Design Engineer

Job Summary

This role is responsible for product development from concept through production, including: new product development, sustaining engineering support, and resolution of field problems. The individual will perform mechanical product design and/or redesign, create part assemblies, and detailed part drawings. You will participate in prototyping, assembly of samples, and product test and evaluation programs. The role collaborates with all cross functional members of the design team. You will present and communicate project status updates to management, participate in daily management meetings with the cross-functional team, and work closely with other engineers. In everything the Design Engineer does, both in projects and daily tasks, LEAN Process methodology is applied to drive impact, streamline workflows, and improve processes.

This work requires onsite work at the the Des Plaines, IL facility minimum 50% of the time.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• Involved in various aspects of the product design process including, but not limited to the development of part geometry, assembly designs and drawing generation. Design work varies from new product development to product enhancements and cost reduction activities. Develops and distributes engineering data in the form of Engineering Change Notices, bills of material and parts tracking. Collaborates with vendor partners.
• Designs parts, identifies finishing requirements for, and works with tooling vendors for numerous manufacturing methods including: progressive die sheet metal tooling, fabricated sheet metal and brake forming, aluminum and zinc die casting, aluminum and plastic extrusions, plastic injection molding, and spinning.
• Works with internal manufacturing facilities and external vendors to resolve part or assembly issues, deviation requests and bill of material corrections. Participates in pilot/preproduction runs, first article inspections, tool run-offs and plans for production release. Ensures all concepts are manufacturable with corresponding methods utilized in the appropriate manufacturing facility.
• Attends team meetings using the product delivery system (stage gate product development) for each major product.
• Plans and coordinates certification and validation test plans. Submits test requests and works directly with testing groups as necessary for product evaluation. Submits prototyping requests and works directly with internal and external prototype suppliers for production of prototype components and assemblies. Reviews functional specifications, project charters and competitor’s samples.

Skills and Minimum Experience Required

• Bachelor’s Degree.

• 2 to 5 years of applicable experience required.

• Proficiency of 3D CAD and Microsoft Office programs required; SolidWorks software proficiency and CAD data management experience preferred.

• Understanding of numerous manufacturing methods (such as stamping, fabricating, drawing, casting, injection molding, spinning, extruding of metals and plastics) and finishing techniques (such as painting, plating, anodizing, and vacuum metaling).
• Knowledge of applicable standards and test processes for UL/CSA, DLC, and/or Energy Star.
• Seeks cooperation of other team members to work towards the goal of completing and implementing new product development on time, and in budget.
• Communicate verbally, in written form, and through sketches, engineering drawings, presentations, renderings, and prototypes.
• Able to work proficiently in a cross-functional team environment.         
• Understand and adhere to the appropriate established industry and safety Standards.

Preferred Education and Experience (i.e., industry experience)

• Mechanical Engineering or relevant discipline.

• Experience in a manufacturing environment, a parts manufacturing company, lighting manufacturing company, and/or other electrical device manufacturing or consumer product company desired.

   

Physical Requirements

• Able to lift up to 75 lbs.

Travel Requirements

• 1-20% domestically and internationally as needed for the role

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