
Lead Design Engineer (Des Plaines, IL)
- Des Plaines, IL
- $110,700-199,300 per year
- Permanent
- Full-time
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.