Senior Mechanical Engineer - Springs Window Fashions

Description

Springs Window Fashions is hiring for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to focus on Product Innovation.  This role is based in our Middleton, WI corporate headquarters.

Company Overview

Springs Window Fashions has been part of the window treatments industry since 1939. Headquartered in Middleton WI, we have over 8,000 associates and 18 locations worldwide. Our custom window treatments are available in nearly every major retailer, in thousands of designer showrooms and showcased in large commercial buildings. 

Our company is privately owned with products marketed across a broad portfolio of brands including Bali, Graber, SunSetter and Mecho. Our tagline is “the Best Experience Company.” And it’s more than just a set of words—it represents the essence of who we are. As North America’s premier window covering company, we’re committed to creating the Best Experience for our associates and team members, our consumers and end users, and our channel and business partners.

We are bringing new innovations to the market and have a lot to offer consumers who want to improve their home décor. Despite COVID, our company is experiencing high growth as consumers spend more time at home and want to redecorate. 

Job Summary

Responsible for expanding core competencies by creating and developing new and innovative product designs as well as redesigning existing products & processes.

These efforts will have a direct impact on reducing labor and material costs, while improving value, reliability, and performance. Product responsibilities include Graber, Bali and other branded products and all support componentry. The associate will plan and manage product design engineering activities related to conceptualization, product design, and manufacturing process functions. 

Job Responsibilities

Concept Development (30%)

• Technical leader in the development of electro-mechanical solutions with various structural, cosmetic, and innovative mechanism-related challenges.    
• Work closely with management in meeting departmental and business goals.  Provide insight in planning the technical direction for projects/products, the department, and the business.
• Lead the design, development and product validation efforts associated with new product design and/or modifications to existing products.
• Involved in translating consumer, customer and market needs into product requirements using process (QFD) and product requirements into design specifications.
• Develops working prototypes of multiple concepts, which can be used for functional evaluation.
• Involved in reducing concept to commercially viable product.
• Creates mechanical drawings and 3-D models using drafting software.
• Investigates concept patentability and infringement issues related to concepts to assess legal liability protect intellectual property.

Design Development (50%)

• Coordinates and prioritizes design and product engineering activities as established by NPD and product management and in accordance with Spring's business strategies and goals.
• Designs products and components with safety, durability, reliability, value, and assembly as priorities. 
• Provide key technical insight in problem-solving and performing root-cause analysis.
• Establish design specifications, material selection, and potential suppliers with regards to product design.
• Estimates project and product costs, assists with project justification, and recommends required materials and tooling.
• Facilitates design reviews to discuss concepts and proposed product designs, engaging other functional areas of the business, to gain input regarding product manufacturability and incorporating those inputs into final design.
• Prepares and issues required reports, summaries, and presentations related to engineering activities. 
• Interface with purchasing and suppliers to resolve supplier quality issues.

Administrative (20%)

• Collaborate with New Product Development and Marketing teams to introduce and develop new product concepts and existing product enhancements.
• Support efforts to maintain and follow the New Product Development (stage gate) process.
• Reviews related patents and assesses potential patent risks.
• Engaged in continuous improvement initiatives, recognizing process improvement methods to identify root cause, develop solutions, and implement solutions.
• Maintain and organize lab area following 5S principles.
• Represent the company in industrial organizations.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• BS in Engineering with a minimum of 4 years of applicable work experience. 
• Must be flexible with job assignments, able to work independently and well with others (team environment). 
• Must be organized, methodical, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously and work to an established timeline. 
• Position takes direction from Engineering Manager or new Product Development Manager. Must manage multiple medium or limited scope projects. Must communicate well and properly document results of test procedures.

Preference given to candidates with

• BS degree in Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Design 
• 5+ years design engineering experience in consumer products related industry
• Relevant experience with new product development and product design role
• Familiarity with the design of injection molded plastic parts, die cast and die stamped metal parts, aluminum extrusions, and molded wood products

Behavioral Competencies

• Ensures Accountability – Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments
• Drive Engagement – Creating a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives
• Instill Trust – Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity
• Drive Results – Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances
• Consumer/Customer Focus – Building strong customer relationships and delivering on customer-centric solutions
• Critical Thinking – Making Sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems
• Being Resilient – Rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations
• Optimize Work Processes – Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement