Department: Engineering

Reports to: Director of Product Development Business Unit 1

We are an American company based in the heart of the Midwest, where the seasons shape the products we build. We live the outdoor rural lifestyle and we use our products. We design our products to be the best, and we also feature world class customer service. We have been making innovative outdoor product since 1960.

Job Summary:

This position is responsible for planning and execution of new product development projects and leading the effort of maintaining existing SKUs within the Lawn and Garden categories. This role is responsible for all phases of product development, from initial conception to final production. Product Development Engineers work with CAD designers/engineering co-ops, prototyping technicians, quality staff, sales staff and vendors (both domestic and foreign) to ensure that their designs are efficient to manufacture, successful in the marketplace and reliable in the field. The ability to analyze and solve problems effectively as well as making good decisions are imperative to the success of this position. Project Management is a significant portion of this position in order to successfully take concepts to market.

Job Duties:

• Manage new product development projects per agreed upon timelines
• Maintain existing SKUs within the Lawn and Garden categories
• Create 3D models and 2D drawings using Solid Works software
• Effectively communicate project status updates to management by maintaining detailed project timelines and regular project update meetings
• Commitment to project timelines and consistently meeting deadlines
• Directly task or manage Engineering Co-ops and/or CAD designers
• Assist in developing and building supply chains, mainly in Asia, for product sourcing
• Travel to foreign suppliers 1-2 times per year to develop new products, build relationships, support production and meet shipping schedules
• Effectively and concisely communicate both verbally and written with Asian suppliers
• Prove concepts/designs and construct prototypes with related team members
• Help to develop and document quality plans and expectations with related team members
• Ensure components and assemblies adhere to applicable industry standards
• Be knowledgeable within the product development/engineering segments of companies ERP system
• Lead the continuous improvement of engineering standards within the category
• Lead the continuous improvement of technical documentation within the category
• Review and approve technical drawings to ensure both design and regulatory integrity.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Proficient in the use of Solid Works or other computer-aided design software applications
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize workload from multiple projects
• Detail oriented and strong time management and organization skills
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Hard work ethic and the ability to take on responsibility
• Strong mechanical aptitude, hands-on experience and understanding of metal products and manufacturing methods (bending, stamping, welding, extruding, etc.)
• 3D printing, waterjet, plasma cutting experience
• Basic understanding of costing and sourcing
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, SharePoint, PowerPoint, Teams)

Experience:

• 7+ years of consumer product design experience is preferred
• 7+ years of 3D modeling, engineering drawing experience
• Experience and passion for the outdoors and outdoor activities that utilize Lawn and Garden products is a plus

Education: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or similar. Those with 2-year technical degree and 8+ years of consumer design experience will also be considered.

Benefits: Health Insurance, Vision Insurance, Dental Insurance, Group Term Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, Personal Time Off, Paid Holidays, 401K Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts (Dependent), Health Savings Account with Employer Contributions, Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

Compensation: Salaried position

Duration of Employment: Full Time

Work Days: Monday - Friday

Hours / Day: 8

Work Shift: First Shift

Travel: 20% travel is required

Ardisam, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Ardisam, Inc. is a Substance Free Workplace and requires pre-employment drug screens.