Design Engineer Lead

Job Summary & Location

This role is responsible for product development from concept through production, including new product development, sustaining engineering support, and resolving field problems. The individual will lead mechanical product design and/or redesign, create part assemblies, and detailed part drawings. You will lead prototyping, assembly of samples, and management of complex product test and evaluation programs. The role leads various product design/development projects and teams, collaborates with, and influences all cross-functional members of the design team. You will present and communicate project status updates to management, participate in daily management meetings with the cross-functional team, and aid in mentoring/developing other engineers. The Lead Design Engineer applies LEAN Process methodology to projects and daily responsibilities, driving impact, streamlining workflows, and improving processes.

Based on business needs, this position works a hybrid schedule in Des Plaines, IL. 

Primary Responsibilities Include

• Teaches and leads various aspects of the product design process, including, but not limited to, the development of part geometry, assembly designs, and drawing generation.
• Design work varies from new product development to product enhancements and cost reduction activities.
• Develops, distributes, and/or approves engineering data in the form of Engineering Change Notices, bills of material, and parts tracking. Manages collaboration with vendor partners.
• Designs parts, identifies finishing requirements, and works with tooling vendors for the following manufacturing methods: progressive die sheet metal tooling, fabricated sheet metal and brake forming, aluminum and zinc die casting, aluminum and plastic extrusions, plastic injection molding, and spinning.
• Generates and tracks capital expenditure plans and tooling vendor timelines to meet project schedules. 
  Manages relationships with internal manufacturing facilities and external vendors to resolve part or assembly issues, deviation requests, and bill of material corrections.
• Schedules and conducts pilot/preproduction runs, first article inspections, tool run-offs, and plans for production release.
• Leads team meetings using each major product's product delivery system (stage gate product development).
• Champions concept development by initiating and developing concepts for new products from Project Charters and Specification Matrices provided by the Product Manager(s) and other avenues, such as evaluating competitive samples, documentation, and free design techniques.
• Ensures all concepts are manufacturable with corresponding methods utilized in the appropriate manufacturing facility.
• Continuously looks for and actively implements process improvements related to productivity, quality, purchasing, engineering, and manufacturing, to include sourcing new or alternate processes, equipment, and/or training.
• Seeks advancements or changes in technology via tradeshows, technology councils, vendors, or other methods.
• Develops certification and validation test plans. Submits test requests and works directly with testing groups as necessary for product evaluation.
• Submits prototyping requests and works directly with internal and external prototype suppliers to produce prototype components and assemblies.
• Reviews functional specifications, project charters, and competitors' samples.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, or a related discipline, is required.
• Demonstrate a successful track record in engineering lighting, appliances, consumer products, or a related manufacturing field of electromechanical products.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD and Microsoft Office programs is required. SolidWorks and CAD data management experience is highly preferred.
• Proficiency in numerous manufacturing methods (stamping, fabricating, drawing, casting, injection molding, spinning, extruding of metals and plastics) and finishing techniques (painting, plating, anodizing, and vacuum metaling).
• Thorough understanding of applicable standards and test processes for UL/CSA, DLC, and/or Energy Star. Familiar with national and local electric codes and building construction methods.
• Proficiency in thermal testing and test methods of recessed luminaires.
• Proven leadership in influencing others to complete and implement new product developments on time and within budget.
• Communicate verbally and in written form, including sketches, engineering drawings, presentations, renderings, and prototypes.
• Successful in a cross-functional team environment.
• Available to work from the Des Plaines, IL facility at least 50% of the time.
• Available to travel domestically and internationally up to 20% of the time, based on business needs.
• Can lift up to 75 lbs.