Product Design Director jobs in Madison, WI

Description

Springs Window Fashions has been part of the window treatments industry since 1939. Headquartered in Middleton WI, we have over 8,000 associates and 18 locations worldwide.  Our products are available in nearly every major retailer, in thousands of designer showrooms and showcased in large commercial buildings.  Our company is privately owned with products marketed across a broad portfolio of brands including Bali, Graber, SunSetter and Mecho.  We pride ourselves as “The Best Experience Company”, striving to provide the best experience for our consumers, channel partners, and associates. 

Our Department

Product and Textile Engineering support both the “Grow the Business” and “Run the Business” activities. From simple changes and updates to complex development projects. These team members design, develop, and validate the components and assemblies that are sold through our Retail, Dealer, and Commercial channels.

Mission

Responsible for creating, supporting, and developing new and innovative product/process designs and redesigning existing products/processes. This is successfully accomplished by understanding, accurately specifying, and adhering to customer requirements, utilizing and applying quality tools and methods and pursuing continuous improvement in all aspects of product and process design. These efforts will have a direct impact on reducing labor and material costs, while improving value, reliability, and performance. Product responsibilities include Graber, Bali and Nanik branded products and all support componentry. The associate will plan and manage product design engineering activities related to conceptualization, product design, and manufacturing process functions. 

Objectives

Concept Development (30%)

• Involved in identifying consumer and market needs, translating customer needs into product requirements using process (QFD) and product requirements into design specifications.
• Develops working prototypes of multiple concepts, which can be used for functional evaluation.
• Involved with consumer focus groups to gather market data.
• Involved in reducing concept to commercially viable product.
• Creates mechanical drawings and 3-D models using drafting software.
• Investigates concept patentability and infringement issues related to concepts to assess legal liability protect intellectual property.

Design Development (50%)

• Coordinates and prioritizes design and product engineering activities as established by NPD and product management and in accordance with Spring's business strategies and goals.
• Designs products and components with safety, durability, reliability, value, and assembly as priorities. 
• Develops and plans short- and long-term goals in accordance with Spring's strategies and goals.
• Establish design specifications, material selection, and potential suppliers with regards to product design.
• Estimates project and product costs, assists with project justification, and recommends required materials and tooling.
• Facilitates design reviews to discuss concepts and proposed product designs, engaging other functional areas of the business, to gain input regarding product manufacturability and incorporating those inputs into final design.
• Prepares and issues required reports, summaries, and presentations related to engineering activities. 
• Maintains and controls engineering files, records, and documentation for part and process specifications, drawings, and patents. 
• Interface with purchasing and suppliers to resolve supplier quality issues.

Administrative (20%)

• Collaborate with New Product Development and Marketing teams to introduce and develop new product concepts and existing product enhancements.
• Support efforts to maintain and follow the New Product Development (stage gate) process.
• Reviews related patents and assesses potential patent risks
• Engaged in continuous improvement initiatives, recognizing process improvement methods to identify root cause, develop solutions, and implement solutions.
• Maintain and organize lab area following 5S principles.
• Represent the company in industrial organizations.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• BS in Engineering with a minimum of 4 years of applicable work experience. 
• Must be flexible with job assignments, able to work independently and well with others (team environment). 
• Must be organized, methodical, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously and work to an established timeline. 
• Position takes direction from Engineering Manager or new Product Development Manager. Must manage multiple medium or limited scope projects, Must communicate well and properly document results of test procedures.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Conceptual and detail design skills
• Must be very creative and excel at innovation process 
• Familiar with translation tools and processes (Quality Function Deployment QFD)
• Experience with 3 dimensional drawing (Solid Works, AutoCAD)
• Experience and knowledge of typical drafting standards
• Experience with metal and wood machine tools 
• Data collection and management of database.
• Technical writing skills for memos, lab reports, and project updates.
• Strong general math skills (add, subtract, multiply, divide, percentages, fractions, metric conversions, algebra, and geometry)
• Good interpersonal skills
• Good analytical and problem solving skills
• Good communication skills (verbal, written)
• General computer skills Excel, MS Word, Lotus Notes, MS Project and Access
• Manage work according to established project timelines.

Preference given to candidates with

• BS degree in Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Design 
• 5-10 years design engineering experience in consumer products related industry
• Relevant experience with new product development and product design role
• Familiarity with the design of injection molded plastic parts, die cast and die stamped metal parts, aluminum extrusions, and molded wood products.

Behavioral Competencies

• Ensures Accountability – Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments
• Drive Engagement – Creating a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives
• Instill Trust – Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity
• Drive Results – Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances
• Consumer/Customer Focus – Building strong customer relationships and delivering on customer-centric solutions
• Critical Thinking – Making Sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems
• Being Resilient – Rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations
• Optimize Work Processes – Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement