Sr. Product Development Engineer

The Sr. Product Development Engineer must be an excellent communicator, facilitator and coach, as well as possess strong analytical abilities. Must demonstrate commitment to our organization’s Core Values and Quality policies. Must demonstrate working knowledge in all disciplines of World Class Manufacturing Techniques. Thorough knowledge of design engineering principles and practices. Knowledge of methods, processes, tools and equipment used in manufacturing operations. Must have a strong sense of urgency, the ability to meet deadlines, a strong working knowledge of computers, and the ability to work flexible hours. Must have strong project management and product development skills. Utilizes a team approach to problem solving. Individual must be a motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and/or in a cross-functional work team environment.

The Sr. Product Development Engineer is responsible for managing the program launch of new products or component assemblies for our organization including but not limited to cost estimating, process design, determining customer specifications, prototype delivery and production launch, assisting supply chain in sourcing efforts, managing cost models, and continuous process improvement to meet or exceed sales and operating plan commitments. Will be a key driver in the success of Carlisle Brake & Friction and will manage the launch schedules for prototype and New Product Introduction (NPI) delivery. This individual will work closely with internal teams consisting of commercial team representatives, Process Engineering, Tooling Engineering, Purchasing, Scheduling, and shop floor leads/technicians.

Key Responsibilities & Duties:

• Manages current for new product introductions into the CBF manufacturing system by following Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) procedures and processes. This includes participating in print reviews, FMEA’s and other interactions with customers and internal CBF teams. Efforts are managed and documented through use of APQP checklists. Individual will also build initial part router and bill of material for new products and prototypes in MRP system (QAD).

• Completes cost estimating for new part opportunities and communicates to Carlisle Brake & Friction (CBF) Product Managers, following all APQP procedures. Discerns technical specifications from customer inputs. Actively suggests alternatives to allow for reduced manufacturing and tooling costs. Must be able to discuss the product application with customer design engineers to help come to mutually beneficial design changes.

• Manages larger scale projects in addition to typical day-to-day job responsibilities.

• Trains and mentors colleagues to assist in their growth/development.

• Manages and coordinates the activities required to produce prototypes. Responsible for designing the process and providing engineering support to manufacturing for prototype delivery. Responsible to meet delivery commitments as well as ensure a first quality part is produced.

• Continuously improves project cost position by assisting supply chain management in locating/approving new sources and presenting cost reduction design alternatives to customers who retain design control.

• Work with manufacturing engineering on design modifications that would permit simplified manufacturing methods, less expensive tooling or other improvements in the manufacturing process.

• Conduct special product engineering studies and analysis of manufacturing costs.

• Coordinates Engineering activities in New Product / New Customer development, supports Marketing efforts.

• Supports all Six Sigma and other continuous improvement projects within the organization. If not already certified, completes training and certification of Green/Black Belt as available. Uses problem-solving techniques for root cause analysis and implement preventative and/or corrective action.

• Set-up and direct testing programs to increase our capabilities and understanding thereof. Maintain working relationships with all suppliers and challenge them to assist in development/improvement efforts.

• Identifies and solves problems, directly or indirectly, employing fact-based decision-making and identifying support as required.

• Details performance versus established metrics in regular reports. Regularly communicates team accomplishments and issues to management as appropriate. Leads team meetings as appropriate.

• Performs tasks with a positive, team-oriented approach in a “no-boundary” fashion. Must remain respectful, open-minded and blameless in dealings with others while working in concert with internal and external customers’ needs.

• Must be willing to travel as required to perform the objectives of this function.

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position.

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, Masters Degree is a plus.

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in areas such as project management, manufacturing/industrial engineering; preferably in brake, transmission and/or clutch design/manufacturing.

• Experience working with friction materials and/or their applications is preferred.

• Experience working with customers, supply chain and engineering resources to design and/or reverse engineer products or component assemblies in a lean, pull-type, reduced inventory production system.

• Good understanding of part manufacturability, design-for-quality, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) is required.

• Experience with Enterprise/Manufacturing Resource Planning software, and solid modeling experience is desired.

• Knowledge of Computer Aided Design (CAD), Design/Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA/PFMEA), is preferred. Knowledge of diverse manufacturing processes is a plus.

• Six Sigma training and/or certification is also a plus (Green or Black Belt).

Technology/Equipment: Proficiency in the use of technology including thorough understanding of Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Microsoft PowerPoint, Word and Excel.

Physical & Mental Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; talk or hear; and use hands to handle, or touch objects or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. On occasion the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend, or reach above the shoulders. The employee must occasionally lift up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Benefits:

· Comprehensive health benefits package (medical, dental, vision, etc.) for positions of 30 hours or more per week.

· Health Savings Account with annual employer contribution.

· Company provided Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, and Short-Term Disability.

· Voluntary Life Insurance, Spousal Life, Child Life, Critical Illness, Accident, and Long-Term Disability.

· 401(k) with matching contribution that is fully vested from day one.

· Generous amount of PTO, plus 14 paid Holidays.

· Tuition reimbursement and scholarship opportunity.

· $250 in Lifestyle Reimbursement Account upon completion of annual physical.

· Wellness program with monthly themes, quarterly challenges, onsite flu shot clinics and biometric screenings.

· Clean and safe work environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are proud to foster an inclusive and diverse workplace culture. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We value diversity and believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to drive innovation, foster creativity, and achieve success. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to ensuring a fair and equitable recruitment and employment process for everyone.