Product Engineer

Job Description

Salary:
Product Engineer Life Straw Washington DC-Baltimore Area (On-site)

The Product Engineer will be responsible for developing products from early concept to production launch and scale-up. This individual will be responsible for the project coordination, planning, and research required for the identification and introduction of new products. They will create a project structure including timelines, project plans, tasks, and status reporting. The Product Engineer will ensure that Life Straw stays at the forefront of innovation, by designing highly innovative water filtration products.

This position will report to the Director of Engineering, and will be based at our HQ in Baltimore, MD.

• Develop products from concept to launch through stage gate process and aligned with a calendarized launch plan.
• Work with teams in US, Europe and Asia on new and existing product development efforts and ensure that appropriate project and product management practices are established and implemented to successfully meet project scope requirements.
• Manage multiple project developments and launches, ensure that products are meeting market requirements.
• Ensure that projects are completed within allotted budget and timelines.
• Prepare and present weekly / monthly project reviews to management, including financial, timelines, validation, and scope updates.
• Work collaboratively with cross functional teams worldwide including laboratory, quality control, marketing, sales, supply chain and external consultants/suppliers.
• Integrate data from consumer feedback, beta testing and make required adjustments to product design.
• Improve yields by reducing costs, for example investigating alternative materials to improve efficiency and quality in bottleneck areas.
• Work with product pipelines at various stages of development.
• Developing formulae, specifications, and label declarations, and ensure compliance with the finished product specifications.
• Follow company policies and safety regulations for operational efficiency.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within the team and across the organization.
• Commit to Life Straw core behaviors including Fighting for Good;
  Living, Working and Creating with Impact in Mind;
  Erring on the Side of Action; and Leaving Everything Better.
• Contribute to Life Straw’s impact on People and Planet including volunteering locally.

• Lead brainstorming to solve technical or consumer issues found in the development of a product.
• Self-Motivate to identify, solve, implement and verify technical solutions.
• Strong ability to lead projects while identifying value engineering and additional cost savings opportunities.
• Applies sound engineering/ product design standards to deliver real solutions.
• Applies understanding & experience of high-volume manufacturing processes and materials to optimize designs.
• Takes concepts through design, CAD execution, prototyping and proof of concept, product validation through mass production.
• Continuously evaluates and improves designs for cost efficiency, manufacturing improvements, increased quality and value to consumers.
• Can effectively manage the “hands‑on” - building of prototypes, product testing in the lab, developing and reporting.
• Positive, attitude with an inquisitive nature. Flexible and collaborative.
• Ability to work with multiple and competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills, self‑motivated, and accountable.
• Confident self‑starter with competitive drive, initiative, decisiveness, and the ability to stay focused on results despite changing conditions.
• Strong team player who drives results by securing the commitment and buy‑in of others.
• Excellent data gathering and analytical skills.
• Motivated and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Possesses a proactive approach to problem solving.
• Exercises a high level of empathy and understanding.
• Strong customer service mind‑set.
• Cultural awareness and the willingness to work across different global time zones.
• Sense of humor.

• BA/BS in mechanical…