Design Engineer, New Product Development

About the position

The Design Engineer is primarily responsible for leading the mechanical design, development, and sustainability of band-clamp installation tools in a fast-paced automotive environment. This role focuses on New Product Development (NPD), requiring close collaboration with cross-functional teams to innovate and deliver cutting-edge solutions that align with customer needs and industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of innovative band-clamp installation tools, driving the success of NPD projects.
• Collaborate with product engineers, automation engineers, and product managers in the design and development of NPD projects.
• Develop automation techniques to enhance installation efficiency while minimizing user interaction.
• Conduct research on emerging technologies to incorporate into the product portfolio, enhancing new and existing designs.
• Perform benchmark, accelerated, laboratory, and field testing of new, existing, and/or competitive products.
• Work with Product Managers and solicit Voice of Customer (VOC) feedback to understand product applications and requirements; makes recommendations and integrate feedback into new or existing designs.
• Partner directly with customers to facilitate the seamless integration of tools into their operations.
• Work independently and with certifying bodies to ensure compliance with all regulations.
• Create, review, and approve technical documentation, including 2D/3D drawings, schematics, process flow diagrams, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Lead design reviews utilizing an established toolbox of design review tools for compliance to engineering principles/standards and manufacturability.
• Conduct patent searches to determine feasibility and ensure intellectual property protection, working closely with management and legal teams.
• Assist supply chain teams in sourcing, qualifying, and managing new and existing suppliers.
• Maintain accurate documentation in accordance with applicable company processes.
• Actively model IDEX values: Team, Trust, and Excellence.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Experience with SolidWorks and EPDM on a network environment required.
• Strong expertise of linear and non-linear FEA simulation using non-standard materials (e.g. hardened tool steels) required.
• Strong analytical capabilities with ability to apply complex mathematical concepts to calculate static and dynamic forces and strength of components required.
• Good time-management skills, able to prioritize work between multiple projects required.
• Professionalism and strong business acumen, ability to collaborate and clearly communicate required.
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, or equivalent.
• 7+ years of experience in design engineering, with a proven track record in designing innovative, high-performance tools.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in designing industrial-grade, high-volume power tools preferred.
• Electrical knowledge, including automation systems, PLCs, and controller programming preferred.
• Experience with root-cause / corrective countermeasure (RCCM) preferred.
• Knowledge of Continuous improvement processes and facilitation preferred.

Benefits

• Health benefits
• 401(k) retirement savings program with company match
• PTO
• Performance based bonus plan