Senior Development Engineer

Job Summary: 

The Senior Development Engineer will apply theories and principles to both simple and complex work in research and development including the design, product characteristics and documentation necessary to produce the design in quantity. Uses tools to aid in the design and re-design of products.  Works with Marketing to ensure the best possible commercialization of the product.  Works with manufacturing to ensure smooth transition from prototype to pilot run. 

 Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• Directly supervises 1-2 employees. 

Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Research & Evaluation:  Evaluates existing products for re-design based on issues raised by customers, vendors or internal team.  Assesses functions to determine whether new product would enhance existing product line or provide additional function for customers.  Collects data on products through reports, testing and customer information. Develops project timelines and product cost comparisons, selects materials, commercial parts and technical data.
• Production Processing: Works with production processes, suggests changes to improve efficiencies.   Coordinates activities surrounding line or range of products, following product from design through production.  Organizes activities between production and other engineering teams to implement new production introductions. 
• Customer Interaction: Ability to effectively communicate with end-users in person and over the telephone. Interacts with customers to discuss complex problems and potential product solutions.
• Design:  Designs new and/or re-designs existing product line. Produces designs, complex layouts, assemblies, detail parts list drawings on both the CAD system and drawing board and generates associated bills of material. Ensures designs support cost effectiveness and uses appropriate GD&T to ensure resulting designs perform and are sustainable.. Create and communicate through drawings or other media technical specifications, machining and manufacturing specifications. 
• Testing:  Coordinates all product test activities.  Builds and tests prototypes.  Follows up appropriately in correcting errors and making manufacturing/product improvements. Works with QA to ensure quality and ISO standards are met.
• Patent:  May be involved in patent applications for new or existing products.
• Quality:  Follows ISO guidelines regarding design and production of new/revised products. Assists manufacturing and statistical quality control in correcting any problems encountered in shops. Evaluate incoming ECRs (Engineering Change Requests) for modifications to existing products.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Troubleshooting mechanical failures, excessive wear, chemical interactions, problem solving and root cause analysis
• Ability to interface with staff at all levels in corresponding departments.
• Demonstrate effective communication with customers independently.

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Minimum 15 years mechanical engineering experience
• Experience with rubber molding parts and production, plastic injection molding, and seal design/application/production.

Key Competencies:

• Microsoft Office Outlook, Word, Excel, AutoDesk Inventor, SAP or similar ERP systems
• 3D modeling, 2D drafting ASME standards & GD&T
• Moderate travel (10-25%) required; driving & air travel

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.