Prototype Designer

Suncast Corporation is the leading US-based designer, manufacturer, and distributor of high-quality resin products for the home and industrial markets. A privately held company headquartered in Western Chicago, Illinois, Suncast prides itself on 35 years of innovation and sustainability across a wide range of product categories with materials proudly sourced in the USA. Everything we do is supported by the strength and ingenuity of American workers and we are committed to helping families across the country make the most of their unique spaces. We utilize state-of-the-art machinery and innovative manufacturing techniques to consistently engineer products of the highest possible quality. Prototype Designer The Prototype Designer is responsible for all aspects of making prototypes and models for the Engineering and sales departments. The prototypes or models may need to be aesthetically and functionally correct based on information supplied by the engineering and marketing departments. Within the required time and budget constraints, the Model Maker is responsible for selecting the resources, materials, and processes that will most closely simulate the finished product. He or she must be able to utilize new or existing techniques to build models and instruct others in the design engineering department on best practices. This position also includes coordinating the maintenance of the shop equipment, material inventories, and orderliness of the model shop. Essential Duties Work with design engineers to determine and advise best prototyping method possible to achieve desired result. Critique designs based on findings during the prototype process. Make recommendations to improve product quality, function, and the ability to be manufactured. Create new methods of decorating or finishing the prototypes that conform with sales, industrial design, and engineering objectives. Develop new lower cost methods or alternatives for manufacturing our prototypes, regardless of material. Use CNC and manual equipment including mills, lathes, along with 3D printers for fabricating and developing models, prototypes, and test parts. Use CAD files or printed drawings to construct models. Build RTV silicone rubber molds as needed for small volume part requirements. Apply required surface finish to all prototypes. This may include but is not limited to sand, paint, and sandblast techniques. Operate pneumatic spray paint equipment and paint booths. Mix and color match paints as needed. Ensure that all materials used for models and prototypes are used and stored in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations. Ensure that Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available for all materials used for models and prototypes. These must be received with the shipment of materials. File these according to company policy by locating them in central storage area. Read, understand, and follow MSDS at all times. Maintain cleanliness of model shop and model shop storage areas. Conduct twice daily cleaning of all model shop areas, including an end of shift inspection of all model shop areas. Perform monthly re-organization of model shop storage areas to remove old or obsolete prototypes or project materials. Develop a model shop supply list and place purchase orders as needed to maintain adequate stock of commonly used materials. Read trade journals and technical publications regularly to stay informed of technological changes. The employee should suggest trade shows and seminars that will inform him or her of new techniques and materials. Support and comply with all Suncast safety policies, quality standards, and housekeeping methods always. Suncast policies have been developed to ensure compliance with employee law. Coordinate the packaging/crating of prototypes for shipping. Qualifications Associates degree or two years of technical school is required. Five years in prototype development and model making for injection molded products desired. Three years of relevant experience. Ability to finish models that are: (1.) fully functional, (2.) accurately depicts industrial design and pre-engineering intent, (3.) painted and finished to emulate specified materials and textures and other aesthetic and functional details. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to effectively communicate to a group of managers, engineers, and other employees. Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry, and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Ability to learn to use PC based programs to check or add dimensions on CAD. Ability to use the word processor and spreadsheet software. Knowledge of or ability to learn Lotus Notes Workflow system. Ability to design parts or fixtures using SolidWorks is required. Ability to design parts or fixtures using SolidWorks is a plus. Must be able to utilize 3D printing software and program the tool path for a CNC machine. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Anticipated Pay Range $60K-$75K annually Benefits Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance 401K with employer match Paid vacation and paid time off Paid parental leave (maternity & paternity) Short- and long-term disability coverage Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) & Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for health and dependent care Educational Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This is a physically active position in a workshop environment. The employee will be on his or her feet throughout the day and will be required to lift up to fifty pounds regularly. On occasion he or she will be required to walk within office areas and in the manufacturing plant. Specific vision requirements include close vision, the ability to focus, and depth perception. This is a full time, salaried position. However, due to variations in production schedules, this employee may be required to work additional hours, including during weekends, as needed. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be in a workshop most of the time and occasionally in the manufacturing facility or office areas. Typically, the workshop is temperature controlled, although it may be subject to some seasonal variations in temperature and humidity. Manufacturing areas are subject to seasonal variations in temperature, most noticeably during the summer. Noise level is generally moderate for a workshop or manufacturing. Safety equipment must be worn when in the workshop or manufacturing areas. #J-18808-Ljbffr Suncast Corporation