Job Title: Project Design Engineer

Position Overview

As a Project Design Engineer at Irwin, you will play a crucial role in supporting the design, development, and execution of seating projects. Working closely with project teams across engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, IT, and other internal departments, the Project Design Engineer will help ensure that project tasks are completed accurately and on time. This position requires both technical and project management skills to address project challenges, coordinate efforts, and ensure compliance with engineering standards and customer requirements.

Responsibilities

Problem Solving:

Collaborate with the project team to proactively identify potential challenges in project design, manufacturing, or coordination.

With guidance from senior engineers, use analytical and creative problem-solving skills to develop practical solutions for common project-related issues, such as design adjustments, material selection, or production bottlenecks.

Maintain a focus on both progress and quality, ensuring that solutions align with project specifications and timelines.

Project-Based Work:

Complete assigned project tasks daily, such as preparing CAD models, updating documentation, or running simulations, ensuring tasks are done accurately and efficiently.

Follow project schedules to meet deadlines, providing timely updates on task completion to ensure transparency and accountability within the team.

Use attention to detail in all tasks, identifying any inconsistencies and addressing them early to maintain project momentum and quality.

Engineering Change Requests (ECR):

Participate actively in the ECR process by documenting design or process changes accurately, ensuring they are submitted for review and approval according to company standards.

Communicate changes effectively with all relevant departments, ensuring they understand the purpose and impact of each change on the project.

Implement approved changes, updating design models, documentation, and other project elements as needed, ensuring that each change is incorporated smoothly into the ongoing project.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Work closely with team members in engineering, manufacturing, project coordination, purchasing, and IT to keep project objectives aligned and resources optimized.

Share information and updates with team members to anticipate and resolve potential conflicts or delays.

Actively engage in team discussions and offer input to help improve processes or streamline project flow, fostering a collaborative approach to problem-solving.

Team Support:

Provide assistance to team members in completing project tasks, offering help with design details, project documentation, or process understanding.

Promote a collaborative atmosphere by encouraging open communication, knowledge sharing, and mutual support among team members.

Step in to help address urgent project needs or bottlenecks as required, ensuring that team objectives remain on track.

Strategic Execution:

Assist in carrying out the strategic plan for new projects by ensuring design elements align with project goals and timelines.

Work under the guidance of the project lead or engineering manager to implement specific strategic tasks, such as initial part detailing or resource allocation.

Contribute to the smooth launch of new projects by ensuring that each design phase meets quality standards and aligns with broader company objectives.

Part Detailing:

Produce accurate and clear part details for standard production applications, ensuring adherence to design specifications and industry standards.

Maintain meticulous records and documentation of each part, including dimensions, materials, and assembly requirements, to support production teams.

Review part designs regularly to verify accuracy and make adjustments as needed to support efficient manufacturing.

Custom Application Support:

Provide part detailing support for custom applications, adapting standard part designs to meet unique project specifications.

Work closely with senior engineers or the project lead to understand custom application requirements and ensure that part designs align with customer expectations.

Maintain detailed documentation for custom parts, including design modifications, special materials, and unique assembly instructions, ensuring seamless production.

Communication:

Communicate clearly, respectfully, and consistently with both internal teams and external customers to keep all stakeholders informed of project progress and any adjustments.

Provide regular updates and address questions promptly, helping to manage expectations and build trust.

Ensure that all communications, whether written or verbal, are accurate, professional, and concise, promoting a positive image of the engineering team and fostering productive relationships.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field preferred. Equivalent experience will be considered.

Proficiency in 2D and 3D modeling, preferably with Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD.

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.

Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to follow guidance in resolving technical challenges.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly and respectfully.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or listen. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee is occasionally required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and loud machinery. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Pay: The base salary range for this full-time position is $70,000 - $90,000. Within this range, individual pay is determined based on several factors, including but not limited to: relevant work experience, job-related knowledge, skills, and complexity of the role.

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Project Design Engineer