JR Product Development Engineer

Vulcan Industries has been providing merchandising display solutions for over 70 years. We take pride in our diverse customer base which includes some of the world's best known retailers and brand marketers. With domestic and off-shore manufacturing, as well as sales offices in key markets across the country, we offer global solutions in today's global economy.

Job Summary

The Jr. New Product Development Engineer designs, develops, and enhances new and existing products and product lines. Working closely with the engineering staff, this role evaluates and recommends specifications, ensures products meet technical and functional requirements, and performs feasibility, functional, and quality testing of designs. The engineer also recommends and follows reliable, efficient, and cost-effective procedures to keep projects on schedule and meet established milestones.

A key part of this role is processing and coordinating short-run production projects submitted through the Company's Salesforce/Pace project request system. For each project, the engineer uses engineering drawings, bills of material (BOMs), inventory information, and production requirements to determine the parts and materials needed.

This includes reviewing engineering drawings to decide which components will be made in-house in the Sample Shop and which must be purchased. The engineer works out required quantities, checks available inventory, orders purchased components, prepares CAM sheets for the Fabrication Department, and communicates project requirements to the Sample Shop and shop personnel.

Once the build is finished, the engineer inspects and approves the final assembly before packing, confirming that it meets engineering drawings, specifications, quality standards, and project requirements.

This is a developmental role within New Product Development, with a planned progression from short-run production into product design responsibilities under the guidance of senior engineers.

Job Requirements

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in industrial design or mechanical engineering.
• Knowledge and understanding of engineering bill of material (BOM) structures.
• Ability to read, interpret, and understand engineering drawings and specifications.
• Ability to identify required parts, materials, quantities, and components from engineering documentation.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work effectively in an office environment while maintaining positive working relationships with shop and manufacturing personnel.
• Ability to inspect and quality-check parts and assemblies against engineering drawings, specifications, and material requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Other Skills

• 3D CAD experience (Creo or Solidworks); Creo training provided.
• At least six months of experience working in a manufacturing environment; sheet metal manufacturing experience preferred.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes, production documentation, and shop operations.
• Experience with Salesforce, Pace, GSS, or other manufacturing/project management systems is preferred.
• Ability to quickly learn software applications, systems, and Company processes.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and resolve material, production, or quality issues.
• Ability to effectively coordinate activities between Engineering, Sales, Purchasing, Fabrication, and Sample Shop personnel.

Essential Job Function

• Process short-run production projects assigned through the Salesforce/Pace project request system.
• Review engineering drawings and bills of material (BOMs) to identify all required parts, components, materials, and quantities.
• Prepare complete short-run production packages for the Sample Shop.
• Review available inventory and verify the availability of required parts and materials.
• Determine which parts or components will be manufactured internally and which items must be purchased.
• Order purchased parts and materials as needed to support each project.
• Add required parts and components to CAM sheets through the Pace system.
• Prepare and maintain accurate production documentation for the Fabrication Department.
• Communicate project requirements, specifications, and production details to Sample Shop personnel.
• Communicate effectively with Engineers, Sales Representatives, and other internal departments regarding project requirements, changes, and schedules.
• Review completed parts and assemblies to ensure conformance with engineering drawings and material specifications.
• Inspect and approve final assemblies prior to packing.
• Identify and communicate discrepancies or quality concerns and assist in resolving issues as needed.
• Maintain accurate project documentation and records within applicable systems.
• Follow all Company policies, procedures, quality standards, and safety requirements.
• Report to work regularly, reliably, and on time.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

As proficiency grows, responsibilites will expand from short-run production into design work under the guidance of senior engineers, including:

• Update drawings for approved revisions (JSCRs) under engineer review.
• Create detail drawings from engineer-supplied Creo models.
• Model simple components and sub-assemblies to Vulcan drawing and file standards.
• Assist with sample builds and design reviews for new product development projects.
• Progress to ownership of small design projects and line extensions as skills are demonstrated.

Vulcan Industries is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. Vulcan Industries strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.

Vulcan Industries complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended by the ADA Amendments Act, and all applicable state or local law.