CornellCookson, a division of Clopay Corporation is a leading manufacturer of commercial and grilel doors. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service as well as unsurpassed quality and innovative products. Our employees are the cornerstone of our success and we are looking for dynamic individuals to join our team.

SUMMARY:

The NPD Engineering Technician is a critical, hands-on role responsible for accelerating the development of new and innovative door systems for Clopay. The successful candidate will be an integral member of the creative team, contributing to the innovation process from initial brainstorming and conceptualization through final testing. This individual will assist with managing the R&D lab, transform engineering concepts into functional prototypes, and work in close collaboration with design engineers to increase the speed, efficiency, and safety of the product development lifecycle.

Responsibilities/Principal Duties:

• Ideation & Brainstorming: Actively participate in initial brainstorming and conceptual design sessions with the engineering team. Leverage practical knowledge and hands-on experience to contribute new ideas, identify potential manufacturing or usability challenges early, and help shape the direction of new product designs.
• Prototype Fabrication & Assembly: Read and interpret engineering drawings, sketches, and schematics to build functional prototypes of door systems and related components using a variety of hand tools, power tools, and shop equipment.
• Testing & Data Collection: Set up and conduct mechanical and electrical tests on prototypes according to established procedures. Accurately collect, record, and document test data with a high degree of objectivity and attention to detail.
• Technical Reporting: Author clear and concise test reports that summarize procedures, results, and objective observations, enabling the engineering team to make data-driven design decisions.
• Lab Management & 5S: Assist with ownership of the R&D lab, including tool management, inventory tracking of prototype parts, and ensuring a clean, safe, and highly organized work environment by championing and sustaining 5S principles.
• Manufacturing Liaison & DFM Support: Serve as a key liaison between the NPD Engineering team and Strategic Manufacturing. Provide hands-on insight during Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews and support the production team’s understanding of new processes required to produce new product designs.
• Safety Compliance: Adhere to all company safety policies and procedures, actively contributing to a culture of safety within the department.

Job Requirements:

QUALIFIED CANDIDATES MUST POSSESS THE FOLLOWING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A High School Diploma or equivalent with a minimum of five (5) years of direct, hands-on experience in a relevant role (e.g., R&D Tech, Maintenance Tech, Fabricator).
• OR
• An Associate’s Degree in a technical field (e.g., Mechanical Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Technology) with a minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience.
• Proven mechanical aptitude and proficiency with a wide range of hand tools, power tools, and stationary shop equipment (e.g., milling machines, drill presses, band saws, presses, plasma cutter).
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics.
• Strong organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Welding and metal fabrication experience.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) for data entry, communication, and report writing.
• Preferred:
• Experience in a product development or R&D lab environment.
• Basic 3D modeling experience with CAD software i.e.AutoCAD, Inventor, Solidworks
• Experience with data acquisition systems (DAQ) and sensors.
  We offer a competitive salary and a very comprehensive benefits package, 401K, paid holidays, sick, and vacation time.
  Equal Opportunity Employer, providing a drug-free work environment.
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EXPERIENCE

Not Specified

• Ideation & Brainstorming: Actively participate in initial brainstorming and conceptual design sessions with the engineering team. Leverage practical knowledge and hands-on experience to contribute new ideas, identify potential manufacturing or usability challenges early, and help shape the direction of new product designs.
• Prototype Fabrication & Assembly: Read and interpret engineering drawings, sketches, and schematics to build functional prototypes of door systems and related components using a variety of hand tools, power tools, and shop equipment.
• Testing & Data Collection: Set up and conduct mechanical and electrical tests on prototypes according to established procedures. Accurately collect, record, and document test data with a high degree of objectivity and attention to detail.
• Technical Reporting: Author clear and concise test reports that summarize procedures, results, and objective observations, enabling the engineering team to make data-driven design decisions.
• Lab Management & 5S: Assist with ownership of the R&D lab, including tool management, inventory tracking of prototype parts, and ensuring a clean, safe, and highly organized work environment by championing and sustaining 5S principles.
• Manufacturing Liaison & DFM Support: Serve as a key liaison between the NPD Engineering team and Strategic Manufacturing. Provide hands-on insight during Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews and support the production team’s understanding of new processes required to produce new product designs.
• Safety Compliance: Adhere to all company safety policies and procedures, actively contributing to a culture of safety within the department