. Product development engineers optimize product design with a focus on ease of manufacturing and application, involving architectural design, estimating support, product selection, digital and physical testing, and engineering.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop new products and associated materials, training, assessments, and updates.
• Generate and evaluate new product ideas.
• Design, revise, and approve aluminum and plastic extrusions for new products.
• Work with designers on die drawings, submission, and production drawings.
• Ensure compliance with die design standards and extrusion compatibility within the engineered system.
• Minimize costs while meeting design criteria.
• Understand fenestration performance, including heat transfer, fluid mechanics, acoustics, and structural integrity.
• Define, communicate, and enforce technical scope on new product development projects.
• Plan and specify design criteria and lead cross-functional teams.
• Update Stage Gate processes and documents for new product introduction (NPI) development.
• Document testing based on Air, Water, Structural, and Thermal needs.
• Troubleshoot and correct product-related problems in manufacturing, labs, or job sites.
• Assist in fabrication, assembly, installation, and glazing of fenestration mockups.
• Test mockups, diagnose failures, and implement remediation.
• Support technical sales efforts and assist customers with pre-order approval of technical qualifications.
• Provide technical support to other departments (calculations, product selection, specification review).
• Communicate with vendors regarding technical limitations and capabilities of component parts and systems.
• Participate in review meetings with extruders and suppliers.
• Support mockup fabrication, installation, and testing.
• Participate in design reviews for new product ideas.
• Attend training seminars, sales conventions, and visit suppliers as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in a design-related field (Engineering or Architectural).
• P.E. license preferred but not required.
• Applicable experience in R&D and Stage Gate approaches (school, internship, or co-op).

Skills

• Read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, and industry materials.
• Write reports, business correspondence, and procedural manuals.
• Present information and answer questions from managers, customers, and the public.
• Apply advanced mathematical concepts (exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, permutations).
• Perform mathematical operations for tasks such as frequency distribution, test reliability/validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.
• Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Interpret technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form, handling abstract and concrete variables.
• Proficient in:
  • AutoCAD (2D and 3D), CTO PRO, THERM, WINDOW, and CMAST modeling software.
  • Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Speed and efficiency in 2D AutoCAD is critical.
• 3D modeling, IoT, mechatronics, and computer programming experience are a plus.
• Experience with ERP systems.

Work Environment

• Mostly an office environment with occasional visits to the manufacturing floor.
• Moderate noise levels.
• Available for a moderate amount of travel.
• Regularly required to sit or stand, reach, bend, and move about the facility.
• Must be able to talk, hear, and occasionally lift/move up to 25 pounds.
• Requires close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package for employees and dependents (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability).
• Incentive plans.
• 401(k) with employer contribution and match.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with employer match.
• Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick Time).
• Paid holidays.
• Tuition Reimbursement Program.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Wellness Program.
• Training and career progression opportunities.