Project Engineer

Description

Build Products That Customers Depend On

At Northern Tool + Equipment, we design and develop products that help customers tackle tough jobs every day. We're looking for a skilled Project Engineer who enjoys leading product development projects, solving complex engineering challenges, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to bring innovative products to market.

This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of projects from concept through production launch while influencing product design, quality, manufacturability, cost, and customer satisfaction. If you're a hands-on engineer who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys driving results through collaboration, we'd like to meet you.
What You'll Do

As a Project Engineer, you will provide technical leadership for new product development and continuous improvement initiatives across Northern Tool + Equipment's owned brands and strategic product categories.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead multiple product development projects simultaneously from concept through production launch.
• Drive technical execution of project deliverables while ensuring alignment with business objectives, quality standards, schedules, and budgets.
• Collaborate with engineering, product management, sourcing, quality, manufacturing, and supplier partners throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, technical requirements, specifications, and development documentation.
• Guide projects through a structured stage-gate product development process.
• Conduct competitive benchmarking and evaluate emerging technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Lead cross-functional project teams and influence stakeholders to achieve project objectives without direct authority.
• Facilitate engineering design reviews and support robust product development practices.
• Apply engineering tools and methodologies such as:
  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
  • Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)
  • Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA)
  • Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA)
  • Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
  • Tolerance stack-up analysis
  • Design Review Based on Failure Mode (DRBFM)
• Support manufacturing strategy development to improve quality, reliability, delivery, and cost performance.
• Monitor tooling investments, product costs, and project expenditures throughout development.
• Coordinate product testing, validation, prototyping, and issue resolution activities.
• Analyze manufacturing and field performance issues and recommend effective engineering solutions.
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations, project updates, and recommendations to management and stakeholders.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to engineers and designers assigned to project teams.
• Support product launches and provide technical expertise to marketing, sales, service, and other business functions.

What Success Looks Like

The ideal candidate is a technically strong engineer who can balance engineering excellence with project execution.

You will be successful if you:

• Take ownership and drive projects to completion.
• Build strong relationships and effectively manage by influence.
• Communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Enjoy solving complex engineering and manufacturing challenges.
• Can effectively prioritize multiple projects and competing deadlines.
• Focus on delivering high-quality products and exceptional customer experiences.

Qualifications
Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Three or more years of engineering experience involving product development, product design, manufacturing, or related engineering environments.
• Experience leading engineering projects and coordinating cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and drive results without direct authority.
• Customer-focused mindset and commitment to quality.

Preferred

• Experience developing consumer products, industrial equipment, outdoor power equipment, tools, or similar products.
• Proficiency with Creo (Pro/ENGINEER) or comparable 3D CAD software.
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) experience.
• Experience with GD&T, DFMEA, PFMEA, DFM, DRBFM, and tolerance stack-up analysis.
• Experience utilizing formal project management tools and methodologies.
• Experience working with global suppliers and manufacturing partners.

Why Join Northern Tool + Equipment?

Northern Tool + Equipment is a family business with roots stretching back three generations to Minnesota's Iron Range, where our blue-collar work ethic and commitment to serving the people who do the tough jobs was born. Our mission is to be the best in the world at serving the professional tradespeople and those who want to work like them. With over 130 retail stores across 24 states, top national brands and global manufacturing operations designed to create our own specialized tools and equipment, we are busting our knuckles to deliver the products, prices and advice our customers need to succeed. We're looking for people who share our blue-collar work ethic. If you're the kind of person who likes to put your nose to the grindstone to help your customers and company succeed, we'd love to talk to you about becoming a member of our team.

Northern Tool + Equipment is proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Top Midsize Employer in 2023. We are committed to creating a workplace where your contributions are valued, and your professional growth is encouraged. When you join our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive and competitive compensation package that includes:

• Competitive Pay: Earn $76,800 to $100,000 annually, with your exact compensation personalized based on your skills, experience, and location. We believe in rewarding top talent with pay that reflects your value.
• Flexible Work Schedule: Achieve the work-life balance you deserve with our full-time, 8-hour shifts, Monday - Friday, complemented by a hybrid work schedule that allows you to work both remotely and in the office.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Your health and well-being are our priority. We offer a variety of health plans, so you can choose what best fits your needs. Employees working 30+ hours per week enjoy a robust benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and a 401(k) plan with an enhanced company match to support your financial future.
• Generous Employee Discount: Love our products? So do we! Enjoy a significant discount on the quality tools and equipment we offer, helping you save on the items you love to use.
• Get Paid on Your Terms: With our Daily Pay option, you don't have to wait for payday-access your earnings whenever you need them for added financial flexibility.
• Paid Holidays: Take time to relax and recharge with 7 paid federal holidays, because we know how important it is to have time for yourself and your loved ones.
• Incentives: Be rewarded for eligible incentive programs.

When you join Northern Tool + Equipment, you're not just starting a job-you're joining a community that supports your success. Come be a part of a team where your skills, dedication, and passion are recognized and celebrated. Your future starts here!