Product Engineer II

As a member of the Product Development Team, a Product Engineer II at Sauder Manufacturing Co. functions as an integral part of a dynamic engineering and cross-functional team, in an environment that requires creativity, attention to detail, an open mind, and great communication skills.  This individual will be required to perform some or all of the job functions denoted below and to possess or be willing and able to acquire some or all of the qualifications.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Including, but not limited to):

• Collaborate and lead co-workers to discover innovative, cost-effective solutions that help maintain SMC’s product leadership position in the marketplace
• Prepare product cost analyses; participate in make/buy decisions and identification of potential sources
• Function as a core member of cross-functional teams operating within Sauder’s product development process
• Plan and execute the projects identified in the new product roadmap for each business unit
• Identify and execute product and CM improvements throughout the product life cycle
• Develop new product concepts from initial feasibility, through detailed design and engineering, to launch.
• Perform product design risk and cost assessments; analyze, test and optimize proposed solutions 
• Employ tolerance stack-up studies and advanced product quality planning tools/techniques as warranted
• Construct prototypes to further develop and verify engineering and design direction
• Identify and develop test plans for product based on BIFMA standards
• Ensure manufacturing, assembly, and tooling standards can be met with product design
• Model and assemble engineered concepts of new products in 3D space using SolidWorks
• Ability to create basic motion studies in 3D space using SolidWorks
• Create, release, and maintain assembly models and detailed component drawings in PDM
• Develop, maintain, and manage complex product documentation including bills of material, critical characteristics, specifications, test plans, and engineering change notices
• Perform a variety of tasks as required on multiple projects simultaneously

Experience and Knowledge Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field and 2-4 years of experience OR equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Strong project management/leadership skills. 
• Experience working in a Stage-Gate and/or Lean Product Development process desired.
• Experience working in a cross-functional project team environment.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Accountability for meeting commitments and deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal); ability to interact, influence, and communicate with people at all levels across the company as well as with external suppliers.
• Proficiency with MS Office.
• Demonstrated success in root-cause analysis, critical-thinking, and A3 Problem-Solving
• 5 plus years of CAD experience – SolidWorks and AutoCAD preferred.
• Positive consideration given to individuals with experience in :
  • Leveraging design development tools such as FMEA, FEA, DFMA, GD&T, and/or VA/VE
  • Furniture manufacturing and/or knowledge of wood and woodworking processes
  • Hands-on manufacturing/prototyping (woodworking, framing, fabrication, sewing/upholstery, assembly).  Experience with and/or knowledge of foam and/or fabric/upholstery/sewing a plus.
  • Knowledge of other materials (plastics, metals, coatings, etc.), and their production processes; quality assurance, cost estimating, etc.

Key Attributes Required:

• Able to assess and solve complex problems using qualitative and quantitative analyses
• Remain rational when confronted with difficult circumstances or crises
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Must be able to participate harmoniously and effectively as a member of teams made up of diverse personalities and to recognize and support best ideas regardless of their origin.  Must possess personal qualities of self-motivation, quality consciousness, mechanical inclination, and a desire to continuously learn and improve.
• Must also possess or obtain an intimate knowledge of renewable contract furniture construction techniques, market needs and design trends. 
• Have the ability to apply clear and creative thinking in offering original and innovative ideas to capitalize upon opportunities identified within SMC’s target markets and/or to resolve problems identified by Design, Production, or Customers.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit in meetings or at a computer for 2-3 hours at a time.  The employee will also be required to walk through the plants and engineering areas at various times during a typical week.  Use of hands and fingers will be required for writing, computer use, and phone use.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The employee is required to work both in an office environment, as well as moving about and communicating on shop floor production and engineering environments.  Personal protective equipment such as eye protection and ear protection may be required in the shop floor environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/Disabled/Veteran

Specific Outcomes to be delivered: