Product Design Engineer

POSITION PURPOSE

The Product Design Engineer is responsible for the conceptualization, design, development, and continuous improvement of automatic pool cover systems and related components. This role translates market and customer needs into manufacturable, high-quality products by selecting appropriate materials and manufacturing processes to ensure durability, safety, and performance in demanding outdoor environments.

The engineer leads projects from concept through prototype, testing, documentation, and production launch, collaborating closely with manufacturing, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure seamless integration into plant operations.

Essential Functions

• Develop, conceptualize, and communicate new product ideas and improvement of existing products.
• Provide the product development team with conceptual models for review and approval.
• Design approved projects working with the product development team.
• Prepare and manage a detailed list of product design requirements for system-level and component-level design.
• Complete detailed design and model components using 3D modeling software.
• Collaborate with suppliers to select the best material and manufacturing processes for system components.
• Perform calculations and utilize software design tools for FMEA.
• Prototype components, test, and document results.
• Perform tolerance stack-ups in complex assemblies.
• Provide design enhancements to existing products per marketing requirements.

Secondary Functions

• Work with the manufacturing team to provide seamless product launches.
• Work with manufacturing on manufacturing processes, plant layout, and automated processes.
• Complete and update assembly drawings as required.
• Measure and examine first articles to ensure compliance to print.
• Review products and provide input on potential cost reductions.
• Maintain a list of active projects and provide status updates as required.
• Work with the supplier base on component quality issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

To perform this job successfully, an individual must have the following education and/or experience.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology or an associate’s degree with advanced experience is required.
• Minimum of seven years’ experience in developing low-to-medium-volume consumer products is preferred.
• Valid driver’s license is required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The company will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions/ responsibilities.

• Knowledge of prototyping, tooling, forming, and machining processes.
• Knowledge of casting, extruding, and plastic injection processes.
• Understanding of materials and related strength characteristics.
• Understanding of environmental conditions as related to the installation of product.
• Knowledge of basic electrical principles.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and related knowledge/experience with automation and PLCs.
• Proficient in use of SolidWorks 3D software, Microsoft Office, and publishing software.
• Ability to use calipers and other measuring tools.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent organization skills and ability to prioritize projects.
• Advanced mathematical skills.
• Advanced problem-solving skills.
• Ability to make design decisions.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.
• Ability to show initiative and put forward ideas to consistently improve products and processes.
• Ability to work as part of a team and with minimal supervision when required.
• Ability to work additional hours beyond eight hours per day and weekends as required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an individual must meet in order to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The company will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to stand and sit for periods of time in an office or warehouse environment and an ability to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Ability to hear and speak clearly.
• Ability to see, read, and interpret data, reports, and other documentation; ability to hear; ability to use fingers/hands to use equipment.
• This position requires some exposure to a warehouse, manufacturing, and outdoor environment.