Lead Product Engineer

Klein Tools; Lincolnshire (IL); On-site; USD 118,000 - 148,000; Full time

Job summary

Klein Tools is seeking a Lead Product Engineer to guide design, development, and improvement of key tool products. This senior role requires strong technical leadership, decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure on-time delivery and robust product solutions.

The candidate should have a mechanical engineering background with significant NPD experience, hands-on CAD/FEA skills, and the ability to communicate complex analyses to diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited institution or program.
• 5+ years of direct work experience in the area.
• Strong technical, analytical, planning, and organizational skills.
• Solid understanding of new product development and new product introduction.
• Ability to function in changing priorities, goals, and direction under time constraints.
• Role requires international travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and improvement of products.
• Manage project timelines and deliverables within phase gate product development.
• Serve as SME for at least one category within Klein Tools.
• Coordinate with product management to develop new products and features.
• Mentor and review work of other engineers and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Analytical skills

Technical knowledge

Communication

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (ABET)

Tools

3D CAD

FEA

Excel

Job description

A Lead Product Engineer is a senior-level engineering professional who leads the design, development, and improvement of products, often serving as a key technical expert within the team. This is a technical leadership role where the individual is responsible for project outcomes and on-time delivery of product development in the tool industry. This role involves problem solving and reviewing related information to evaluate and develop options for product design, sustaining activity, and project management and implement solutions with limited direction. Has strong analytical and design skills in multiple subject areas.

• 1. Determine and execute appropriate theoretical principles and practical approach to design product and systemswithin the scope of determined program requirements.
• 2. Make decisions independently on engineering problems and methods.
• 3. Provides innovation by driving product improvements and contributing to the development of cutting-edge solutions.
• 4. Subject Matter Expert for at least one category within Klein Tools.
• 5. Represent the organization in vendor meetings to resolve important questions and to plan and coordinate work.
• 6. Can autonomously manage multiple medium to high difficulty projects proactively.
• 7. Accurately estimate and build project timelines within phase gate product development framework.
• 8. Oversee and coordinate multiple medium to high priority action items, and effectively delegating work when necessary concurrently
• 9. Perform work which includes complex features
• 10. Advanced problem solving including conducting detailed feasibility studies for any proposed product or systems to include reviewing design and development plans, reviewing cost estimates, and evaluating engineering proposals and specifications.
• 11. Coordinate and schedule activities concerned with technical development and resolve any engineering design and test problems.
• 12. May act as a liaison with internal customer and vendor representatives to ensure adherence of design specifications to the ultimate user's needs and requirements.
• 13. Excellent communication skills. Clearly and concisely explains subject based on intended audience. Can be relied on to proof work of lower level engineers.
• 14. Develop high-level PowerPoint presentations to communicate complex engineering concepts and project evaluations to internal stakeholders and outside suppliers
• 15. Use advanced Excel functions (e.g., pivot tables, macros) to streamline data analysis and reporting.
• 16. Complex 3D CAD modeling and 2D drafting needed to develop and document medium to high difficulty projects. Capable of running advanced FEA studies with little to no consultation.
• 17. Constantly review and implement changes as needed to keep active projects on time.
• 18. Prioritize engineering projects in alignment with the needs and strategic goals of the organization.
• 19. Maintain close contact with associated team leaders, business unit managers and executive team.
• 20. Assist in providing direction and mentorship to other engineers within the department and project teams.
• 21. Minimize negative financial impact within the various facilities during project implementation.
• 22. Teacher of the Klein NPD processes.
• 23. Works closely with Product Management in developing new products and customer desired feature sets.
• 24. Performs other duties as requested.

Job Qualifications

Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited institution or program with five (5) or more years of direct work experience in the area. Must have excellent technical, analytical, planning, and organizational skills. Must possess a solid understanding of new product development and new product introduction. Must possess a large spectrum of academic engineering principles and a basic understanding of business-related initiatives. Must have demonstrated experience facilitating complex projects and solutions with multiple interactions. Must have conflict resolution skills and demonstrated team leadership experience. Must have strong oral and written skills with the ability to present both technical analysis and financial based justifications allowing further decision making within all levels of the organization. Ability to function in an environment of changing priorities, goals, and direction often amid stressful conditions and under time constraints. Strong team focus and the ability to work with others, both internal and external to the organization. This role requires international travel; candidates must be willing and able to travel internationally as needed.

Salary

This role has an annual salary range of $118,000 - $148,000. In addition to salary, you're eligible for competitive benefits that support you and your family as part of your total rewards package at Klein Tools Inc. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors, including, but not limited to, skills, experience, and location. In addition, Klein Tools offers a discretionary bonus program which is based on a number of factors, including individual and company performance.

Physical Demand Requirements

Occasionally required to stand, walk or sit; use hands to grasp, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; use fingers to touch, pick or pinch objects; reach with hands and arms; push or pull; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; use foot or leg controls; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds. For all jobs no one should lift over 50lbs on their own. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.