Job Description:
Design Engineer I – New Product Development Engineering (OPE)
The Design Engineer I supports the design and development of outdoor power equipment (OPE) systems and components. Working under the guidance of senior engineers and engineering leadership, this role contributes to product development from concept through production by creating detailed designs, supporting prototype builds, conducting testing, and assisting with product validation. The Design Engineer I develops technical skills while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, manufacturable products.
Key Job Functions & Responsibilities
Technical Design Ownership
- Supports the design and development for assigned components, sub‑assemblies, or systems from concept, layout, and detailed CAD through validation and production release.
- Develops and maintains 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, GD&T, tolerance stacks, and specifications to ensure functional performance, regulatory compliance, durability, safety, and manufacturability.
- Ability to analyze problems and provide design trade‑off analyses (performance, cost, weight, manufacturability, reliability) and documents rationale for design decisions.
- Applies structured problem‑solving methods to resolve design issues, field failures, and manufacturing concerns.
- Learns and applies sound engineering principles while developing technical judgment.
Design for Manufacturing, Cost, and Quality
- Designs components with consideration for manufacturability, assembly, quality, and cost.
- Works with manufacturing engineering, sourcing, quality, and suppliers to understand the processes and design constraints.
- Supports value engineering and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensures designs comply with internal standards, regulatory requirements, and applicable UL / ANSI / CSA / ISO expectations.
Verification & Validation
- Supports DFMEA inputs, design risks, and mitigation strategies for designs.
- Supports the development and execution of design verification plans including tolerance validation, stress analysis, durability testing, environmental testing, and abuse testing.
- Uses data‑driven test results to refine designs and confirm requirements are met with appropriate margin.
- Supporting engineering change documentation and product release activities.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Collaborates with Product Management to understand customer requirements and product objectives.
- Supports Manufacturing Engineering during pilot builds, PPAP, and ramp‑up by resolving build issues and incorporating feedback into design revisions.
- Communicates effectively with global cross-functional teams
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
- 0-3 years of design experience in consumer, industrial, or electromechanical products (internship and co-op experience considered).
- Experience with 3D CAD (Creo / SolidWorks / NX or equivalent).
- Basic understanding of engineering drawings and GD&T.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, results‑driven product development environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or co-op experience in product development or manufacturing.
- Familiarity with injection molding, sheet metal, die casting, machining, or other manufacturing processes.
- Hands-on mechanical aptitude.
- Experience with prototype assembly and product testing.
Travel
- Up to 25% travel (International and Domestic)
