What are the responsibilities and job description for the New Product Development Engineer (Lighting) position at SPI Lighting?
New Product Engineer (Lighting)
About Us:
At SPI Lighting, we design and manufacture high-quality, American-made architectural and performance luminaires. Proudly located on the southwest side of Mequon, we offer a clean and organized work environment where innovation meets craftsmanship. Our company culture is rooted in integrity, growth, and teamwork — and we’re looking for motivated individuals to join us!
About the Role:SPI is looking for a creative and technically skilled New Product Engineer to join our team at SPI Lighting, a leader in innovative lighting solutions. This role sits at the intersection of design and engineering, ideal for someone who not only understands how things work—but how they should look and feel. Someone who can not only envision compelling new product forms that align with our customers’ needs, but also has the technical expertise to engineer those designs for real-world manufacturing. This role requires a unique balance of creativity and practicality: the ability to translate abstract ideas into beautiful, functional products that are feasible to produce at scale. If you thrive at the intersection of form and function, and you’re passionate about bringing thoughtful, customer-driven products to life, we’d love to talk.
Design is not just how it looks—it's how it works, how it feels, and how it's experienced.
As part of our product development team,you will:
- Lead the design and development of new light fixtures using a phase-gate process and 2D/3D CAD tools.
- Translate product specifications into practical, manufacturable designs.
- Intuitively create form and proportions that elevate a product beyond utility.
- Approach design as an iterative, exploratory process that balances creativity with constraints.
- Create products that resonate with users, feel intentional, and align with our brand's visual and functional language.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, sales, marketing, manufacturing) to ensure successful and timely project execution.
- Prepare and verify bills of material (BOMs) and other documentation for product releases.
- Participate in customer and vendor interactions related to product design and development.
- Stay informed about new lighting technologies, components, and industry trends.
- Work with UL standards and certification processes.
- Support the production team by helping resolve technical or assembly-related issues.
- Identify potential opportunities for design or utility patents.
- Maintain a proactive approach to problem-solving and process improvement throughout the product lifecycle.
Expected for success:
- A hands-on engineer with experience in phase-gate product design and development, ideally in the lighting or electrical industry.
- Must demonstrate strong creative thinking and a consistent ability to approach challenges with innovative, out-of-the-box solutions. We are looking for someone who prioritizes innovation in everything they do.
- Proficient in CAD software (AutoCad and Inventor, or equivalent)
- Knowledgeable in materials, manufacturing processes, wiring diagrams, and mechanical design.
- A collaborative team player who can also take initiative and work independently.
- Able to effectively communicate technical ideas in both written and verbal formats.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, “whatever it takes” environment.
- 3- 8 years of leadership experience in product development and project management, with a focus on guiding, mentoring, and enabling engineers to achieve success. This role is not an official management title but should demonstrate accountability for delivering new products on time and achieving deadlines.
Nice to Have:
- Prior experience with UL certification processes.
- Understanding of commercial architecture or lighting applications.
- Familiarity with sourcing components and vendor coordination.
- Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university related to engineering
Why Join Us:
- Be a part of a company that values innovation, collaboration, and quality.
- Contribute to the development of cutting-edge products in the lighting industry.
- Work in a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and creative thinking.
Ready to shape the future of lighting design?
Apply now and bring your engineering expertise to a company that thrives on turning bright ideas into brilliant products.