Product Developer
About The Position
The Product Developer designs, builds, and tests prototypes of in-store displays and graphics for retail customers, brand marketers, and intermediaries such as fixture manufacturers. The role develops innovative mechanical designs, concepts, and prototypes and works with Sales, Design, Engineering, Estimating, Sourcing, and Production to meet customer requirements. The Product Developer also advises team members on appropriate build techniques and methods. The position involves learning about display-component materials and manufacturing processes, documenting prototype information for production replication, operating shop equipment safely, and helping maintain department equipment and the Flex Lab. It is an onsite, full-time position in Chanhassen, Minnesota, with a Monday-through-Friday schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- High mechanical aptitude.
- Proficiency with PC skills using MS Windows.
- Experience working with wood, laminates, veneers, solid plastics, adhesives, and fasteners.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering, production, and shop drawings.
- Close attention to detail and ability to complete projects accurately, on deadline, and to company quality standards.
- Self-motivated, quick to learn, and willing to seek out customer and corporate needs.
- Ability to work independently, make decisions, and solve problems effectively and creatively to meet tight deadlines.
- Effective time-management and self-management skills.
- Ability to understand and maintain the confidentiality of company, employee, and customer information.
- Proficiency with basic hand tools and comfort around larger machines and equipment.
- Ability to adapt quickly to new equipment and manufacturing techniques.
- Ability to collaborate with coworkers and departments to create new and innovative solutions.
- Effective verbal and written communication, strong interpersonal and listening skills, and the ability to present ideas concisely and effectively internally and externally.
- Willingness to admit mistakes; loyalty to customers and team; trustworthiness, reliability, and adaptability; enthusiasm for new challenges.
Nice To Haves
- Preferred experience in engineering, CAD, drafting, or a similar trade.
- Experience working with computer-aided design and drafting tools.
- SolidWorks proficiency for documenting prototypes.
Responsibilities
- Design, build, and test prototypes according to customer requirements and/or vision.
- Learn about raw materials and manufacturing processes for display components, including injection molding, plastics, wood cabinetry and framing, and metal and wire.
- Operate small equipment, saws, drills, heat benders, and other equipment safely and efficiently.
- Document prototype information accurately and promptly for production replication in SolidWorks; SolidWorks is preferred.
- Take direction and learn proper shop-equipment operation, practices, and techniques from Lead, Senior, and Product Developers.
- Participate in preventive maintenance to keep department equipment in good operating condition.
- Assist the Fixture Development Manager with organization, communication, and movement within the Flex Lab.
- Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work area.
- Complete miscellaneous projects and other tasks as requested by management.
- Counsel team members on proper build techniques and methods.
Benefits
- Paid time off that increases with tenure.
- Healthcare, dental, life insurance, and disability benefits.
- Paid parental leave.
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan; the company is 100% employee-owned.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Career development opportunities.
- Flexible work hours.
- Tuition reimbursement.
- Employee referral program.
- Safe and clean manufacturing environment.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
