Sr. Product Design Engineer; On-site

Overview

At Lakeshore, we create innovative learning materials and world-class guest experiences for teachers, parents and children. Since 1954, we’ve grown into a global community—with a thriving e-commerce business, multiple catalogs, over 50 stores, a peerless national sales force, plus international offices that support our preeminent supply chain division. Today we’re working better, smarter and faster than ever—and setting our sights even higher.

We’re building an infrastructure designed for scalability, embracing data-driven decision-making and using technology to improve efficiency and ensure the best tools for the best work. We continue to invest in a diverse team of inquisitive top talent who fuel each other’s passions and curiosity, take risks, try new things and believe that every new day brings opportunities for growth.

We are currently seeking a Sr. Product Design Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will design consumer products with a specific focus on plastics that meet functional, aesthetic, safety and cost requirements while supporting cross-functional engineering and manufacturing needs. You will contribute technical expertise throughout the product development cycle, including concept creation, prototyping and durability evaluation. You will also collaborate across teams, clearly communicate design intent and work with a range of materials to deliver reliable, high-quality product solutions.

Applicants should have a strong understanding of product design principles, including functionality, durability, safety and cost considerations. The ideal candidate also possesses EIT and/or PE certification.

• Designing consumer products in Solid Works, ensuring functionality, durability, safety and alignment with cost targets
• Partnering with Quality to evaluate testing results, address design risks and ensure solutions meet performance requirements
• Representing the engineering perspective in product development discussions, applying technical judgment to align designs with project goals
• Providing detailed responses to engineering and technical requests from cross-functional partners
• Building proof-of-concept models and prototypes using in-house 3-D printers and related tools
• Sharing design concepts and recommendations during product reviews and team discussions
• Collaborating across departments including international cross-functional partners to clearly translate technical concepts and support effective teamwork
• Performing stress analyses to support durability and performance assessment

Required:

• 6+ years of experience in design engineering
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering
• Experience in:
  • Principles of plastic part design, complex part assembly, GD&T, material selection
  • Plastic part manufacturing (injection and blow molding), decoration and secondary operations (sonic welding, assembly, etc)
  • Engineering and development of toys (or children’s products) and educational materials
  • Prototyping tools
• Proficiency in 3-D CAD design (Solid Works), including assemblies and detailed drawings
• Strong understanding of product design principles, including functionality, durability, safety and cost considerations
• Advanced knowledge of manufacturing processes and production methods
• Advanced knowledge of 3D modeling techniques for aesthetic and functional parts (Moldflow/FEA)
• Hands-on experience supporting manufacturing activities (e.g., vendor validation, inspections, assembly support, troubleshooting production issues)

• Thoughtful decision maker who applies sound judgment to solve complex problems and work independently
• Clear communicator who adapts messaging to different audiences, including presenting to larger groups
• Collaborative team player who works effectively across cross-functional and global teams, including virtual environments

• Bonus eligible
• Paid leave for new parents to support work/life balance and family bonding
• Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage—EPO, PPO and HSA
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution
• Flexible benefits—choose what you like, ignore the rest
• On-site preschool for our…