Product Design Engineer

Job Summary

Hog Slat, Inc. is seeking a Product Design Engineer to work with our product engineering group to develop and source parts, supplies and equipment for sale to its global customer base. Our Engineers are involved with all phases of bringing products to market, including designing, planning and overseeing the production of new designs. In addition, the Product Design Engineer will assist other departments in sourcing and product improvement.

Hog Slat, Inc. is the world’s largest provider of production solutions for today’s poultry and hog producers. The engineering group works closely with our sales, marketing, purchasing, manufacturing, retail and distribution divisions to provide value‑added solutions for our customers while contributing towards the Company’s financial objectives.

• Work with our experienced engineering staff to invent, design and develop products and equipment that can be manufactured in-house or produced by outside vendors/suppliers.
• Source existing products from outside vendors and request modifications to meet unique Hog Slat functionality requirements.
• Perform or oversee rigorous testing to ensure functionality, safety, efficiency, and durability. Diagnose problems and make design changes or adjustments when required.
• Support in‑house Purchasing with buying/vendor selection as needed.
• Assist in upgrading product literature to include text and artwork.
• Create technical documents for in‑house manufactured items about the proper assembly, installation and operation of new equipment.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Material Science plus 5 years of job experience (preferred).
• Thorough understanding of drafting standards and techniques using Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools such as AutoCAD, Inventor, etc., and ability to visualize components, features and assemblies in three‑dimensional space.
• Ability to communicate effectively with vendors, customers and coworkers from a diverse number of technical and non‑technical disciplines.
• Excellent math skills, especially in part dimensioning, tolerances and statistical principles.
• Understanding of industry standards such as NEMA and ASQC.
• Strong costing background; ability to translate product costs and rewards to overall company profitability.
• Background in manufacturing processes and their capabilities.
• Working knowledge of modern hog and/or poultry industries a plus, but not required.
• Proficiency in common computer software used in business:
  Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• Must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record for liability and insurance purposes (some travel required).

• Flexible.
• Self‑directed and goal oriented.
• Completes projects within a specified time period.
• Able to motivate others.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Spanish and Mandarin language skills a plus.

Hog Slat Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other reason prohibited under Federal, State or local laws. All employment decisions are based on valid job‑related requirements.