Senior Design Engineer – SolidWorks / Plastics

Job Title: Senior Design Engineer Department: Engineering Location: Portage, WI 53901 – This is a full-time, onsite role. Remote work is not available. Summary Plans, designs, and develops products or components for assigned projects from concept through production. Prepares or directs the preparation of layouts, drawings, and specifications. Defines and evaluates tests, recommends design changes, and analyzes documentation to prepare time, cost, and labor estimates. Assists with the training of new associates.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate and incorporate the best design approach, performing associated calculations considering economics, manufacturability, function, and durability.
• Evaluate factors affecting design decisions, including DFMA, serviceability, material selection, fits, tolerances (GD&T), product usage, and costs.
• Prepare engineering reports, evaluate results, and recommend courses of action.
• Analyze specifications, sketches, drawings, and design data to determine critical factors affecting component design.
• Create detailed drawings, specifications, CAD models/assemblies, and instruction sheets.
• Collaborate with team members, manufacturing, purchasing, vendors, and customers to meet goals and schedules.
• Make design revisions to size, shape, and part arrangement for practical designs.
• Draft drawings of patterns, molds, and tooling; approve new tooling, samples, and production parts; authority to reject non-conforming product and/or stop production.
• Develop and maintain project files; implement engineering change requests, design FMEAs, and design review documentation.
• Prepare itemized material and labor lists; compute cost factors and estimates for planning, bidding, vendor selection, and cost effectiveness.
• Maintain a centralized cost estimating database; compare estimated vs. actual costs and recommend improvements.
• Represent Design Engineering on project teams and committees; may lead teams or information exchange groups.
• Participate as an environmental auditor, staying informed on ISO regulations.
• Perform all duties in compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies.

Qualifications

• Education/Experience: Minimum of an Associate in Applied Science degree or equivalent from a two-year college/technical school; or two years related experience/training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline preferred.
• Software: Proficiency with SolidWorks CAD and SolidWorks EPDM required. Knowledge of Unigraphics and MS Project preferred. Experience with Syteline ERP, creating item masters, and Bill of Materials is required.
• Office Skills: Proficient with MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Mathematical Skills: Working knowledge of plane/solid geometry, basic algebra, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions.
• Language Skills: Fluency in English (reading, analysis, interpretation, and presentation to all levels, including top management).
• Reasoning Ability: Strong practical problem-solving and reasoning ability with limited standardization.

Physical Requirements Regularly required to stand, talk, walk, hear, reach, stoop, and bend. Seldom lift/move more than 25 lbs. Specific vision abilities include close vision, depth perception, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment Primarily office-based with time in production areas. Production temperatures fluctuate seasonally; noise levels are moderate to high. Hearing protection and safety eyewear required on the production floor. Additional safety equipment may be required. Office noise is usually quiet. Work Availability & Travel Must be able to work all shift schedules, periodic overtime, and periodic weekend work. Travel: <20%. Supervisory Responsibilities None.