Product Development Engineer

About the role

Conducts and engages in innovation, new product development, product testing, and product/process improvement aligned with strategic product development goals. Provides high level consultative leadership to projects. Goals are cross-functional multi-skilled development, focusing on producing tangible product increments within a short time frame.

Responsibilities

• Drives cross-functional team development (across CS locations when suitable) of New Product Development (NPD) initiatives with a goal of production readiness and commercialization.
• Breaks down complex product ideas into actionable technical tasks.
• Designs these technical tasks with the goal of producing tangible results within a short duration of time.
• Studies and recommends techniques to improve existing products.
• Performs detailed internal and external tests on a wide range of products and/or product samples.
• Compiles comprehensive test reports to ensure knowledge is shared among team.
• Conducts research, plans and executes trials.
• Summarizes research and trials through detailed reports.
• Locates and interfaces with outside vendors of materials and/or processes as required in support of NPD initiatives and completing technical tasks.
• Constructs, tests and fabricates physical prototypes of potential new designs.
• Produces high quality prototype reports that address this prototype’s material usage, building process, test results, cost information, and sustainability evaluations.
• At certain locations, may head up various projects by supervising at the group level of construction and testing of pilot models and components, competitive models, quality control checkouts, etc.
• Develops, adapts, analyzes and ensures accuracy of drawings, calculations and specifications to suit client needs.
• Provides coaching and guidance to manufacturing operations to solve difficult problems and technical issues as requested.
• Keeps well informed on new developments in the product development field through contact with educational institutions, professional societies, manufacturers and trade shows, perusal of texts, technical papers, journals and periodicals.
• Recommends capital expenditures along with sales and production methods for new products.
• Keeps abreast of new developments, materials or processes for use in adaptations to organization products.
• Participates in trade association and code regulating bodies on behalf of the company.
• Actively participates in all learning opportunities with the goal to further build cross-functionality and self-sufficiency within the development team.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

Requirements

• B.S. Degree (M.S. preferred) in Engineering or related field and three to five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Extensive knowledge within the field of engineering specific to product development (i.e. mechanical: fluid dynamics, thermal dynamics, static force analysis, dynamic force analysis, and other mechanical property related topics).
• Stays abreast within engineering field.
• Self-starter, with demonstrated autonomy, able to handle unexpected events and take advantage of opportunities to achieve results that consistently exceed expectations.
• Flexible team member and proficient leader and developer of people.
• Communicates with employees at all levels in the organization, customers of all backgrounds, and technical partners from different industries.
• Effective use of time and resources to accomplish product development objectives.
• Proficient in MS Office and other applicable drawing/design software related to specific engineering field.
• Knowledge and experience in 3D modeling simulation software is desired.
• Understanding of Lean manufacturing, Agile methodology, and basic financial accounting knowledge is preferred.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge in the scientific method.
• Ability to interpret a variety of technical data furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form, and deal with several abstract, conceptual variables.
• Ability to travel to job sites (domestically and internationally, if required) for new product evaluation or to support project development.

Skills

• Technical expertise in product development, particularly in louver design and building façade components and structures.
• Strong understanding of structural design principles, product application, and performance requirements within the building envelope industry.
• Experience in working with cross-functional teams and collaborating with customers and colleagues to solve challenges.
• Desire and potential to pursue a Professional Engineer (PE) license, with mentorship and guidance provided by the Senior Product Development Engineer.

Benefits

• Annual Salary Range: $90,000 – $110,000. Range will vary by experience and geographic market.
• Bonus Plan
• Medical & Prescription benefits with company contribution
• Dental benefits
• Vision benefits
• Disability benefits
• Life Insurance
• Tuition Assistance
• 401(k) program with match
• 3 weeks PTO
• 10 Paid Holidays + 4 Floating holidays