Product Engineer II

ZAH Group • Lincolnshire, IL

8d • $80,000 - $100,000

About The Position

The Product Engineer II is an engineering professional who leads the design, development, and improvement of products and serves as a technical expert within the team. This technical leadership role is responsible for project outcomes and on-time delivery of product development in the tool industry. The position applies problem-solving and analytical skills to evaluate and develop product design options, sustaining activities, and project management solutions with limited direction.

The Product Engineer II manages medium- to high-difficulty projects, coordinates technical development, supports product improvements and innovation, and works with internal stakeholders, vendors, and Product Management. The role also provides technical guidance and mentorship to engineers and helps teach Klein’s new product development processes. International travel is required as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution or program.
• 2–4 years of direct work experience in the relevant 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 analysis and financial justifications to all organizational levels.
• Ability to work amid changing priorities, goals, and direction, including stressful conditions and time constraints.
• Strong team orientation and ability to work with internal and external colleagues.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally as needed.

Responsibilities

• Determine and apply appropriate theoretical principles and practical approaches to design products and systems within program requirements.
• Make independent decisions about engineering problems and methods.
• Drive product improvements and contribute to innovative product solutions.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for at least one Klein Tools product category.
• Represent the organization in vendor meetings to resolve questions and coordinate work.
• Autonomously manage multiple medium- to high-difficulty projects.
• Estimate and develop project timelines within the phase-gate product development framework.
• Oversee and coordinate multiple medium- to high-priority action items, delegating work when appropriate.
• Perform work involving complex features.
• Conduct advanced problem solving and detailed feasibility studies, including reviews of design and development plans, cost estimates, engineering proposals, and specifications.
• Coordinate and schedule technical development activities and resolve engineering design and test problems.
• Liaise with internal customers and vendors to ensure designs meet specifications and end-user needs.
• Communicate technical subjects clearly for the intended audience and review the work of lower-level engineers.
• Develop 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, for data analysis and reporting.
• Create complex 3D CAD models and 2D drafts, and conduct advanced FEA studies with little to no consultation.
• Review active projects and implement changes as needed to keep them 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.
• Assist with directing and mentoring engineers in the department and project teams.
• Minimize negative financial impact to facilities during project implementation.
• Teach Klein’s new product development processes.
• Work closely with Product Management to develop new products and customer-desired feature sets.
• Perform other duties as requested.
• Travel internationally as needed.

Benefits

• Paid vacations and holidays
• Profit sharing
• Matching 401(k)
• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Discounts on Klein Tools products
• Education and professional development assistance
• Eligibility for a discretionary bonus program based on factors including individual and company performance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level