Mechanical Design Engineer II

Mechanical Design Engineer II, Product Enhancement Engineering

The Mechanical Design Engineer II, Product Enhancement Engineering is responsible for mechanical design projects within the product enhancement engineering team. This role involves technical research, sourcing materials and components, prototyping, testing, and refining mechanical designs to meet technical and performance requirements that will deliver the same or an improved consumer experience with improved efficiency or at a more effective cost. Key responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Mechanical Design: Design, development, and testing of mechanical components and products, ensuring compliance with technical, safety, and regulatory standards. Oversee prototype refinement to improve performance and functionality.
• Support Manufacturing and Optimize Efficiency: Collaborate with sourcing teams to select materials, create final specifications for product manufacturing, and provide technical support throughout the production process. Identify cost-reduction opportunities and design production test fixtures to ensure manufacturing readiness.
• Drive Product Improvement: Prepare and present technical developments, conduct DFMEA, patent assessments, and benchmark competitor products. Research and implement new technologies to enhance product performance, sustainability, and compliance with ESG goals. The Mechanical Design Engineer II will ensure that product enhancements are properly validated and documented via the product development process. This individual will be responsible for finalizing mechanical specifications and supporting the manufacturing process to ensure smooth production transitions, contributing to the company's long-term growth and cost savings objectives.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Design, development, and refinement of mechanical product projects, ensuring compliance with industry standards, performance, safety, and cost objectives.
• Oversee the development, testing, and refinement of mechanical prototypes to improve performance, safety, and functionality.
• Collaborate with sourcing teams to select the best materials and components for quality and cost-efficiency.
• Create final mechanical specifications for product manufacturing and provide technical support during the production process.
• Review existing designs and processes to identify cost-reduction opportunities and improve product efficiency.
• Design and build production test fixtures for new product launches, ensuring readiness for manufacturing.
• Perform DFMEA, design reviews, and patent assessments to mitigate risks and identify patentable features or infringement issues.
• Benchmark competitive products and research relevant technologies to enhance product performance, sustainability, and meet ESG goals.
• Display perseverance and flexibility in overcoming technical challenges. Approach setbacks as opportunities to find alternative solutions, maintaining a proactive, growth-oriented mindset to drive project success.
• Regular attendance and punctuality are required.

This position has several primary objectives which are critical to the overall success:

• Design, development, and refinement of mechanical components and prototypes, ensuring compliance with technical and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize material selection, create final manufacturing specifications, and provide technical support during production.
• Drive product improvements through risk assessments, competitive benchmarking, and technology research to enhance product performance, sustainability, and cost-efficiency.

Other Functions:

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Position could include up to 5-10% travel for project meetings, supplier visits, and production assessments.

Successful Candidate Profile:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 3-7 years of experience managing mid-large size projects in mechanical engineering design
• Proficiency in mechanical design software (SolidWorks or other similar 3D CAD)
• Prior experience in plastics part design experience is highly desirable
• Excellent hands-on skills including but not limited to machining metals, sheet metal fabrication, and general shop equipment use are also highly desirable
• Experience with product prototyping and testing.
• Creative approach to problem-solving, broad understanding of manufacturing processes, and results-oriented mindset are required