Senior Product Development Engineer - Milwaukee, WI - Wagner

Description

Summary
Reporting to the Product Manager within the Marketing Department, the Senior Product Development Engineer will lead the design and development of innovative physical products, focusing on mechanical design and the integration of low voltage lighting systems for architectural applications. This role drives the entire NPD process, from conceptualization to launch, integrating customer needs, market requirements, code compliance, manufacturability, and cost constraints to deliver industry-leading solutions, while also maintaining and enhancing existing product lines, including addressing engineering changes and regulatory updates. The Senior Product Development Engineer will collaborate with cross-functional teams, oversee technical documentation, and ensure product quality and compliance through rigorous validation and testing.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities
This list of functions and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.

Design and Development

• Lead end-to-end design of new products, including mechanical components and integrated low voltage lighting systems, from concept to production launch, ensuring alignment with customer, market, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and prototype innovative design concepts through brainstorming, hands-on prototyping, and physical testing, emphasizing manufacturability and cost efficiency.
• Create detailed component specifications for mechanical and lighting systems, coordinating technical communications with suppliers to support NPD sourcing and costing.
• Support custom architectural product needs through research, sourcing, costing, and development of unique job requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement and maintenance engineering for existing products, incorporating advancements in low voltage lighting and mechanical design, managing engineering changes, and ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory standards (e.g., UL, ETL, ICC).

Collaboration and Project Management

• Collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams, including marketing, purchasing, and manufacturing, to meet project deadlines and achieve strategic goals.
• Coordinate with external design and listing services, including professional engineering firms, testing laboratories, and code agencies (e.g., ICC, ETL, UL), to ensure compliance and certification.
• Support product launches by developing technical instructions, sales samples, marketing literature, and tradeshow materials, ensuring seamless market entry.

Testing, Validation, and Compliance

• Develop and execute comprehensive product validation plans, including Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEAs), compliance testing for mechanical and electrical systems, and low voltage lighting safety standards.
• Lead post-launch audits to evaluate product performance and drive continuous improvement of NPD processes and quality assurance programs.
• Ensure products meet industry standards and codes, particularly for architectural applications and low voltage lighting systems.

Documentation and Reporting

• Produce detailed technical documentation, including design specifications, manufacturing and customer-facing product drawings, performance testing reports, and engineering change reports, for internal and regulatory use.
• Support the development of quality assurance programs for technical products, ensuring consistency and reliability in production.
• Undertake special projects and other duties as assigned.

Requirements
Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of seven years of applied design engineering experience in NPD, with a focus on mechanical design and low voltage lighting systems.

Job Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Expert proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., Inventor, SolidWorks) for mechanical and lighting system design.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with experience integrating low voltage electrical systems (e.g., LED lighting, controls).
• Extensive experience with NPD phase-gate processes and cross-functional project management.
• Advanced skills in hands-on prototyping, finite element analysis, and structural analysis for mechanical and lighting components.
• Solution-oriented mindset with excellent problem-solving abilities.
• Superior documentation, technical writing, and communication skills for internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of architectural products, low voltage lighting, or consumer electronics design (preferred).
• Familiarity with Building Information Modeling (BIM) and relevant industry codes (e.g., UL, ETL, ICC) is desirable.

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 regularly required to sit; use hands and fingers, handle or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distant vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.