Product Engineer I

Apex Tool Group•Apex, NC

About The Position

The Product Engineer I works with cross-functional teams and suppliers to support new product introductions. The role includes technical reviews, assessing performance against specifications, and verifying product function and durability. It requires strong technical ownership and drive to ensure products align with brand expectations. The engineer develops new products and related components, collaborates on product concepts and specifications, and works with Industrial Design, suppliers, manufacturing engineering, operations, Marketing, Product Management, and the Project Management Office. The role includes generating product models, assemblies, drawings, specifications, and testing requirements; designing prototypes; and validating designs through prototyping, field and laboratory testing, and design-of-experiments. The engineer also resolves design issues, optimizes manufacturability and efficiency, and helps drive NPD projects and schedules.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to collaborate with domestic and international cross-functional associates.
Innovative thinking and ability to envision new and better ways to do things.
Experience executing complex problem-solving techniques related to design and technical issues.
Excellent analytical skills and sound judgment for mechanical and structural design.
Ability to plan, organize, and implement multiple concurrent tasks.
Working knowledge of manufacturing and finishing processes, tolerances, fits and finishes, and GD&T.
Experience with CAD software such as CREO, SolidWorks, or NX.
Familiarity with PPAP, DFM/DFA, DVP&R, DFMEA, and PFMEA.

Nice To Haves

CREO experience is preferred.
Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop new products and related components.
Participate in multifunctional product development teams with Marketing and Product Management to develop and specify new product concepts.
Apply working knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes to support product development and design to specifications.
Collaborate with the Industrial Design team to develop innovative product concepts.
Communicate with suppliers, manufacturing engineering, and operations regarding the specification and sourcing of finished products.
Resolve issues and optimize designs for manufacturability and efficiency.
Ensure designs are cost-efficient and manufacturable.
Identify and determine product requirements; generate product models, assemblies, and drawings; and develop and manage product design documentation, including specifications and performance and durability testing requirements.
Ensure clarity and completeness in engineering designs, drawings, tests, and validation work.
Design and develop prototypes ranging from specific concepts to comprehensive functional products.
Execute design validation through prototyping, field and laboratory testing, and design-of-experiments.
Lead, facilitate, and participate in cross-functional meetings and design reviews.
Work with the Project Management Office to achieve project schedules.
Drive new product development projects with urgency and action.