Design Engineer 2 - Implementation

At Yakima we believe in connecting you, your family, friends and all your favorite gear to your desired destination or activity through our mission of enhancing the journey and earning trust every day. As part of the Yakima Aftermarket Engineering Team this position will be responsible for engineering implementation of new products and/or redesign of current products. The position will lead the technical efforts on Yakima aftermarket product implementation projects.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll do:

• Collaborate with Design Engineering, Category Business Management, Quality Engineering, Global Sourcing, and manufacturing partner teams during development phases of projects to ensure successful product performance and manufacturability.
• Resolve issues that arise during the implementation of the product. Drive design changes needed after Design Freeze by completing prototypes, CAD, drawing, and BOM changes.
• Support cost reduction and sustaining engineering projects.

Specifics Include:

• Collaborate with the Design Engineer during initial design of product and components to promote manufacturing feasibility (DFM) and reduce costs.
• Create or review documentation required to provide internal history and control of product quality and definition.
• Maintain Component Tracker including detailed communication on part release approvals for beta, pilot, and production launch.
• Participate in new product development/manufacturing implementation, including process design and risk analysis, definition of critical process parameters, and mitigation of process risk.
• Evaluate engineering design outputs and manufacturing problems. Ensure manufacturability, quality, cost, operating specifications, and company standards requirements are achieved.
• Oversee tooling and fixture design. Monitor the evolution and modification of components and tooling as necessary.
• Ensure all engineering models and drawings are maintained throughout the development cycle and finalized prior to product release.
• Work with the engineering, testing, and manufacturing staff to determine the criteria of performance testing and control planning through the DFMEA, PFMEA, Test and Inspection note development.
• Ensure functional builds of prototype samples required for testing and sales samples.
• Ensure item data accuracy for all assemblies, sub-assemblies, and components for outsourced products.
• Work with our manufacturing partners to verify accurate Bill of Materials, costs, product data, and readiness for beta and pilot runs.
• Advise engineering of existing production capabilities, equipment, facilities, and standard practices to contribute to the development of designs. Coordinate with support groups to ensure capabilities and capacity are developed to support new products.
• Assume overall project responsibility for specific design or related assignments assuring project remains on schedule and within budget.
• Mentor and guide other engineers at Yakima and offshore to ensure consistent, high-quality designs and efficient projects.
• Follow and improve the Product Development Process to meet product and business performance metrics and timing requirements.
• Manage/Balance time among multiple projects at the same or different stages simultaneously.
• Keep informed of latest developments in the field by reading, individual contacts, trade shows and attendance at appropriate meetings.
• Travel domestically and internationally in support of projects.
• Carry out other duties, responsibilities, and projects as may be assigned, in an effective manner.

What you Bring:

• Degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering or related field
• 4+ years of related engineering work experience required.
• Product implementation experience preferred. Working with offshore suppliers a plus.
• Consumer product design experience preferred.
• Proficiency in the use of Solidworks CAD software including Surfacing and FEA
• Experienced using design tools such as FMEA and GD&T preferred
• A thorough understanding of manufacturing processes, test methods and basic machine shop practices, including but not limited to injection molding, vacuum forming, metal fabrication, die casting and extrusions
• Lean manufacturing experience, experience with off-shore manufacturers, mechanism design.
• Demonstrable creativity and innovative thinking
• Strong attention to detail and quality
• Capable of managing multiple projects in a deadline driven environment
• Proficient with P.C.'s and Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience in completing and managing projects with minimal oversight and against aggressive timelines.
• Experience with leading product development projects
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member and/or leader of a team.
• Effective interpersonal verbal and written communication skills, both within the department and cross-functionally
• Excellent organizational and project/time management skills
• Bilingual fluency in Mandarin Chinese desirable
• Knowledge of the outdoor hard goods and/or automotive industries.

Work Environment:

Work takes place in both an office setting as well as Model Shop/Test Lab environment which necessitates the ability to use hands to handle or feel objects, tools or controls and safely operate machinery such as hand drills, drill press, sanders, electric hoists, and various hand tools. This job may require working more than 8 hours per day and/or 40 hours a week. It requires the ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods of time and communicate effectively with a diverse audience in person, by phone and by computer. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift, push, and carry up to 50lbs. Must be able to travel domestically and/or internationally via commercial carrier. Must possess a valid U.S. driver's license and a good driving record.

Yakima Products has a culture of honesty, respect and trust, and we are committed to providing an environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to their membership in any protected classification such as sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, marital status, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions) genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran, disability (mental or physical), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other status protected under applicable local, state, or federal law. Yakima Products is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) in all aspects of the employer-employee relationship including, but not limited to: recruitment, hiring, training, advancement and termination.

Yakima believes in doing the right thing, and is committed to enhancing our diversity, and demonstrating that commitment to our employees, customers and community. The Company promotes diversity by developing policies, programs and procedures that foster a work environment in which differences are respected and employees are treated fairly.