Concept Design Engineer

Description

Our most important asset is our people. Who we are, what we do, how we do it and why we are passionate are all centerpieces of why we succeed.

We are proud to be recognized:

• Among America’s Best Midsize Employers by Forbes in 2021, 2022 and 2024
• As a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace for four consecutive years )

We currently operate in-office Monday-Thursday, with an optional remote day on Friday.

This position is not eligible for visa-based employment-based sponsorship.

As a Concept Design Engineer
, you will partner with our Industrial Design team, Market managers and Product Development team to explore bold ideas, build breakthrough concepts, and transform emerging technologies into meaningful solutions for the future of work. You will operate at the intersection of creativity, engineering, and innovation - where sketches become prototypes, possibilities become products, and ideas become business opportunities.

If you love asking "What if?", building things with your hands, experimenting with new technologies, and bringing ambitious concepts to life, this role is for you. As a Concept Design Engineer, you will help Fellowes identify those possibilities, validate them through rapid experimentation, and transform them into meaningful innovations that improve how people work, connect, and thrive.

• Discover unmet needs, emerging trends, and whitespace opportunities by applying human-centered design principles to create meaningful product experiences.
• Translate customer, workplace, and market insights into new product opportunities.
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies, materials, manufacturing methods, and workplace trends to identify opportunities that can drive future innovation.
• Build a pipeline of concepts that shapes the future of the Fellowes portfolio through workplace observations, customer visits, and industry events, translating insights into future product opportunities.

• Develop proof-of-concept and feasibility models that reduce technical uncertainty through CAD, 3D printing, workshop fabrication, and rapid prototyping, while considering customer value, technical feasibility, and strategic fit.
• Communicate ideas through prototypes, models, visual storytelling, and technical insights. Test, learn, iterate, and refine concepts through hands-on experimentation.
• Transition validated concepts into the New Product Development process.
• Own and maintain IP process by working with internal and external partners.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design Engineering, Industrial Design Engineering, or related discipline.
• 7-10 years of experience in product development, contract furnishings, ergonomic products, consumer products, or a related field.
• A strong understanding of mechanical design, materials, manufacturing processes, and design-for-manufacturing principles.
• Strong CAD skills (Solid Works preferred) and the ability to quickly turn an idea into a workable 3D model.
• Experience applying user-centered design methods through observation, customer research, or direct interaction with users is a strong plus.
• Hands-on experience building prototypes using 3D printing, machining, fabrication, model-making, or other rapid-prototyping techniques.
• Experience developing products, prototypes, concepts, or innovation programs within a Stage-Gate NPD process.
• Experience in IP management is a strong plus.

• Are curious about emerging technologies and future possibilities and thrive in ambiguity while turning ideas into reality.
• Love building prototypes more than PowerPoint slides and get energized by a blank sheet of paper.
• See constraints as creative opportunities rather than limitations.
• Enjoy collaborating with designers, engineers, and strategists to bring ideas to life.

The hiring range for this position in Itasca, Illinois is $120,000 - $130,000 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills and experience, among other factors. An annual incentive may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

An overview of our benefits offering is available here:

Fellowes Benefits Overview.

For over a century,…