Product Engineer

NASL is seeking a Product Engineer who will provide the necessary link between our sales/customer requirements and manufacturing processes and capabilities. The ideal candidate will be able to determine feasibility design develop and improve products through initial concept phases and manufacturing. This position will be responsible for developing and improving product design and manufacturing methods applying lean concepts and techniques. This is an opportunity to own sample development and execution and will collaborate frequently with cross-functional teams; and will have leadership responsibility for pre-production engineering which includes BOM Routing and Print development.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Product Engineering and Management

Be the liaison for sales or customer requests involving product concepts.

• Coordinate information gathering between appropriate cross-functional leaders to develop answers or responses between them and potential or current customers.
• Complete new product feasibility analysis taking into consideration existing manufacturing processes and equipment capabilities.
• Complete cost analysis on new or existing products taking into consideration manufacturing process throughput rates and material options and costs.
• Answers technical questions and works with various departments on new products samples cost analysis customer requests etc.
• Bring initiatives and requests to closure in a timely manner through effective interaction with individuals both internal and external.

Manages the sample development and tracking processes

• Tracking and scheduling of all current or potential product samples or new product development projects.
• Gather materials or resources needed to design the product
• Must be able to handle multiple projects while maintaining accuracy detail and timelines.
• Any required testing of the product for usability
• Coordination and oversight with Planning and Manufacturing to produce the samples to appropriate standards and expectations. May be required to complete some production operations on their own.
• Communication with customer service sales or the customer on sample progression.
• Develop costs from production samples; prepares technical analysis recommends production methods and processes required to meet design objectives.

Transition New products into Manufacturing and production standards

• Determination and documentation of desired new product flow through manufacturing considering all process steps.
• Conduct product verification and validation testing.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues with new products and resolving those issues while optimizing efficiency and eliminating downtime.
• Participation in new product launch meetings

Pre-Production Engineering Leadership

• Reads and interprets architectural drawings to design architectural millwork components.
• Generates engineering drawings to ensure adherence to established specifications and standards using CAD software.
• Prepares and reviews all architectural routings/Bills-Of-Operations and Bills-Of-Materials utilizing companys ERP system ensuring accuracy.
• Coordinates with manufacturing/production customer service and sales internally to develop product drawings and drafts designs prototypes cost estimates and quotes for new product launches.
• Facilitate product launch and sustaining engineering activities in a timely and efficient manner.
• Review and approve Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and obtain approvals from others as required.
• Develop and lead pre-production team growth.
• Track and report pre-production metrics.

• Bachelors degree in engineering management or related field or equivalent experience.

Experience

• A minimum of 4 years of Manufacturing experience or training
• A minimum of 2 years of Engineering (Mechanical Quality Manufacturing) Product Management or Project Management experience.
• Experience with leading cross-functional teams or projects.
• Previous training or course work in the application of Lean Manufacturing Kaizen 5S is a plus.
• Proficient in CAD/CAM software (AutoCAD) and drafting procedures.
• Must have strong mechanical aptitude and demonstrated experience with product design.
• Experience working with customers and sales is preferred.
• Understanding of Project Management techniques and tools.

Other Skills and Abilities

• Good interpersonal skills: ability to communicate effectively with employees and customers at all levels.
• Competent in problem solving team building and decision making.
• Ability to meet deadlines dependable and self-directed.
• Self-aware resilient optimistic and open to change.
• Demonstrated ability to perform and take proactive initiative in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and accomplish tasks through positive cooperation and collaboration with others; be able to coach and be coached.
• The ability to balance and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.
• The ability to communicate clearly using written and verbal communication.

Other Qualifications

• ERP and engineering systems experience (Epicor E-10 AutoCAD Microvellum are a plus).
• Ability to successfully use basic office software applications (specifically MS Excel MS Word and MS Outlook).

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to handle feel or operate objects tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop kneel crouch or crawl; talk or hear; and smell. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate drafting instruments computers and various pieces of office equipment.