Product Development Engineer

Job Description:
» Product Development & Research: Develop new products using consumer insight. Works with Product Researcher and Industrial Designer to develop consumer/user model and validate through functional prototypes and product designs.
» Product Engineering: Integrates function in product design. Develops technical model to optimize consumer preference. Works with Process Development, Tooling and Manufacturing to ensure manufacturability.
» Prototyping: Hands-on Creative. "Thinks with their hands". Develops prototypes ranging from cut and paste frankensteins through functional and aesthetic models.
» Commercialization: Researches IP to establish proprietary positions. Develops technical cost models and product specifications. Works with Manufacturing to qualify product at commercialization in a plant.
» Product Test Method Development & Testing: Develops test methods to simulate product use. Develops design of experiments to optimize product function. Correlates with consumer model.
REQUIREMENTS
Job Qualifications:
» BS or MS in Engineering (ME or Plastics) with minimum 2 years of applicable experience.
» Solid communications skills, both written and verbal, required.
» Prototyping skills (basic machine shop skills), CAD (3D preferably Solidworks or Catia), and knowledgeable of plastic processes and materials.
» Demonstrated level of hands-on abilities. This can include converting/extrusion equipment operation, machine shop, prototype hand-tools, etc.
» Demonstrated creative problem-solving around product design, tooling design/debug, process development and/or machinery design/development.
» Experience with extrusion (either rigid sheet or flexible films) and have an understanding of process development, statistical process control, and/or experimental design preferred.
» Knowledge of product audits, testing and reporting also a plus.