Product Design & Development Engineer (Electrical Wire Harnesses)

Job Description
This is a direct engineering position with a manufacturer of electrical wire harnesses that supplies the automotive industry. This position supports customers in developing and launching new wire harness assemblies. The role is two-fold whereby the engineer supports the development of the wire harness as well as the initial manufacturing launch phases.

Job Functions:

• Develop designs for new products that are reliable, cost effective, and easily manufactured.
• Participate in feasibility studies to assure products are efficient and robust.
• Assess new engineering projects for viability (design limitations, cost concerns, functionality and trade offs). Present these issues to the engineering team along with recommendations for resolution
• Provide innovation in the development and implementation of technologies, new ideas, products, processes and techniques
• Conduct or participate in design review meetings.
• Estimate material/fabrication costs for new products and processes - execute product /process development to cost targets and communicate cost vs. performance conflicts early in the design
• Responsible to cascade project timing to purchasing, process engineering to ensure on time project completion.
• Directs and coordinates manufacturing or building of prototype product or system
• Work with Purchasing, Outside Vendors and Internal Machine Shop as prototype parts are fabricated to ensure designs are manufacturable and easily inspected
• Organize BOM for prototype build, supervise RFQ process, and conduct (or supervise) prototype build.
• Offer technical support via direct communication to sales, marketing and customers
• Ensure clear communication of meeting minutes including notes, assignments and highlights.
• Represent the design engineering team with professionalism and integrity when communicating with the customer, cross functional teams and the entire organization
• Provide technical support and assist in resolution of manufacturing problems as required.
• Review and approve all product documentation
• Pursue and support cost reduction activities to achieve established company goals
• Responsible for all design related activities on specific projects including print dimensions/specification, product testing/validation, define new testing equipment needs
• Analyzes test data and reports to determine if design meets functional and performance specifications.
• Provides product engineering support to production operations as required.
• Review and approve Engineering Change Orders (ECO) applicable to product line responsibilities
• Define test plan to validate new design ideas, conduct testing and Design Of Experiment.
• Document project results while providing regular status reports. (Examples: test procedures and reports for product development, certification, and production acceptance)

Requirements

General

• US Citizenship or permanent resident status is preferred
• German, Spanish language skills are a plus

Education

• 4-year engineering degree in mechanical, electrical, industrial or relevant engineering discipline
• Advanced engineering degree is a plus

Must Haves

Experience using problem solving tools, APQP, FMEA, Poka Yoke Design/Design for manufacturability, and AIAG automotive standards

Direct knowledge of essential wire harness (or an electro-mechanical product of similar complexity) application design and manufacturing processes and industry standard

Ability to proactively identify and resolve engineering and manufacturing related issues and have a thorough understanding of product manufacturing processes.

Ability to develop accurate cost analysis

Capability to work on multiple projects accurately and efficiently.

Communicate with other departments to support the product realization process.

Demonstrated proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, 3-D CAD software such as Autodesk Inventor or equivalent

Must be experienced with materials selection such as plastics, metals, mechanisms, complex assemblies, machined parts, molded rubber parts, springs and seals.

Strong project management skills (APQP) - must be able to track projects, communicate with team members, and address project issues.

Possess excellent organizational, communication, proofreading, editing and technical writing skills

Ability to work independently, resolve technical and manufacturing issues without detailed direction, and work as part of a team

Comprehensive knowledge of BOM structure and change control processes.

Ability to work within strict deadlines

Demonstrate strong attention to detail

Able and willing to work extended hours according to business needs

Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• Advancement Opportunity
• Health, vision, and dental insurance programs
• Paid Time Off and Holidays