Product Development Engineer

Mindlance; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Mindlance seeks an experienced Manufacturing/Operations Engineer in Huntsville, AL to drive NPD/NPI projects, manage plant operations, and optimize costs for kitchen and bath development. You will coordinate DFMA reviews, support Make-vs-Buy decisions, and build robust project plans with cross-functional teams.

The role requires 2+ years in a related field, strong communication, and proficiency with SAP and MS Office.

Qualifications

• B.S. in an ABET-accredited engineering discipline.
• 2+ years in industrial/manufacturing engineering or related PM/NPD role.
• Knowledge of multiple manufacturing processes (SMC, molding).
• Ability to independently manage multiple complex projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication across functions.
• Time-management, results-driven.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and SAP.
• Structured, organized, able to lead a small team.
• Experience with DFMA techniques/software.
• Experience with ProE/CREO is a plus.
• Skilled in cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Fulfill all Operations Plant Level deliverables for Kitchen and Bath Development Process.
• Drive input into NPD projects to improve design/make efficiency through DFMA and reviews.
• Project Manager for plant operations functions related to NPI/NPD projects.
• Build product cost models with Operations support to manage costs toward launch targets.
• Provide Make-versus-Buy analysis using cash cost modeling and asset optimization.
• Develop plant project execution timelines and feed into overall project plans.
• Ensure Inventory in Stock dates and communicate project facts across teams.
• Drive Time to Market improvements and ensure launch quality and process capability.
• Act as a Change Agent for process improvements in NPD and manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate across production, quality, supply chain, safety, purchasing, and marketing, providing clear information.
• Present project status and escalations to Manager and Project NPI.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

DFMA

FMEA

Time management

MS Office

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree (B.S.)

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

ProE/CREO

Job description

Responsible for fulfilling all Operations Plant Level deliverables for the Kitchen and Bath Development Process, including fulfillment strategies, Plan for Every Part (PFEP), operations certification, cost reduction implementations, capacity evaluations, supply chain integrity, costing, REA initiation, and process development.

• Drive Manufacturing input into NPD projects to improve design effectiveness and reliability through Design for Manufacture and assembly (DFMA), design reviews, Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) and regular feedback.
• Project Manager for all plant operations functions such as quality, engineering, production, and materials, related to NPI and NPD projects. These projects include, but are not limited to, new product launches, fulfillment strategies, Plan for Every Part (PFEP), cost reduction implementations (VAVE), capacity evaluations, supply chain integrity, costing, REA initiation, and process development.
• Build product cost models, with Operations support, to actively manage product costs through development and meet launch targets.
• Provide technical support for Make versus Buy analysis, utilizing cash cost modeling and consideration of Global Capacity and Asset Optimization.
• Together with Operations, develop plant project execution timelines and project plans and feed back into overall timelines for projects.
• Accountable for achieving scheduled ‘Inventory in Stock’ date. Support Operations project managers, on all projects as assigned, to ensure complete and accurate communication of project facts.
• Drive Time to Market Improvements. Ensure Quality and Performance Levels are met for New Product Launches (i.e. launch with no Deviations and match process capability to specifications).
• Change Agent / Process improvement:
• Regularly provide feedback and ideas/solutions for process improvements including the New Product Development process and manufacturing processes.
• Regularly provide feedback and actively participate in the improvement of project management practices within the New Product Integration group.
• Applying engineering fundamentals to problem solving & make appropriate decisions, justify risk under critical review. Develop conclusions and recommend actions.
• Operate without need for technical supervision.
• Liaise closely with all levels of production, manufacturing engineering, plant quality, supply chain, safety, NPD, NPI, purchasing, and marketing providing clear information where necessary. Use relationships to maintain a network to support Production Strategies.
• Present project status and escalations to Manager and Project NPI

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• B.S. degree from an engineering discipline from an ABET accredited engineering required.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in an industrial, mechanical, manufacturing engineering, project management, or new product development engineering role.
• Knowledge and experience of multiple manufacturing processes, including but not limited to, SMC and Molding.
• Must be able to independently manage multiple projects of a complex nature that are in various stages of development
• Experience of communicating information at all levels across various functions: written & verbally, concisely and accurately.
• A tenacious, enthusiastic, results driven individual with excellent time management skills.
• A confident user of Microsoft office software & SAP
• Must be structured and organized, with an ability to work on their own, within a team, and lead a small team when required.
• Trained to use DFMA techniques and software.
• Experience in ProE/CREO is a benefit, but not required.
• Must be skilled in cross functional collaboration

EEO:

“Mindlance is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of – Minority/Gender/Disability/Religion/LGBTQI/Age/Veterans.