Lead Product Development Engineer

at  Industrial Kinetics Inc

• Do you like to create solutions for customers developing best in class equipment designs?
• Do you like to listen to other points of view and work with different teams?
• Do you like to wear multiple hats, work independently and handle challenges?
  If the answer is yes, this might be the opportunity for you?
  Industrial Kinetics is searching for an experienced, project-orientated Lead Product Development Engineer. In a nutshell, this role will be responsible for leading and executing the design and configuration of conveyor equipment, ensuring efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and manufacturability. Additionally, creating detailed charted drawings and tabulated configurations and incorporating them into the company’s ERP system. We are seeking someone who can be that creative problem solver for our customers as we continue to revolutionize the way goods move efficiently and seamlessly on our conveyor systems. Located in Downers Grove, IL Industrial Kinetics would be open to helping with relocation assistance or a hybrid/remote working arrangement for the qualified candidate.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or industrial engineering and 5+ years of experience in conveyor equipment design and implementing conveyor configurations or related mechanical design.
• Experience with ERP Systems (Epicor Kinetic or similar for managing product configurations, BOMs, and material planning) and experience integrating equipment components into ERP environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Solid expert-level experience and proficiency with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) preferably SolidWorks for developing detailed charted equipment drawings product design, including 3D modeling, 2D drawings, design analysis, technical drawing and design simulations.
• Proven experience with design for manufacturing (DFM) principles and cost-reduction techniques.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND PROFICIENCIES NEEDED:

• Extensive knowledge of product design principles, specifically in mechanical equipment, with a focus on conveyor systems.
• Understanding of how to create and structure BOMs to reflect product configurations accurately, including materials, parts, and operational details for efficient production and cost tracking.
• Using logical reasoning to evaluate design alternatives, identify potential issues, and develop cost-effective solutions.
• Expertise in estimating product costs, including material, labor, and overhead, and ensuring designs meet budget goals.
• Proficiency in evaluating design performance and identifying areas for improvement in cost, manufacturability, and quality.
• Ability to understand complex written documents and effectively communicate design concepts, both in writing and through CAD drawings.
• Can clearly communicate design ideas and technical information to colleagues, customers, and vendors.
• Strong deductive reasoning to solve complex design challenges and ensure that products meet both technical and budgetary requirements.
  Work Location: Ability to work in the office on a regular basis. Approximately 5-10% travel to review conveyor installations and implementation for design evaluation and feedback.

• Lead the end-to-end design process for conveyor equipment.
• Create detailed technical drawings for review by internal teams and stakeholders.
• Input, update existing and manage conveyor equipment design data within the ERP system.
• Collaborate with procurement and materials management teams to ensure ERP system inputs are accurate and up to date.
• Apply design for manufacturing principles and lead continuous improvement efforts to ensure equipment designs are optimized for cost-effective production and efficient assembly.
• Partner with the manufacturing team to refine designs based on production capabilities, tooling requirements, and material handling constraints.
• Continuously identify opportunities to reduce costs by optimizing equipment design, material usage, and component standardization.
• Present equipment designs, technical reports, and cost analyses to senior management and key stakeholders to inform decision-making.
• Collaborate with external suppliers and vendors to ensure that designs are aligned with available materials and components.
• Ensure that all conveyor equipment designs meet industry standards, safety regulations, and internal quality requirements.
• Stay informed on regulatory updates, industry innovations, and emerging technologies that impact conveyor equipment design and manufacturing.
• Maintain detailed documentation of equipment designs, design revisions, and decisions for traceability and future reference.