Sr Mechanical Engineer I - Advanced Development

Starkey•Eden Prairie, MN

About The Position

The Sr Mechanical Engineer I is responsible for innovative concept design of hearing aids, hearing aid components and features, accessories, and mechanical solutions for integrating sensors into hearing aid products. As a member of advanced development project teams, the role spans concept design through prototype development, testing, transfer to product development teams, and/or productization. It calls for broad knowledge of hearing aid products, critical thinking, and creativity to identify opportunities and develop manufacturable mechanical design solutions. The engineer works with cross-functional engineering, technician, management, product development, and operations teams, as well as external suppliers and design partners, to deliver products and technologies. The role develops and documents concept designs, evaluates design benefits, market acceptance, and return on investment, integrates new technologies, selects materials, and works with suppliers on new processes and technologies. It also manages project plans and schedules, identifies and mitigates risks, creates CAD models and drawings, produces proof-of-concept prototypes, facilitates design reviews and DFMEA, and ensures design verification and validation testing. The engineer supports the transition of concepts into product development by providing CAD packages, prototypes, and test results, and continues to participate in product-development design reviews. The position also investigates and recommends ways to integrate new and existing sensor technologies into Starkey products, then develops mechanical proof-of-concept designs, prototype builds, and design verification testing. The engineer monitors company and industry trends, scans and benchmarks relevant technologies, and attends technology seminars to report and represent pertinent information for Starkey.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field, or a background in mechanical design with significant and relevant industry experience.
For Sr Mechanical Engineer I, 8 or more years of mechanical design experience in a related industry.
Intermediate to advanced proficiency in ProE.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Intermediate knowledge of injection molding processes and tooling.
Intermediate knowledge of materials and processes used to manufacture injection-molded plastic, stamped metal, and elastomeric components.
Advanced knowledge of product development best practices, such as DFM, DOE, and DFMEA.
Intermediate knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.
Intermediate understanding and experience with various pieces of test equipment.
Ability to perform complex engineering analysis and calculations.
Ability to work well in a team environment.
Ability to work with minimal guidance, make decisions, and report progress.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Self-starter with high initiative.
Demonstrated project leadership, including providing guidance and direction to less experienced technical personnel.
Ability to keep current with new technologies and industry trends.

Nice To Haves

Intermediate understanding of acoustics and vibration.

Responsibilities

Develop innovative concept designs for standard and custom hearing aids, components, features, and accessories.
Present hearing aid and accessory concepts to Advanced Development leadership and document their design benefits, market acceptance, and return on investment.
Integrate new technologies into concept designs and propose manufacturable options compatible with industrial design intent.
Specify materials to meet design requirements and work with internal and external suppliers to develop processes and technologies.
Develop project plans with technical leads and project managers, manage work to meet schedules, and identify and mitigate high-risk areas.
Design and produce proof-of-concept prototypes.
Generate complete design documentation, including accurate CAD models and drawings that clearly communicate design intent.
Facilitate design reviews and lead prototype build processes.
Ensure design verification and validation testing meets required criteria; facilitate DFMEA and DVT.
Transition concepts to product development by providing CAD packages, prototypes, and DFMEA and DVT results, and act as a consultant to the product development team.
Participate in design reviews during product development.
Collaborate with external component and industrial design partners through direct communication, Technical Improvement Process meetings, and relevant industry and technical conferences.
Investigate and recommend ways to integrate new and existing sensor technologies into Starkey products, then execute concepts through mechanical design, prototype builds, and Design Verification Testing.
Monitor company and industry trends, scan and benchmark relevant technologies, and attend technology seminars to report and represent pertinent information for Starkey.