Modern Staffing is seeking a qualified Consumer Product Innovation Engineer for a local manufacturing company in Seguin, TX:
JOB SUMMARY:
The primary responsibility of this position is to drive and implement pioneering research and development initiatives, placing significant emphasis on innovation across various domains, including emerging technologies, data utilization, product enhancement, engineering materials, and advanced manufacturing processes. Responsibilities involve leading the development of new products for our consumer business sector, from concept to commercialization.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Coordinate brainstorming sessions to generate creative and unique product ideas that address consumer needs and market trends.
- Analyze consumer, market, and industry trends to identify opportunities for innovation and growth.
- Attend trade shows and industry events to stay informed about emerging trends and technologies in the consumer goods industry.
- Investigate and evaluate new mechanical technologies, machines, and equipment that could improve manufacturing processes, and help integrate them into existing production lines.
- Evaluate existing mechanical designs and recommend improvements to increase efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance product quality.
- Lead or collaborate on the development of prototypes for new mechanical designs or systems, ensuring they meet performance and safety standards; Conduct manufacturing and ROI analysis to evaluate feasibility and scalability of production concepts.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities for process automation, energy efficiency, cost reduction, and waste minimization in the manufacturing process.
- Actively file for IP protection of innovative ideas for new products.
- Regularly perform patent searches to identify potential filing opportunities and monitor competitive landscape.
- Utilize Six Sigma methodologies and statistical problem-solving tools to drive process improvement and optimize product quality.
- Apply data-driven approaches to identify and address root-causes of product and process issues.
- Work closely with cross-functional teams, including design engineers, production managers, and quality control, to ensure that mechanical systems and designs are aligned with production goals and business objectives.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously, from idea generation to product launch, ensuring timely execution and delivery of results.
- Communicate project status, risk, and milestones to stakeholders and proactively address any issues that may arise.
- Be flexible to travel to our manufacturing sites to oversee trials for new or existing product improvement ideas.
- Perform other duties as requested by management to support the overall objectives of the organization.
QUALIFICATIONS:
High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED). Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field; Advanced degree preferred.
- Proven experience (2+ years) in mechanical engineering.
- Proven experience in new product development within the consumer goods industry.
- Strong proficiency in Six Sigma methodologies and statistical analysis tools.
- Excellent project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage timelines, and deliver results on schedule.
- Proficient in CAD and Solid modeling software.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
- Intellectual property management experience, including filing for patents and conducting patent searches.
- Strong organizational skills, ability to handle multiple tasks at once.
- Willingness to travel to manufacturing sites as needed (Travel may range from 10% - 40% depending on project requirements, international travel possible)
- Willing to handle job stress and interact with others in the workplace
- Must have regular, reliable attendance and willingness to work outside regular schedule as required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Ability to withstand frequent periods of standing, walking, climbing, crawling, pushing, pulling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, twisting, turning and reaching or bending at the waist.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, pull or move objects up to 50 pounds occasionally.
- Repetitive motions, substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
- Talking, expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words via face to face or by telephone.
