Sr Product Dev Engineer

Hutchinson • Grand-Rapids, MI

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Product Development Engineer (PDE) will be responsible for the detailed development of a product or system to meet customer's functional and cost requirements. This role involves fully utilizing physical test and analytical methods to support design direction. The Senior PDE will lead the design, establish prints and specifications, develop prototypes, and specify tests. They will also direct the FEA workflow to produce a robust design that meets customer's functional and reliability requirements and lead the Design for Manufacturing (DFM) process from RFQ to Production Launch. The role encourages applied research and development, fosters product and process innovation, and involves coaching and developing engineering skills of team members. The Senior PDE will collaborate with the Application Team Leader to develop and manage team objectives and goals. Participation in the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) team is required, including reviewing issues related to timing, customer requirements, components, suppliers, molds, production processes, and product costs. The role also involves collaborating with colleagues in other regions for benchmarking and sharing technical knowledge, conducting competitive benchmarking, and continuously evaluating designs and manufacturing processes for value analysis to increase robustness, reduce costs, and improve quality. The Senior PDE serves as the main line of technical communication with customers, Hutchinson sales, and other departments. They are responsible for completing tasks of all lower position levels and assigned by Management. The role also requires adherence to all Safety and Quality policies and requirements.

Requirements

• Minimum BS in Engineering or equivalent and five to ten years of related experience.
• Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate with Engineering, Production, Quality, Purchasing, Sales and other plant/office personnel.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good computer skills.
• Knowledge of processes used at Hutchinson to manufacture our products.
• Understand manufacturing and material requirements for ductile iron castings, metal stampings, aluminum die castings, plastic injection, rubber molding and metal finishers (coatings), etc.
• Understand how to develop detailed designs, establishing prints and specifications, developing prototypes, and specifying tests for validation and a manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of engineering methods such as FEA, DFM, DOE, APQP, FMEA, DVP, 8D problem solving and DOE.
• Proficient Microsoft Office Software.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and process several abstract and concrete variables.
• Must be able to assess the accuracy and usefullness of the analysis performed.
• Must be capable of managing product development programs with limited supervision.
• Must be a self-starter, organized and dedicated, with good record keeping skills.
• Must have the ability to accept and cope with restrictive time frames and unpredictable problems.

Nice To Haves

• CAD software such as SolidWorks a plus.

Responsibilities

• Detailed development of a product or system to meet customer’s functional and cost requirements.
• Fully utilizing physical test and analytical methods to support design direction.
• Responsible for detailed design, establishing prints and specifications, developing prototypes, and specifying tests.
• Direct FEA workflow to produce a robust design that meets the customer’s functional and reliability requirements.
• Lead Design for Manufacturing (DFM) process on all projects from RFQ to Production Launch to insure design robustness meets production needs.
• Encourage applied research and development with the engineering team and to foster product and process innovation.
• Coach and develop the engineering skills of Engineers and Technicians within the team.
• Cooperatively work with the Application Team Leader to develop team objectives and goals and to jointly manage the team to achieve these goals.
• Participates in the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) team including the review of issues related to: timing, customer requirements, components, suppliers, molds, production processes, product costs, etc.
• Collaborate with colleagues in other regions to benchmark latest development and industry trends and share technical product knowledge.
• Conduct competitive benchmarking on targeted market segments following market trends.
• Continuously evaluates designs, manufacturing processes and applies value analysis to increase robustness, reduce material and labor costs while also improving product quality.
• Act as the main line of technical communication with the customer, Hutchinson sales and with other Hutchinson departments.
• Responsible for completing tasks of all lower position levels and tasks assigned by Management.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Participates in, understands, supports, and adheres to all Safety and Quality policies and requirements.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation
• Comprehensive Health Benefits (medical, dental, and vision insurance options)
• Company-Paid Coverage (Long-Term Disability, Short-Term Disability, Life Insurance, and AD&D Insurance)
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO policies that support personal time, holidays, and overall well-being)
• 401(k) retirement plan, featuring an employer match
• Global Opportunities & Local Impact

What This Job Offers

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