Sr Product Engineer - Innovation

Position Summary

To advocate and support the Corporate Win Strategy by developing new product variants, new products and to maintain and improve the product in terms of cost, quality and performance. Responsible for system design and customer product development/enhancement. Provides sales, marketing and design direction in support of the Division’s growth initiative. Will also manage specific Division key accounts as a technical interface.

Scope/ Supervision And Interaction

This position has no supervisory responsibilities. Position is responsible for driving the strategic growth segments of the Division through innovative product development and exploring adjacent market opportunities. Must effectively interface with all Division departments and Division staff. Works with minimal daily supervision but keeps team leaders and staff informed of project status.

Essential Functions

• Large OEM management including communication, pricing, quality reports, engineering support and market pricing.
• Identifies opportunities for product improvements and cost out through evaluation of manufacturing practices and assembly methods. Utilizes CAD to develop product improvements. Performs cost analyses to justify changes, and coordinates activities of multiple disciplines to implement the changes.
• Aids territory and regional manager in adapting current and new products to customer need and satisfaction. Performs root cause analysis on defective products using engineering principles and knowledge of manufacturing processes.
• Determines root cause using statistical methods (e.g., Design of Experiments (DOE), SPC). Modifies existing products to resolve quality problems, and coordinates activities of multiple disciplines to implement a solution.
• Modifies existing products and creates new products for new applications. Utilizes knowledge of systems and works directly with OEM’s to determine product performance requirements.
• Leads team members of product development projects, and justifies monetary resources and personnel to attain project goals.
• Defines product performance standards and product acceptance standards using knowledge of systems and laboratory testing equipment and procedures. Determines disposition of non-conforming material using engineering judgment and knowledge.
• Provides technical expertise on product to close on final sale. Assist design and manufacturing in the development of new and/or revised product according to customer requirements.
• Provides timely reports summarizing findings on a given product or customer.
• May be required to provide technical training of customers and distributors in division products.
• Develops customer communication programs and special marketing plans.
• Develops strategic sales plans for existing and adjacent market for existing and new innovative products.
• Investigates market needs for innovative products and communicates them to Engineering for product development.
• Maintains highest degree of customer service, throughput, and quality and participates in division lean activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (BS) in engineering or engineering technology. MBA or equivalent preferred.
• 5 to 10 years related experience required.
• Good math skills, and familiarity CAD software required.
• Must possess strong mechanical aptitude, ability to use basic measuring tools, and hands-on capabilities to work on projects without supervision.
• Must have the ability to understand, describe or discuss problems of a technical nature.
• Understanding of financial statements and analysis required.
• PC literate (Specifically Microsoft Office, Web Interfaces, Power BI, and ERP basics).
• Technical competence in Fluid Power (Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Electromechanical Systems).
• Prefer lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, project management, FMEA and quality systems experience.
• Extremely proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively through others and be a participative team player.