Product Design Engineering focuses on designing and developing new or existing products, components, or assemblies. Applying engineering principles to develop mechanical, products that meet customer technical/functional specifications as well as manufacturing cost/efficiency requirements. Conducting mathematical modelling to determine if proposed designs are technically feasible. Supporting and participating in the design, test, modification, fabrication, and assembly of prototypes. Will be involved with designing product specific manufacturing production processes and equipment. Applies advanced knowledge of job area typically obtained through advanced education and work experience. Responsibilities typically include: Managing projects / processes, working independently with limited supervision. Coaching and reviewing the work of lower-level professionals. Problems faced are difficult and sometimes complex.
Primary Responsibilities/Essential Responsibilities:
- Design: Oversee and provide expertise for NPD; support downstream requirements including regulatory approvals, product marketing, manufacturing, and product maintenance. Take ownership of design control and modification activities at Midland. Ensure compliance with stage gate NPD procedure in the Midland quality management system
- Document: Ensure all NPD activities are rigorously documented
- Communicate: Inform, persuade, and explain technical information to a diverse audience verbally and in writing. Effectively illustrate concepts, design details, operating features, and process inputs and outputs in formal presentations and 3D/2D images
- Manage: Coordinate multiple complex projects simultaneously. Effectively delegate tasks and activities. Manage the work of junior engineers and cross functional teams including individuals from product management, account management, quality assurance, manufacturing engineering, material procurement, and production supervisors
- Lead: Generate innovative ideas for NPD responsive to industry needs and wants. Develop a forward-looking, visionary strategy for NPD. Persuade executives to support efforts. Provide end-to-end leadership of NPD with or without formal supervisory authority over team members. Teach and mentor junior engineers in NPD. Work with minimal to no supervision.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field required. Master's degree preferred
- Five or more years' experience in NPD of fluidic systems. Experience in liquid and vapor transfer valve design development strongly desired
- Proven track record leading and delivering high impact NPD projects from concept to revenue
- Two or more years in a manufacturing environment. Experience in valve manufacturing preferred
- Two or more years in the railroad tank car industry with AAR involvement strongly preferred
- Experience delivering NPD in a highly regulated environment/industry
Desired Characteristics, Competence and Capabilities:
- 2D and 3D CAD software (PTC Creo or similar) Microsoft PowerPoint or other presentation software, Microsoft Visio or other flow chart software
- Interpreting and creating machine drawings
- Product development process management (Stage-Gate or similar)
- Project team leadership and management
- Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
- Geometric Dimension and Tolerancing (GD&T)
- Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA)
- Design for manufacturability and quality
- Product performance testing
- Ability to communicate technical information to diverse audiences
- Ability to manage multiple competing priorities and projects
- Ability to work with minimal or no supervision
- Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions
- The duties of this position are carried out in both a manufacturing and office environment. Incumbent may be exposed to loud operating machinery, cold temperatures, chemicals, and vapors
- Requires sitting, standing, and walking. Climbing rail equipment in the field may be required
- Required use of personal computer, copy machine, 3D printer, other office equipment
- Required use of laboratory equipment such as autoclave, torque wrenches, calipers
