NPD Product Design Engineer II

Springs Window Fashions•Middleton, WI

About The Position

Responsible for creating, supporting, and developing new and innovative product/process designs and redesigning existing products/processes. This is successfully accomplished by understanding, accurately specifying, and adhering to customer requirements, utilizing and applying quality tools and methods and pursuing continuous improvement in all aspects of product and process design. These efforts will have a direct impact on reducing labor and material costs, while improving value, reliability, and performance. The associate will plan and manage product design engineering activities related to conceptualization, product design, and manufacturing process functions.

Requirements

BS in Engineering with 4+ years of relevant work experience.
Must be flexible with assignments, able to work independently, and collaborate effectively in a team environment.
Must be organized, methodical, able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and capable of meeting established timelines.
Receives direction from the Engineering Manager.
Expected to manage multiple medium- or limited-scope projects and must document testing and communicate results clearly.
Strong conceptual and detailed design skills.
Creativity and innovation proficiency, including concept generation and early design exploration.
3D CAD proficiency (SolidWorks preferred; AutoCAD experience acceptable).
Knowledge of drafting standards (e.g., ASME Y14).
Experience with prototype fabrication for fast learnings.
Familiarity with QFD and other customer‑driven design translation tools.
Strong general math/calculation abilities.
Technical writing skills for specifications, lab reports, and project updates.
Ability to collect, organize, and manage engineering data.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Effective verbal and written communication.
Ability to manage work according to established project timelines.
Proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and general PC skills.
Experience with project management tools (e.g., MS Project, SmartSheets, etc).
Experience using PLM and ERP systems and general document control environments.
Strong interpersonal skills for working with engineering, suppliers, marketing, manufacturing, and cross-functional teams.

Nice To Haves

Experience with metal, plastic, and wood components and processing preferred

Responsibilities

Identify consumer and market needs; translate them into product requirements using QFD and other structured design tools.
Develop multiple concepts and functional prototypes for evaluation.
Participate in consumer focus groups and market research activities.
Reduce early concepts to commercially viable solutions.
Create mechanical drawings and 3D models.
Support evaluation of concept patentability and help identify potential IP risks.
Design products and components with emphasis on safety, durability, reliability, manufacturability, value, and ease of assembly.
Contribute to both short-term and long-term design and development planning.
Establish design specifications, select materials, and evaluate potential suppliers.
Estimate product and tooling costs and assist with project justification.
Facilitate design reviews across functional groups and integrate manufacturability feedback into designs.
Prepare reports, summaries, and presentations related to engineering activities.
Maintain engineering files, drawings, and documentation in accordance with internal standards.
Interface with suppliers and purchasing to resolve supplier-related quality issues.
Collaborate with NPD and Marketing to introduce new product concepts and improve existing products.
Support and follow the New Product Development stage-gate process.
Review patents and help assess potential patent risks.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives (root-cause analysis, corrective actions, 5S, process improvements).
Maintain and organize lab areas according to 5S principles.