Engineering Supervisor - Surly

Quality Bicycle Products•Bloomington, MN

About The Position

You will be a core leader of the Surly Design Engineering team working on highly complex projects as well as helping lead the team who executes on products and driving some of the R&D projects that precedes them (the products, not the team). You will also work as part of many cross-functional teams in the execution of your core duties. Additional responsibilities include collaboration on practice across all QBP owned brands. This work will involve both driving best practices across engineering functions for the total portfolio as well as fostering practice consistency across and within these brands.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent certification.
Strong mechanical aptitude and design creativity.
Deep knowledge of bicycles.
Experience within engineering leadership. Being able to lead teams comprised of varying levels and expertise.
Demonstrated ability to work within an inclusive and respectful international environment
Strong CAD skillset including both 3D Modeling (including assemblies and surfacing) and 2D Drawings.
Strong organizational and time-management skills with proven ability to manage multiple deadlines without substantial oversight.
Experience working within a PDM or PLM system and associated development process.
5+ years of engineering experience.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally approximately 2-6 weeks a year which includes flying by plane and driving a motor vehicle. Must possess a valid US driver’s license and fulfill the requirements of being a Q approved driver.
Ability to perform work on a phone and computer extensively
Act with integrity
Be a true partner
Create something special
Deliver greatness
Keep the customer first
As a Leader, believe in and serve as a role model Q’s DEI mission by creating a work environment where everyone has respect, space, a voice, and can thrive.

Nice To Haves

7+ years of engineering experience.
Ability to receive and provide critical, meaningful constructive feedback; and coach others (and direct as necessary).
Ability to analyze and comprehend complex issues in order to make or recommend decisions and courses of action.
Familiarity with manufacturing methodologies including, die cast, forging, carbon layup, molding.
Experience with development phase process.
Ability to bring a diverse skillset and perspective to our team.
Ability to develop solutions both as part of a team (input of others) and through personal reflection.
Maintain and communicate consistently high expectations for quality and detail.
Strong ability to act at both the macro- and micro-level, based on need.
Strong self and situational awareness.
Ability to develop strategies and tactics to solve complex problems.
Flexibility when dealing with change; able to listen to new information and adapt smoothly.

Responsibilities

Product engineering and development
Use SolidWorks to create 3D computer models, perform structural analysis, create technical drawings, and manage files within our PDM systems to support brand product development.
Coordinate with outside manufacturers, suppliers, and 3rd party labs for product sample, production, and testing needs.
Evaluate prototype and sample designs through various means, including inspection, assembly, and ride or lab testing, including engaging external and internal test riders.
Manage tasks and workflow to ensure not only your project milestones are met but that the team’s milestones are being met to ensure the product is delivered on time.
Communicate effectively with domestic and international manufacturers, vendors, and suppliers; internal and external testing groups; and customer service and sales departments.
Conduct technical and design reviews and create clear documentation to ensure product designs meet all requirements.
Provide meaningful guidance to Product Managers in development of product briefs, based on knowledge of product and market history.
Strong understanding of bicycling industry trends, standards, technologies, and history and be a resource to others on these subjects.
Lead the practice of technical and design reviews with exemplary reviews of their own and significant participation in those led by others, including feedback on the effectiveness of the practice.
Provide guiding insight to Supply Chain for needed supplier-technologies and process improvements to support Q’s continued growth
Drive execution of product work in delivering industry & category defining products, and creative R&D. Manage prioritization and accountability to due dates.
Lead, coach, and mentor direct reports: putting your team on a path to greatness.
In coordination with the Brand Director, assess project loads and resource availability to the attainment of capacity level setting.
Drive close collaboration between engineering team members and related work-groups: product safety, industrial design, creative, and product management.
Foster an environment of trust, collaboration, and mentorship to elevate the team, team knowledge and team effectiveness.
Educate team members on proper use of engineering tools and ensure their appropriate use on project work.
In collaboration with the Engineering Manager, co-create, establish, and audit repeatable and scalable engineering best-practices, tools, and strategies for both product development and support.
Drive adoption and use of tools and technology to improve our practices of engineering, right-sized to the needs of our industry and business.
Participate in engineering interviews and work with brand leaders to make hiring decisions.
Key stakeholder for hiring within the function
Prototype Shop Management
Supervisory responsibility for prototyping staff
Workflow management of the project queue
Prioritization around future facing capabilities needed and recommendations around investments required
Budgeting material and equipment related expense annually
Engineering Practice Leadership
Process leadership across the function
Driving best practices for the function
Building and maintaining tools needed within the function
Maintaining consistency of practice across the portfolio
Hosting regular functional team meetings
Functional area development and mentorship at an employee level
Performance management feedback
Lead best in class innovation and standards within Engineering
Keep your eye on emerging industry trends and rider needs. Articulate these emerging needs and participate in scoping of any potential innovative new products or technologies.
Execute and present results of high-visibility, high-priority R&D projects that will inform future product development opportunities
Work closely with Engineers to establish performance standards for our products/categories. Articulate intended product performance in discussions with Test Engineering to set the testing methodologies and Product Safety to represent the regulations necessary to develop high quality development standards supporting both research and product development.