NPD Project Engineer

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.; Crawley; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction technology firm in Crawley is seeking an NPD Project Engineer to manage product innovation in the Concrete Business Unit. The role involves overseeing the innovation process from concept to market, requiring strong engineering and project management skills. Candidates should have a background in product design, preferably within the construction sector, along with excellent collaboration and problem-solving capabilities. This position offers opportunities for significant impact and growth within a multinational organization.

Qualifications

• Exposure to various manufacturing processes, ideally in construction industry.
• Strong design capability and problem-solving skills required.
• Experience in cross-functional teamwork for product industrialization.
• Proficient in project management with technical leadership experience.
• Mechanical engineering knowledge essential for 3D modelling.
• Good communication and presentation skills necessary.
• Experience in developing patents and working with legal departments.
• Relevant engineering experience in construction components required.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple projects through the CBI pipeline with updates to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the Strategic Product Manager on product insights.
• Arrange contractor site visits for feedback and insights.
• Build internal relationships to leverage ITW capabilities.
• Manage project revenue and capital budgets comprehensively.
• Develop proof of concept designs based on user feedback.
• Oversee production of prototypes for market testing and feedback.
• Discuss competitive IP risks with IP counsel.
• Provide technical support for sales teams on new products.
• Assist in creating marketing and training materials for SPIT products.

Skills

Manufacturing processes exposure

Design capability

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Mechanical engineering

Communication skills

IP experience

Product design experience

Education

Relevant product design/engineering degree

Tools

CAD Design tools

Job description

Job Description : About ITW :

ITW Construction Products UK / Nordics is a division of ITW within in the Construction Products segment. As a division our annual revenue exceeds $250m, with over 300 people across 9 countries. We are suppliers of innovative engineered fastening systems and related consumables and software. These products are uniquely specified for a variety of materials, including wood, concrete and steel.

ITW Construction Products UK / Nordics is a division of ITW, innovating, designing and manufacturing advanced industrial technology. We are industry influencers and market leaders in our fields with five high quality brands at the front of technology and enterprise. At all levels in our organisation, we are encouraged to embrace our inner entrepreneur to drive actions, focus on what matters and share ideas so that every individual can have an impact on the business. In return we are rewarded, supported in our development and given the opportunities to grow within a large multinational organisation.

Position Summary

Working within ITW Construction Products, the NPD Project Engineer will lead the management of our product innovation pipeline within our Concrete Business Unit, home to the SPIT brand. The role will require the management of progressing multiple projects through our innovation stage-gate process : from concept development to testing & validation, through to deployment to market. The NPD Project Engineer will develop and deliver innovative and high-quality product solutions that continue to answer our end-user and customer needs in concrete fastener and fixings solutions.

The NPD Project Engineer will work closely across our Concrete Business Unit functions (including sales, marketing, procurement, and supply chain), as well as build close partnerships with our ITW sister company in Central Europe, Global Tool Unit, and external manufacturers. The NPD Project Manager will manage technical activities, develop detailed project plans, ensure timely delivery of milestones, and drive continuous improvement throughout the product development lifecycle.

The ideal candidate combines strong engineering expertise with project management skills, hands‑on problem‑solving ability, and a passion for innovation. This role will support both our Interior and Electrical markets within the UK.

Primary responsibilities :

• Manage multiple projects through the ITW Customer-Back Innovation (CBI) pipeline - Providing regular updates to stakeholders on key milestones, progress, barriers, and risk mitigation.
• Work closely with our Strategic Product Manager to understand, prioritise and utilise the right end-customer insights & opportunities that will drive our concrete fixings product development pipeline.
• Arrange and attend contractor site visits throughout the NPD process - building customer insight and design feedback.
• Build strong relationships internally with other ITW Divisions, such as Continental Europe and our Global Tool unit to leverage ITW Enterprise capabilities to deliver innovation to our market.
• Manage project revenue & capital budgets, building comprehensive business cases that support decision-making on pipeline suitability.
• Initiate and / or co-develop proof of concept designs based on end user feedback, collaborate directly with our suppliers and develop designs on CAD software when relevant.
• Manage the production of physical prototypes for market testing, develop test plans, and iterate designs with continuous end user feedback, ensuring the right solution for market pain points.
• Engage IP counsel where relevant to discuss competitive IP risk, agreements, and lodge patent applications.
• Provide technical support for our sales teams on new products, ensuring that we have the required knowledge to answer end-user and channel queries on our product range. Attending on-site customer meeting to support in technical product selection.
• Support the creation of new product marketing and training materials, ensuring accurate technical information on SPIT products and services are available to our customers.

Essential Experience & Skills :

• Exposure to different manufacturing processes across metals and polymers (ideally in the construction industry)
• Demonstrated design capability and problem‑solving skills.
• Experienced in cross-functional collaboration and teamwork to industrialise new products.
• Strong project management and technical leadership
• Mechanical engineering - 3D modelling and product design
• Communication / presentation skills as appropriate
• Experience in IP, developing patents and working with legal departments.
• Relevant product design / engineering experience required - ideally in construction components.

Desirable Experience & Skills :

• CAD Design / Modelling tools
• Regulation knowledge across Construction Fixings for the UK market
• Project Management skillset e.g. Prince 2 / Scrum