Product Design Manager jobs in Waukegan, IL

Job Title:            NEW PRODUCT DESIGN ENGINEER & LEADER 

Location:          Pleasant Prairie, WI     

Department:     Research & Development

Reports To:      Chief Technology Officer of R&D

Direct Reports/Manages others:  No 

Rust-Oleum Corporation is a worldwide leader in protective paints and coatings for both home and industry. We offer a wide range of products including decorative fashion paints, durable industrial roof repair coatings and, of course, our famous rust-fighting formula that started it all.

JOB PURPOSE:

New Product & Design Engineer/Leader will have the responsibility for design, development and testing of application of new product concepts for our new technology development and existing products. You will work closely with Marketing, Product Management, Manufacturing, and R&D to ensure that the designs meet market needs, cost targets, and production requirements. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work independently to initiate innovative and functional product designs and manage the design projects related to new product development across all Rust-Oleum product categories.
• Participate in research of internal and external voice of customer meetings, analyze customer needs and insights, and translate them into value-added design solutions.
• Design, prototype, and test product design to ensure quality, functionality, durability, manufacturability and correlate chemical and physical material to consumer application and use, cost, safety and environmental impact.
• Work closely with Marketing, Product Management, Manufacturing, and R&D teams to ensure that the designs meet/exceed market/product needs, cost targets, and production requirements.
• Identify and select materials and components to meet design objectives.
• Identify, assess and select potential 3rd party design and /or manufacturing partners, and act as our project manager liaison with selected firm(s), travel to production facilities to evaluate processes and ensure compliance and quality to the standards.
• Develop and perform competitive assessments and analyses
• Act as the "thought and team leader' for the business regarding product delivery system and packaging design.
• Create and/or guide engineering drawings, specifications, tolerances for designs.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of bachelor’s degree in Material and Mechanical Engineering or other related fields.
• 5 or more years of hands-on experience in new product development and tooling design, prototyping, and testing of mechanical systems with proven track record of successful new product design and development, preferably in durable consumer markets
• Extensive knowledge of product design, materials selection and manufacturing processes and direct experience working with a broad array of materials, preferably for various wipes of tools and delivery systems for coatings, cleaners and other consumer and industrial products.
• Excellent working knowledge of Computer Aided Design modelling concepts and software proficient with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks) for 3D part modeling, drawing, and assembly creation of the mechanical components
• Experience working with tooling manufacturers both domestically and internationally.
• A passion for design, engineering, problem solving, with critical thinking and creativity.
• Ability to work effectively with a cross-functional team from project concept through commercialization.
• Strong project management, analytical and problem-solving skills including good special acuity for design.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to travel as required.

From big benefits to small, we take care of our associates!  After 30 days of employment, you will be eligible for a benefits package. We also offer a 401(k) plan after three months of employment. Associates are vested in the RPM Pension plan after completing five years of service.  

Rust-Oleum offers 9 paid holidays and one floating holiday per year.  You are also eligible to earn three weeks of vacation on an annualized basis.

Rust-Oleum is an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class.