New Product Development Design Engineer

Worthington Armstrong Venture (WAVE), a joint venture between Worthington Enterprises Inc. and Armstrong World Industries Inc., has established worldwide leadership in the production of suspended ceiling systems sold under the Armstrong brand name. Founded in 1992, WAVE operates under a long-standing corporate philosophy rooted in the Golden Rule, combining the world-class culture of both parents. These core values continue to emphasize and fortify an unwavering commitment to our customers, suppliers, and shareholders.

WAVE provides total ceiling solutions that create distinct and innovative visuals in both commercial and residential spaces, reducing installation time and cost, and supporting customer collaboration to meet project management demands.

We are looking for a highly creative and detail-oriented New Product Development Design Engineer to join our dynamic team. In this role, the engineer will be responsible for designing and developing innovative products that meet the needs of our customers and align with WAVE's vision. The engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams, including the entire New Product Development, Project Management Office, Central Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, and Sales & Marketing teams, to bring new products from concept to market. Their ability to translate customer needs and market trends into functional, manufacturable, and aesthetically pleasing products will be crucial to their success.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Efficiently manage time and prioritize tasks across multiple projects, while demonstrating flexibility and initiative.
• Conduct research on markets, competition, and new technologies for products and manufacturing.
• Develop and evaluate innovative product concepts, adhering to company standards for documentation and new product development processes.
• Lead product development, considering various manufacturing methods, including stamped metal, extruded, sheet metal, injection molded, forged, and cast parts.
• Create 3D models and detailed drawings of product solutions using 3D modeling software, adhering to company standards.
• Lead design analyses in collaboration with the new product development team, including Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Design for Assembly (DFA) and Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Ergonomic Analysis, Tolerance Analysis, Cost-Benefit Analysis, and User Experience (UX) Testing.
• Obtain quotes for tooling for extrusions, dies, presses, roll sets, or other processes.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external suppliers to create prototypes.
• Coordinate and participate in hands-on product installs, modifications, physical part testing, pre-production quality checks, and product certifications.
• Design experiments to improve specific aspects of the product and reduce costs as necessary for project success.
• Develop technical information for products, including quality control drawings and marketing documentation.

ORGANIZATIONAL ALIGNMENT

• Reports to the New Product Development Manager
• Indirect Reports - None
• Cross-functional collaboration with Project Management Office, Central Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, Sales & Marketing

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with the minimum qualifications representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical or Industrial Design required
• Minimum of three years' experience with design for manufacturability (DFM) and hands-on design evaluations.
• Proficiency in using commercial 3D modeling (AutoDesk Inventor a plus, but not a requirement).
• Proficient in Microsoft Products
• Able to travel approximately 15-20%
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Experience in building construction industry is a plus.
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) experience is a plus.