Lead Product Engineer

ZAH Group•Mansfield, TX

10d

About The Position

The Lead Product Engineer is a senior-level technical leader responsible for designing, developing, and improving products in the tool industry. The role leads project outcomes and on-time delivery, evaluates product design and sustaining activities, manages projects, and implements solutions with limited direction. It requires strong analytical and design capability across multiple subject areas, technical expertise in at least one Klein Tools product category, and the ability to mentor engineers and coordinate with internal stakeholders and outside vendors.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution or program.
Five or more years of direct work experience in the area.
Excellent technical, analytical, planning, and organizational skills.
Solid understanding of new product development and new product introduction.
Broad knowledge of academic engineering principles and a basic understanding of business-related initiatives.
Demonstrated experience facilitating complex projects and solutions involving multiple interactions.
Conflict-resolution skills and demonstrated team leadership experience.
Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present technical analyses and financial justifications to support decision-making at all organizational levels.
Ability to work amid changing priorities, goals, and direction, including stressful conditions and time constraints.
Strong team focus and ability to work with internal and external collaborators.

Responsibilities

Determine and apply appropriate theoretical principles and practical approaches to design products and systems within program requirements.
Make independent decisions on engineering problems and methods.
Drive product improvements and contribute to innovative solutions.
Serve as a subject matter expert for at least one Klein Tools category.
Represent the organization in vendor meetings to resolve questions and coordinate work.
Manage multiple medium- to high-difficulty projects proactively.
Estimate and develop project timelines within the phase-gate product development framework.
Coordinate and oversee multiple priority action items, delegating work when needed.
Perform work involving complex features.
Conduct detailed feasibility studies, review design and development plans and cost estimates, and evaluate engineering proposals and specifications.
Coordinate technical development activities and resolve engineering design and testing problems.
Liaise with internal customers and vendor representatives to ensure design specifications meet end-user needs.
Communicate clearly and concisely to different audiences and review the work of lower-level engineers.
Prepare high-level PowerPoint presentations explaining complex engineering concepts and project evaluations to internal stakeholders and outside suppliers.
Use advanced Excel functions, such as pivot tables and macros, to streamline data analysis and reporting.
Create complex 3D CAD models and 2D drafts, and conduct advanced FEA studies with little to no consultation.
Review and implement changes to keep active projects on schedule.
Prioritize engineering projects in alignment with organizational needs and strategic goals.
Maintain close contact with team leaders, business unit managers, and the executive team.
Provide direction and mentorship to engineers in the department and on project teams.
Minimize negative financial impact at facilities during project implementation.
Teach Klein's new product development processes.
Work closely with Product Management to develop new products and customer-desired features.
Perform other duties as requested.