Product Development Engineer

Job Summary :

The Product Development Engineer will provide support for New Product Development (NPD) activities including concept development, design review, data management, prototype development & evaluation, product documentation & specifications, project tracking, cost analysis, schedule management, vendor communication and other activities associated with developing new products and their approval for mass production. This position is also a key team member in the maintenance of existing products. Some travel, both domestic and international, will be required.

This role is for the Cooking and Lighting team that involves development on stoves, grills, griddles and lanterns.

Project Execution

Works as a member of a cross-functional team comprised of Product Development Engineering, Marketing, Industrial Design, Sourcing, Quality, and Product Safety & Compliance.

Maintains NPD design files, critical project information, and communicates information to internal and external contacts. Responds to internal requests for information regarding design files and documentation.

Manages and executes the process for Prototype Samples, Testing and Verification, and Production Approval. Is responsible for collaboration with International Engineers & Vendors for sample procurement, testing, and issues.

Supports product documentation including : New Product Setup Request, Design Drawings, Engineering Changes to B.O.M., Product Specification development and maintenance, and technical literature.

Works closely with international Project Engineer to manage activities at international vendors.

Understand existing technologies used in industry.

Fundamental understanding of ideation techniques.

Basic understanding of the importance of intellectual property for an organization.

Provides competitive benchmarking and consumer ratings / reviews to the development team to determine new product requirements.

Quality

Ability to lead DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and / or PFMEA (Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and distinguish between program, safety, business, regulatory, and consumer satisfaction risk.

Ability to lead root cause analysis, lean process, and Kaizen activities.

Work directly with global quality team to identify quality issues and solutions.

Product Performance

Ability to assist in writing technical specifications for the development and implementation of new products.

Ability to create test methods from identified risks in the DFMEA.

Defines non-technical deliverables that contribute to successful product releases.

Ability to use design tools to create components and basic assemblies

Contributes to the ECR / ECN entry.

Manufacturing

Basic understanding of manufacturing equipment used on our products.

Basic understanding of major tools and techniques used in manufacturing process.

Basic understand about how to select a supplier.

Materials

Basic understanding of the materials used in our products.

Basic understanding of how to identify types of materials used in manufacturing.

Ability to understand the functional and aesthetic requirements of product design.

Qualifications :

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or other related engineering field.
• 2-5 years of product development experience; expereince with grills or stoves is highly desired.
• Strong written and verbal skills as well as interpersonal skills with the ability to work will with all levels of personnel.
• Experience building conceptual and working prototypes
• Demonstrates strong knowledge of problem-solving techniques and methodologies.
• Mechanical analytical skills including hand calculations, free body diagrams, spatial aptitude to translate from a sketch to a 2D drawing to a 3D model and CAD software.
• Strong computer skills. Experience with Microsoft Office required. SAP, CAD or Adobe Illustrator experience a plus.
• Demonstrates knowledge of applicable manufacturing processes.
• Must possess a positive attitude and be self-motivated with the ability to work in a team environment.