Product Engineer II

Klein Tools • Lincolnshire, IL

10d

About The Position

A Product Engineer II leads the design, development, and improvement of products and serves as a key 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 evaluates information and develops options for product design, sustaining activity, and project management, then implements solutions with limited direction. It calls for strong analytical and design skills across multiple subject areas, and may include complex work features and mentorship of other engineers.

The engineer works within program requirements to select theoretical principles and practical design approaches, make independent decisions on engineering problems, and drive product improvements. The role manages multiple medium- to high-difficulty projects, estimates timelines within the phase-gate product development framework, coordinates action items and technical activities, and adjusts projects to keep them on schedule and aligned with organizational priorities. It includes feasibility studies, design and development plan reviews, cost estimate reviews, engineering proposal and specification evaluation, and resolution of design and test problems.

The position collaborates with Product Management, team leaders, business unit managers, executives, vendors, internal customers, and other project team members. It may represent the organization in vendor meetings and serve as a liaison to ensure designs meet end-user needs. The engineer communicates complex engineering concepts and project evaluations through presentations and reporting; uses advanced Excel, 3D CAD, 2D drafting, and FEA; contributes to new product development and introduction; and teaches Klein's NPD processes. International travel is required as needed.

The role requires a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution or program and 2–4 years of direct work experience. The annual salary range is $80,000–$100,000. Eligible employees also receive competitive benefits and may participate in a discretionary bonus program. The work includes occasional physical activities and lifting or moving objects up to 25 pounds; employees should not lift more than 50 pounds on their own.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution or program.
• 2–4 years of direct work experience in the 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 presenting technical analysis and financial justifications to support decision-making at all organizational levels.
• Ability to work amid changing priorities, goals, and direction, including stressful conditions and time constraints.
• Strong team focus and ability to work with internal and external colleagues.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally as needed.
• Ability to perform the physical activities described, including occasionally lifting or moving objects up to 25 pounds; no one should lift over 50 pounds alone.
• Vision abilities including close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Responsibilities

• Determine and execute appropriate theoretical principles and practical approaches to designing products and systems within program requirements.
• Make independent decisions on engineering problems and methods.
• Drive product improvements and contribute to innovative solutions.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for at least one Klein Tools category.
• Represent the organization in vendor meetings to resolve questions and plan and coordinate work.
• Autonomously manage multiple medium- to high-difficulty projects proactively.
• Estimate and build project timelines within the phase-gate product development framework.
• Oversee and coordinate multiple medium- to high-priority action items, delegating work when necessary.
• Conduct detailed feasibility studies, review design and development plans and cost estimates, and evaluate engineering proposals and specifications.
• Coordinate and schedule technical development activities and resolve engineering design and test problems.
• Liaise with internal customers and vendor representatives to ensure design specifications meet end-user needs and requirements.
• Communicate clearly and concisely to intended audiences and proof the work of lower-level engineers.
• Develop high-level PowerPoint presentations explaining 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 run advanced FEA studies with little to no consultation.
• Review active projects and implement changes as needed to keep them on time.
• Prioritize engineering projects in alignment with organizational needs and strategic goals.
• Maintain close contact with associated team leaders, business unit managers, and the executive team.
• Assist in providing direction and mentorship to other engineers and project teams.
• Minimize negative financial impact at facilities during project implementation.
• Teach Klein's NPD 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

• Competitive benefits that support the employee and family as part of the total rewards package.
• 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