Product Design Engineer II

Description

Springs Window Fashions has been part of the window treatments industry since 1939. Headquartered in Middleton, WI, we have over 8,000 associates and 18 locations worldwide. Our products are available in nearly every major retailer, in thousands of designer showrooms, and showcased in large commercial buildings. Our company is privately owned and markets products across a broad portfolio of brands including Bali, Graber, Sun Setter, and Mecho.

We pride ourselves as “The Best Experience Company”, striving to provide the best experience for our consumers, channel partners, and associates.

Product and Textile Engineering support both the “Grow the Business” and “Run the Business” activities. From simple changes and updates to complex development projects, these team members design, develop, and validate the components and assemblies that are sold through our Retail, Dealer, and Commercial channels.

Responsible for creating, supporting, and developing new and innovative product/process designs and redesigning existing products/processes. This is successfully accomplished by understanding, accurately specifying, and adhering to customer requirements, utilizing and applying quality tools and methods and pursuing continuous improvement in all aspects of product and process design. These efforts will have a direct impact on reducing labor and material costs, while improving value, reliability, and performance.

• Identify consumer and market needs, translating customer needs into product requirements using QFD and product requirements into design specifications.
• Develop working prototypes of multiple concepts for functional evaluation.
• Gather market data through consumer focus groups.
• Reduce concept to a commercially viable product.
• Create mechanical drawings and 3‑D models using drafting software.
• Investigate concept patentability and infringement issues to assess legal liability and protect intellectual property.

• Coordinate and prioritize design and product engineering activities as established by NPD and product management in accordance with Spring’s business strategies and goals.
• Design products and components with safety, durability, reliability, value, and assembly as priorities.
• Develop and plan short‑ and long‑term goals in accordance with Spring’s strategies and goals.
• Establish design specifications, material selection, and potential suppliers with regards to product design.
• Estimate project and product costs, assist with project justification, and recommend required materials and tooling.
• Facilitate design reviews to discuss concepts and proposed product designs, engaging other functional areas to gain input regarding product manufacturability and incorporating those inputs into final design.
• Prepare and issue required reports, summaries, and presentations related to engineering activities.
• Maintain and control engineering files, records, and documentation for part and process specifications, drawings, and patents.
• Interface with purchasing and suppliers to resolve supplier quality issues.

• Collaborate with New Product Development and Marketing teams to introduce and develop new product concepts and existing product enhancements.
• Support efforts to maintain and follow the New Product Development (stage gate) process.
• Review related patents and assess potential patent risks.
• Engage in continuous improvement initiatives, recognizing process improvement methods to identify root cause, develop solutions, and implement solutions.
• Maintain and organize lab area following 5S principles.
• Represent the company in industrial organizations.

• BS in Engineering with a minimum of 4 years of applicable work experience.
• Must be flexible with job assignments, able to work independently and well with others (team environment).
• Must be organized, methodical, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously and work to an established timeline.
• Position takes direction from Engineering Manager or New Product Development Manager; must manage multiple medium or limited scope projects and communicate well,…