What are the responsibilities and job description for the Product Engineer position at KOLBE & KOLBE MILLWORK?
Job Overview
The Product Engineer is responsible for the design, development, validation, and lifecycle support of residential window and door products. This role ensures that products meet customer expectations, regulatory and code requirements, performance standards, and cost targets while being manufacturable at scale. As a member of the R&D team, the Product Engineer works closely with manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and sales teams to support new product development, product line expansions, and continuous product improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and develop residential window and door systems, components, and options (e.g., frames, sash, glazing systems, hardware, screens, etc.)
- Translate architectural requirements, building codes, and customer expectations into engineered product solutions
- Support new product development from concept through commercialization, including prototypes, testing, and pilot production
- Create and maintain engineering documentation, including drawings, BOMs, product specifications, and assembly instructions
- Ensure products meet or exceed applicable performance standards (e.g., structural, air/water, thermal, and durability requirements)
- Support product certification, testing, and validation activities (AAMA, NFRC, ASTM, or equivalent standards)
- Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to ensure designs are optimized for fabrication, glazing, and assembly processes
- Lead or support root cause analysis and corrective actions related to quality issues, field claims, or production challenges
- Manage engineering change requests and product updates throughout the product lifecycle
- Support suppliers by defining technical requirements, reviewing drawings, and resolving component issues
- Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and FMEA activities
· Contribute to cost reduction, value engineering, and continuous improvement initiatives
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Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field
- 3–7 years of product engineering or product development experience (preferably in building products or durable goods)
- Strong understanding of materials and manufacturing processes commonly used in window and door systems (e.g., vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, wood, wood composites)
- Experience with 3D CAD software (Inventor, SolidWorks, Creo, or similar)
- Ability to interpret and produce detailed engineering drawings, tolerances, and specifications
- Experience supporting products in a production manufacturing environment
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and manage multiple priorities
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in the residential fenestration industry (windows, doors, skylights, or related products)
- Familiarity with industry standards and certifications (AAMA, NFRC, ASTM, ICC, ENERGY STAR®)
- Knowledge of glass systems, IG units, coatings, and glazing performance
- Experience with structural, thermal, and performance testing and validation
- Familiarity with extrusion design, tooling, and profile optimization
- Experience with ERP/PLM systems
- Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement experience
Key Competencies
- End-to-end product ownership
- Design for manufacturability and assembly (DFM/DFA)
- Structured problem solving and root cause analysis
- Detail-oriented documentation and change management
- Customer- and market-focused design mindset
- Ability to balance innovation, performance, cost, and manufacturability
Work Environment / Physical Requirements
- Combination of office, lab, and manufacturing floor work
- Minimal (< 5%) travel to suppliers, test labs, or initial product installations may be required
- Ability to support hands-on prototype builds and production trials
Pay: $78,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $78,000 - $90,000