Product Design Engineer – SolidWorks / Plastics

KFI Workforce Solutions; Portage (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

KFI Workforce Solutions in Portage, WI is seeking a design engineer to design, develop, and support products from concept through production. Prepare layouts, drawings, and specifications; define tests; and estimate time, cost, and labor for projects.

The role requires SolidWorks proficiency, an AS/Tech degree (or equivalent), and collaboration with manufacturing, purchasing, vendors, and customers. On-site position with travel up to 10% is possible.

Qualifications

• AS/Tech degree or two years related experience; engineering degree preferred.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks; EPDM knowledge required.
• MS Office proficiency.
• English fluency in reading/writing/presentation.
• Strong problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop best design approaches and perform calculations considering economics, manufacturability, function, and durability.
• Evaluate DFMA, serviceability, material selection, fits, tolerances (GD&T), product usage, and costs.
• Prepare engineering reports, evaluate results, and recommend courses of action.
• Create detailed drawings, specifications, CAD models/assemblies, and instruction sheets.
• Analyze specifications, sketches, drawings, and design data to determine critical design factors.
• Collaborate with team members, manufacturing, purchasing, vendors, and customers to meet goals and schedules.
• Make design revisions to size, shape, and part arrangement for practical designs.
• Draft drawings of patterns, molds, and tooling; approve new tooling, samples, and production parts; authority to reject non-conforming product and/or stop production.
• Develop and maintain project files; implement engineering change requests, design FMEAs, and design review documentation.
• Prepare itemized material and labor lists; compute cost factors and estimates for planning, bidding, vendor selection, and cost effectiveness.
• Maintain a centralized cost estimating database; compare estimated vs. actual costs and recommend improvements.
• Participate as an environmental auditor, staying informed on ISO regulations.
• Perform all duties in compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies.

Skills

SolidWorks CAD

SolidWorks EPDM

Unigraphics

MS Project

MS Office

Geometry basics

English fluency

Education

AS/Tech degree

Bachelors in Engineering preferred

Tools

Unigraphics (UG/NX)

MS Project

MS Office Suite

SolidWorks EPDM

Job description

Location: Portage, WI 53901 – This is a full-time, onsite role. Remote work is not available.

Summary
Design, develop, and support products and components from concept through production. Prepare layouts, drawings, and specifications; define and evaluate tests; recommend design changes; and prepare time, cost, and labor estimates for products and projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop best design approaches and perform calculations considering economics, manufacturability, function, and durability.

• Evaluate DFMA, serviceability, material selection, fits, tolerances (GD&T), product usage, and costs.

• Prepare engineering reports, evaluate results, and recommend courses of action.

• Create detailed drawings, specifications, CAD models/assemblies, and instruction sheets.

• Analyze specifications, sketches, drawings, and design data to determine critical design factors.

• Collaborate with team members, manufacturing, purchasing, vendors, and customers to meet goals and schedules.

• Make design revisions to size, shape, and part arrangement for practical designs.

• Draft drawings of patterns, molds, and tooling; approve new tooling, samples, and production parts; authority to reject non-conforming product and/or stop production.

• Develop and maintain project files; implement engineering change requests, design FMEAs, and design review documentation.

• Prepare itemized material and labor lists; compute cost factors and estimates for planning, bidding, vendor selection, and cost effectiveness.

• Maintain a centralized cost estimating database; compare estimated vs. actual costs and recommend improvements.

• Participate as an environmental auditor, staying informed on ISO regulations.

• Perform all duties in compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies.

Qualifications

• Associate in Applied Science degree or equivalent from a two-year college/technical school; or two years related experience/training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline preferred.

• Proficiency with SolidWorks CAD and SolidWorks EPDM required. Knowledge of Unigraphics and MS Project preferred.

• Proficient with MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

• Working knowledge of plane/solid geometry, basic algebra, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions.

• Fluency in English (reading, analysis, interpretation, and presentation to all levels, including top management).

• Strong practical problem-solving and reasoning ability with limited standardization.

Physical Requirements
Regularly required to stand, talk, walk, hear, reach, stoop, and bend. Seldom lift/move more than 25 lbs. Specific vision abilities include close vision, depth perception, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment
Primarily office-based with time in production areas. Production temperatures fluctuate seasonally; noise levels moderate to high. Hearing protection and safety eyewear required on the production floor. Additional safety equipment may be required. Office noise is usually quiet.

Work Availability & Travel
Must be able to work all shift schedules, periodic overtime, and periodic weekend work. Travel: <10%.

Supervisory Responsibilities
None.