Product Design Engineer IV

Job Title: Product Design Engineer - Channel Store PD
Location: Austin, TX 78729 or Cupertino, CA 95014 (Hybrid)
Duration: 6 Months Contract

Note: Have some weeks that will be fully onsite depending upon the project need.

Summary
Weareseekingacreativeproblemsolvertotakeonuniquedesignchallengesandtheambiguitythat comes with an early-stage team. The CSPD team provides unique opportunities for learning and applying knowledge across many engineering disciplines, and values those with a desire to acquire new skills and further their professional development. The CSPD team welcomes diverse backgrounds, opinions, and perspectives drawing fresh influences from outside the standard retail and furniture industries to drive innovation in meaningful and unexpected ways.

Description:
The Channel Store Product Design Engineer will develop a deep understanding of program design goals including installation and maintenance requirements, aesthetic design objectives, and safety standards. In this role, the engineer will guide vendors through the design of a wide variety of store fixtures, creating solutions that effectively merchandise and showcase Client products while enabling essential in-store functionality for store employees. Reporting to the Channel Store Product Design Manager within the Channel, Retail and Events PD org, this individual will work cross-functionally, demonstrating the ability to actively listen to input from a wide range of partners, thoughtfully challenge assumptions when needed, and fully commit to driving solutions forward once a path is determined.

Role Overview:
The team focuses on building store environments that are not Client s Stores, such as retail environments within Target, Best Buy, and similar retailers.
The work includes designing and developing furniture, fixtures, and other elements within these retail environments.
A comparable background could come from the automotive industry, particularly candidates with experience developing physical products through external manufacturing partners.
Products are developed through an ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) model.
The internal team is not necessarily creating all of the CAD designs themselves. Vendors are responsible for much of the detailed design work.
This role will guide vendors toward the appropriate design solution, review their work, identify issues, and provide technical direction.
There may still be hands-on technical work, including:
CAD work
3D printing
Prototyping
Creating mockups
Technical problem-solving

Day-to-Day
Approximately 50% cross-functional communication/collaboration and 50% technical problem-solving.
Regularly communicate and collaborate with cross-functional internal teams.
Work closely with overseas vendors throughout the product development process.
Guide vendors through design challenges and help drive solutions.
Review designs with an understanding of manufacturing capabilities, requirements, rules, and regulations.
Independently use CAD when needed for prototyping, mockups, or design exploration.

Responsibilities
Engineerdozensoffixturesatatime(tables,walls,andotherfurnitureelements)at international vendors utilizing an ODM development model
Collaboratewithandpresenttovariouscross-functionalteamsatalljoblevelstorefine aesthetics and customer experience and meet all program goals
Iterateonandvalidatedesignstoensuresuccessfulmassproductionusingmanufacturing data,reliabilitytests,andstress,failureandtoleranceanalyses
Developmanufacturingprocessesandtoolingdesignswithexternalvendors
Generateandaccept constructivefeedback inbrainstormingand designreviews
Travelupto15%bothdomesticallyandinternationallytovendorsandinstallationsitestorealize the physical design and find root cause for failures

MinimumQualifications
B.S.degreeinmechanicalengineeringandminimumof7yearsrelevantexperience
Strongmechanicalintuition,understandingofsolidmechanicsandmaterialproperties