Product Design Specialist

Inpro•Muskego, WI

About The Position

The Product Design Specialist creates, develops, and maintains accurate product models, drawings, specifications, technical illustrations, and supporting documentation. Working within established design standards and processes, the role supports product design and verification and collaborates with Product Management, Manufacturing, Sales, Estimating, and other internal partners to develop and optimize designs for manufacturability, quality, and production readiness. The specialist evaluates and reviews designs and documentation for alignment with manufacturing capabilities, production requirements, accuracy, completeness, quality, and opportunities for improvement. The role also researches materials, components, and manufacturing methods; applies established drafting and documentation standards; makes routine design-detail decisions within approved requirements; and communicates design requirements and potential issues to stakeholders. Unclear requirements, proposed material substitutions, compliance concerns, significant cost or schedule impacts, and deviations from established standards are escalated. The position reports directly to the Senior Director of Product Design and Development and works closely with cross-functional teams. Other related duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Minimum of a two-year technical college degree emphasizing mechanical design, or an equivalent combination of education and 1 to 5 years of relevant experience.
General knowledge of product design and development processes.
Experience with CAD software, including SolidWorks.
Experience with technical illustration software, such as Adobe Illustrator and InDesign.
Understanding of manufacturing processes and design-for-manufacturability principles.
Basic knowledge of safe power tool operation.
Strong technical drawing, written communication, and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency in CAD software, particularly SolidWorks, with the ability to create and maintain accurate product models and drawings.
Ability to interpret design requirements, specifications, and technical information.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Teams.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and quality.
Ability to prioritize multiple projects, manage competing deadlines, and work within established processes.
Effective collaboration and problem-solving skills.
Professional, customer-focused approach to internal and external partnerships.
Ability to identify design improvement opportunities while maintaining established standards and requirements.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree or applicable certification in Product Design, Mechanical Design, Mechanical Engineering, Digital Manufacturing and Design Technology, Architecture, or a related field.
Experience with Revit (BIM).
Familiarity with Revit (BIM), Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.

Responsibilities

Create, update, and maintain product models, master drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
Develop technical illustrations and supporting documentation to communicate product designs and requirements.
Support and drive product design and design verification activities in accordance with established processes.
Collaborate with Product Management, Sales, Estimating, Manufacturing, and other internal partners to support product development and design requirements.
Evaluate designs for alignment with manufacturing capabilities, production requirements, and established design standards.
Review drawings and documentation for accuracy, completeness, quality, and design optimization opportunities.
Research materials, components, and manufacturing methods to identify product improvement opportunities.
Apply established drafting and documentation standards and make routine design-detail decisions within approved requirements.
Identify and recommend drawing corrections, design improvements, and process enhancements.
Communicate design requirements, technical details, and potential issues to appropriate stakeholders.
Escalate unclear requirements, proposed material substitutions, compliance concerns, significant cost or schedule impacts, and deviations from established standards.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Update and maintain master drawings, product models, technical specifications, and supporting documentation.
Select drafting, modeling, and documentation methods within established standards and processes.
Recommend drawing corrections, design improvements, material alternatives, and product optimization opportunities.