Leader, Design Engineer

Job ID: 15403 

Alternate Locations:  

Newell Brands is a leading consumer products company with a portfolio of iconic brands like Graco®, Coleman®, Oster®, Rubbermaid®, Sharpie® and Yankee Candle® - and 24,000 talented teammates around the world. Our culture is built on values in action: Integrity, Teamwork, Passion for Winning, Ownership, and Leadership. We work together to win, grow, and make a real impact—supported by a high-performing, inclusive, and collaborative environment where you can be your best, every day.

The Leader, Design Engineering is responsible for translating industrial design concepts into functional, manufacturable consumer products. This role drives product design from concept through production, ensuring alignment with technical requirements, timelines, and quality standards.
You will partner cross-functionally with Industrial Design, Product Development, Marketing, and Compliance to deliver innovative, high-quality products. This role also plays a key part in improving development processes to accelerate time-to-market while maintaining design integrity and product performance.

Key Responsibilities
Product Design & Engineering Execution

• Translate industrial design intent into manufacturable solutions (DFM/DFA).
• Develop and refine concepts into functional prototypes using rapid prototyping methods.
• Create detailed 3D models, 2D drawings, and product specifications.
• Perform predictive modeling and simulations (FEA, fatigue, motion, Moldflow).
• Ensure design accuracy through tolerance stack-ups and validation testing.
• Guide material selection, design parameters, and manufacturability considerations.

Innovation & Product Development

• Drive innovation by developing new product ideas and patentable features.
• Translate user needs into technical requirements and design solutions.
• Benchmark competitive products and recommend design improvements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with R&D, Compliance, and Regulatory teams to ensure global product compliance.
• Collaborate with Product Development, Marketing, and external partners to meet design specifications.
• Support supplier engagement, including limited domestic and international travel.

Process Improvement & Leadership

• Champion improvements to the new product development (NPD) process to reduce cycle times.
• Manage project timelines and ensure milestone and stage-gate adherence.
• Promote best practices and drive continuous improvement within the engineering team.
• Mentor and support development of team members across the R&D organization.

Technical Problem Solving

• Apply advanced engineering judgment and root cause analysis to resolve complex issues.
• Support post-launch product performance and warranty investigations.

Data & Documentation Management

• Maintain design documentation in accordance with NPD processes.
• Ensure proper file management and PLM usage for CAD data, BOMs, and product records.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Design Engineering, or related field.
• 5–7 years of mechanical design experience in consumer or industrial hard goods.
• Minimum 3 years of Creo experience (or 5+ years in other 3D CAD systems).
• Strong problem-solving skills with demonstrated use of structured methodologies.
• Experience leading design efforts for successfully launched products (on-time, on-cost, on-spec).
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials (plastics, metals, electromechanical, etc.).
• Experience contributing to technical documentation, specifications, and engineering change processes (ECNs).
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Moldflow and ANSYS (or willingness to learn).
• Experience with intellectual property and patent processes.
• Leadership or mentoring experience.
• Background in consumer products.
• Experience driving process improvements across multiple development frameworks.

Key Competencies

• Innovation and creativity
• Technical expertise and engineering judgment
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Process improvement and execution focus
• Communication and influence
• Strategic thinking and organizational agility

Tools & Systems

• CAD (Creo or equivalent)
• Simulation tools (FEA, Moldflow)
• PLM systems for data and BOM management
• Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)

Newell Brands (NASDAQ: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Rubbermaid, Sharpie, Graco, Coleman, Rubbermaid Commercial Products, Yankee Candle, Paper Mate, FoodSaver, Dymo, EXPO, Elmer’s, Oster, NUK, Spontex and Campingaz. We are focused on delighting consumers by lighting up everyday moments. Newell Brands and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers and comply with applicable employment laws. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled are encouraged to apply.