Principal Engineer, Product Development

Job ID: 4977 

Alternate Locations:  

Newell Brands is a leading $8.3B consumer products company with a portfolio of iconic brands such as Graco®, Coleman®, Oster®, Rubbermaid® and Sharpie®, and 25,000 talented employees around the world. Our high-performance culture, unparalleled curiosity about the world around us, and talented people fuel our success. Our culture is enabled through our core values which guide all we do and how we win as One Newell. They are Integrity, Teamwork, Passion for Winning, Ownership & Leadership.

The Principal Product Development Engineer will be responsible for new product development (NPD) projects as well as sustaining efforts to maintain existing products, while working within a cross-functional team. Some domestic and international travel may be required. This position will:
 

• Lead the engineering efforts on NPD projects from conception through production launch, while following Newell’s Product Development Process
• Require the ability to work effectively and independently with other disciplines including Marketing, Industrial Design, Design Engineering, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Quality, Sourcing and Supply Chain
• Demonstrate a high level of technical expertise and judgment in evaluating complex issues and developing innovative solutions
• Ability to adapt and lead various types of project (Make, Buy, Hybrid)
• Ideal candidates should be motivated and exhibit a strong sense of urgency, have program management skills including driving accountability of others, and be driven to succeed with the foresight to plan for and ability to overcome all obstacles, while promoting a positive team environment

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop innovative products that meet customer expectations, exceed quality expectations, adhere to financial requirements, and meet industry and government compliance standards.
• Lead multiple product development projects using a Stage/Gate process with a focus on defining the timeline and key milestones. Ensure deliverables are executed on time, to cost and to quality specification.
• Generate Engineering Product Specifications, DFMEA documents, DVP&R and Quality Specification.
• Create test plans and collaborate with internal test lab and/or outside labs that confirm the design goals.
• Draft and review ECN and complete ECN related tasks.
• Review drawings and CAD files.
• Conduct IP searches and collaborate with legal team on IP clearance and on patent filing.
• Lead manufacturing trials, testing, measurements, and related documentation from initial tooling trials through Manufacturing Sample Lot (MSL).  Evaluate results and propose/lead changes to product design, tooling, and/or process.
• Benchmark competitive products and identify design alternatives.
• Assess design for safety, manufacturability, and other best practices.
• Complete technical reviews of product complaints and provide technical support to resolve these issues.
• Identify opportunities to revise and improve product design or product performance and implement these improvements to our product lines.
• Participate on and lead cross functional teams to identify and resolve complex technical issues, implement large-scale product or process improvements, or major cost reductions.
• Have effective interpersonal skills, especially communication, exhibiting ability to express ideas precisely, persuasively and effectively. 
• Apply knowledge of different materials to select suitable material for different products.
• Identify and select suitable manufacturing process for unique product challenges.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Plastics, or related field)
• 8-10+ yrs experience in related field
• Strong critical thinking and timeline management capabilities
• Problem solving, organizational, planning and prioritization skills
• Ability to manage suppliers both domestically and internationally
• Basic competency with CAD (Solidworks or Creo) with ability to complete detailed review of 3D models and assessment of 2D drawings
• Understanding of plastic molding and extrusion manufacturing process, capabilities and design requirements desired
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal and willingness to educate others
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Competencies with other materials and manufacturing technologies
• Experience in consumer products is plus
• Knowledge of regulatory standards previous experience with UL, ANSI, ASTM, etc

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.