Concept Design Engineer

Fellowes Brands; Itasca (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Fellowes Brands, based in Itasca, Illinois, is seeking a Concept Design Engineer to partner with our Industrial Design team, Market managers and Product Development to explore bold ideas, build breakthrough concepts, and transform emerging technologies into meaningful solutions for the future of work.

You will develop proof‑of‑concept models with CAD, 3D printing and rapid prototyping, communicate ideas through prototypes and visuals, and guide concepts through the New Product Development

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a mechanical/design field.
• 7–10 years in product development or related industries.
• Strong CAD skills, preferably SolidWorks.
• Experience with rapid prototyping and 3D printing.
• Experience in Stage-Gate NPD and IP management is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Explore unmet needs and trends to identify future opportunities.
• Develop proof-of-concept models using CAD, 3D printing, and rapid prototyping.
• Create prototypes and communicate ideas through models and visuals.
• Transition concepts into the New Product Development process.
• Own IP processes with internal and external partners.

Skills

SolidWorks

Cross-functional teamwork

Prototyping

User-centered design

Stage-Gate NPD

IP management

Manufacturing awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related

Tools

3D printing

Machining

Job description

Description

Our most important asset is our people. Who we are, what we do, how we do it and why we are passionate are all centerpieces of why we succeed.

We are proud to be recognized:

• Among America’s Best Midsize Employers by Forbes in 2021, 2022 and 2024
• As a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace for four consecutive years (2021-2025)

We currently operate in-office Monday-Thursday, with an optional remote day on Friday.

This position is not eligible for visa-based employment-based sponsorship.

Role Summary

As a Concept Design Engineer, you will partner with our Industrial Design team, Market managers and Product Development team to explore bold ideas, build breakthrough concepts, and transform emerging technologies into meaningful solutions for the future of work. You will operate at the intersection of creativity, engineering, and innovation - where sketches become prototypes, possibilities become products, and ideas become business opportunities.

If you love asking "What if?", building things with your hands, experimenting with new technologies, and bringing ambitious concepts to life, this role is for you. As a Concept Design Engineer, you will help Fellowes identify those possibilities, validate them through rapid experimentation, and transform them into meaningful innovations that improve how people work, connect, and thrive.

In This Role, You Will…

Explore the Future

• Discover unmet needs, emerging trends, and whitespace opportunities by applying human-centered design principles to create meaningful product experiences.
• Translate customer, workplace, and market insights into new product opportunities.
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies, materials, manufacturing methods, and workplace trends to identify opportunities that can drive future innovation.
• Build a pipeline of concepts that shapes the future of the Fellowes portfolio through workplace observations, customer visits, and industry events, translating insights into future product opportunities.

Bring Ideas to Life

• Develop proof-of-concept and feasibility models that reduce technical uncertainty through CAD, 3D printing, workshop fabrication, and rapid prototyping, while considering customer value, technical feasibility, and strategic fit.
• Communicate ideas through prototypes, models, visual storytelling, and technical insights. Test, learn, iterate, and refine concepts through hands-on experimentation.
• Transition validated concepts into the New Product Development process.
• Own and maintain IP process by working with internal and external partners.

What You Bring to the Team

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design Engineering, Industrial Design Engineering, or related discipline.
• 7-10 years of experience in product development, contract furnishings, ergonomic products, consumer products, or a related field.
• A strong understanding of mechanical design, materials, manufacturing processes, and design-for-manufacturing principles.
• Strong CAD skills (SolidWorks preferred) and the ability to quickly turn an idea into a workable 3D model.
• Experience applying user-centered design methods through observation, customer research, or direct interaction with users is a strong plus.
• Hands-on experience building prototypes using 3D printing, machining, fabrication, model-making, or other rapid-prototyping techniques.
• Experience developing products, prototypes, concepts, or innovation programs within a Stage-Gate NPD process.
• Experience in IP management is a strong plus.

You'll Thrive Here If You...

• Are curious about emerging technologies and future possibilities and thrive in ambiguity while turning ideas into reality.
• Love building prototypes more than PowerPoint slides and get energized by a blank sheet of paper.
• See constraints as creative opportunities rather than limitations.
• Enjoy collaborating with designers, engineers, and strategists to bring ideas to life.

The hiring range for this position in Itasca, Illinois is$120,000 - $130,000 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills and experience, among other factors. An annual incentive may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. An overview of our benefits offering is available here:Fellowes Benefits Overview.

Fellowes Brands - A Family Business Since 1917

For over a century, Fellowes has been committed to positively impacting people through our culture, relationships and solutions. We have evolved toward relevance with each decade and generation, responding to a constantly changing world. Today, we are on an ambitious journey to grow our influence and impact in enhancing and maximizing work experiences worldwide. We are a “Brand on the Move” and remain committed to finding new ways to help people work better and feel better.

Visit our Careers Site: www.fellowesbrands.com/us/en/careers/Pages/overview.aspx

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Fellowes, Inc. does not accept unsolicited resumes from any agencies that have not signed a mutual service agreement. All unsolicited resumes will be considered Fellowes' property, and Fellowes will not be obligated to pay a referral fee. This includes resumes submitted directly to hiring managers without contacting the Talent Acquisition Department.