Product Engineer II

WHO WE ARE: We work where we play Turning pursuit into passion, AOB delivers brands that move you because our success is measured by moments that matter.

Position Overview:

The Product Engineer is one of the most critical contributors within the Product Engineering department, responsible for optimizing mechanical design, manufacturability, performance, structural rigidity and robustness, and functionality across an entire line of new products with focus on shooting, hunting, personal defense, and the outdoors. The Product Engineer plays a critical role, leading projects with a focus on performance, functionality, material selection, and advanced mechanical design. They will work closely with Electrical Engineers, Quality Engineers, and Product Designers. The successful candidate will have excellent communication skills, self-motivation, and experience with hunting, shooting, and outdoor accessories.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• All aspects of design and development for products for the company, including:
  1. Critical Engineering Elements
     • Optimal Performance
     • Optimal Functionality
     • Mechanical Design
     • Cost Effective Design
  2. Documentation
  3. Quality
  4. Improvements and problem resolution
  5. Documentation standards and records (product specs)
  6. Direct responsibility and accountability for:
     • Product testing
     • Product verification and validation
     • Failure mode analysis
     • Root cause analysis
• Lead the engineering on projects that are focal on performance, and which require advanced mechanical design, material selection, and design analysis
• Collaborate with Electrical Engineer(s) on projects requiring PCB board design, software development, app development, etc....
• Collaborate with Product Designer(s) on projects requiring Industrial Design input
• Collaborate with Liaison Engineer(s) on product requirements, sourcing requirements, supplier manufacturing and quality requirements, costing and BOM requirements, functionality and durability requirements, etc...
• Collaborate with Marketing Manager(s) on product requirements and key features, new product category and expansion opportunities, and overall Brand Lane direction, cohesion, and growth strategy
• Collaborate with Sales on key features, target customers and applications, competitive landscape analysis and advantages, retail needs and opportunities, etc....
• Collaborate with Suppliers and Manufacturers on optimal design for manufacture, cost reduction measures, key functionality and performance requirements, and supply chain solidarity
• Design of cutting-edge retail packaging, while considering retail footprint requirements and limitations, shipping and distribution durability and feasibility, marketability, and brand lane cohesion
• Rapid prototyping capabilities and proficiency, including but not limited to 3D printing, CNC machining, sourcing of standard components, improvisation, etc.
• Strong presentation and communication skills, and the ability to lead brainstorming, design review, product brief, and other types of meetings
• Strong organization skills, multi-tasking capabilities, and active priority management skills
• Adhere to and improve the company’s New Product Introduction Process (NPI)
• Act as Project Champion for NPI projects including cost, quality, schedule, compliance, etc. while maximizing the quality and output of the NPI process
• Responsible for improving costs, quality, and design of existing products
• Collaborate with purchasing, marketing, and supply base in relation to NPI
• Build and maintain professional, constructive working relationships with other departments and with suppliers
• Resolve quality and customer support issues by lending expertise to respective departments
• Work safely as well as identify and report any safety hazards immediately
• Maintain good housekeeping in personal area and all common areas
• Other responsibilities as assigned

NOTE: This list presents only the principal duties of the position and is not intended to be comprehensive. The duties and responsibilities listed above may be changed or supplemented at any time in accordance with business needs and conditions.

Education and Experience:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Equivalent
• Experience: 2-5 relevant years of experience, 5-8 years preferred
• Proficient with Creo, SolidWorks or other CAD platform
• Passion for the outdoor industry is preferred

Competencies and Skills:

• Experience with MS Office, Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint
• Ability to organize large amounts of data in a logical manner
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills and the ability to communicate and influence at all levels within the organization.
• Self-directed with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple accountabilities and multiple internal customers.
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule during key business deadlines.
• Must be team oriented with the ability to work on high collaboration and performance teams

Physical Demands:

• Regular and predictable attendance is required.
• Travel of approximately 5% of the time, some international travel is required.
• Some work is required in "off-hours" due to global nature of the business.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time in front of a computer.
• Ability to move about facility on regular basis to perform physical activities, such as, but not limited to, lifting heavy equipment (up to 50 lbs. unassisted), bending, standing, climbing or walking.
• Visual and hearing acuity.

NOTE: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment and Personal Protective Equipment:

Within any of our facilities, employees may be exposed to manufacturing noise, airborne liquid chemicals, fine particulate dust, ambient temperatures, and industrial lighting. Work environment is similar to most manufacturing and distribution operations. May be exposed to excessive noise, temperatures, hazards associated with working around moving machinery, work in confined quarters, exposure to vibrations and shop lighting, continuous exposure to hot temperatures, may be humid, odors, dust, continuous exposure to mechanical hazards, and occasional exposure to chemical hazards.

• Safety glasses with side shields and hearing protection required when on manufacturing floor

The use of additional personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required when a job task(s) is being completed in or around your assigned department or in another department, this includes safety eyewear, hearing protection, and safety footwear.

American Outdoor Brands (and its affiliates) is an equal opportunity employer and considers for employment and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, military service, application for military service, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other status protected by applicable state or local law. Candidates must possess proper authorization to work in the United States and, where applicable, to possess technical data as defined in the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR) 22 CFR 120.10.