Prototype Shop Manager

at  Wilson Sporting Goods Co

ONSITE - SCHILLER PARK, IL (INNOVATION CENTER)

At Wilson, we are here to empower every human to live like an athlete. Passion. Creativity. Integrity. Teamwork. Ambition. Innovation. These are the qualities that have made Wilson Sporting Goods Co. the number one sports equipment brand in the world. We come together to win, grow, and celebrate. We all play for Team Wilson. We all have a role to play within our organization and are working towards the same goal. One team, one dream.
We believe that being an athlete isn’t something you do, it’s who you are. It’s a universal code of conduct, a way of seeing the world and how you show up every day. We seek out diverse voices and welcome all perspectives. Our team is composed of individuals with unique backgrounds, points of view and experiences. These perspectives create a rich and diverse culture in which we learn from one another through empathy and inclusion.
Evolving the sports world and being the best partner for players, athletes, and our community is no small task. We are continually looking to add enthusiastic, ambitious, team-first individuals who desire to make a difference —and who love to help others win. Together, we will create a better world through sport. Join us.
What You’ll Do:
As a member of the Research & Development group, the Prototype Shop Manager touches almost every part of the product development process as it moves through from ideation to production. The engineer transforms concepts from ideas into reality by using materials, tooling and techniques available from our composites and prototype lab and acts as a bridge between R&D and production for new products and technologies.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Utilize MasterCam and Solidworks to layout and develop concepts for laminating tooling, trim fixtures and assembly fixtures. Implement, verify and maintain tooling and fixtures in the composite lab.
• Create prototype samples utilizing 3D printing including tabletop 3D printers and Stratasys Fortus 900mc FDM printer. Run jobs created by the engineering team, general maintenance and material sourcing.
• Create new prototype designs for Golf, Racket and Team Sports. Work with the development engineer to create ‘one off’ prototypes as proof of concept or visual representations for ongoing development. Deliver prototype components that meet the design intent to the engineer or player insight group for further analysis, then iterate designs from their feedback until the desired result is achieved.
• Project management to include defining and documenting project parameters: developing, implementing and monitoring project schedules: providing production and technical support in product design process.
• Provide engineering oversight and technical direction on composite product and tool designs, material selection, manufacturing processes, manufacturing equipment and product inspection.
• Troubleshoot conflicting design development vs. production requirements, promote new methods: process equipment and evaluate special material requirements when needed.
• Responsible for maintaining a safe work environment in the lab area.

What We’re Looking For :
This position requires completion of a Certified CNC Apprenticeship or a related training program plus 8+ years of working with CNC manufacturing methods as well as experience making various prototypes / models using machine shop and creative methods and materials.

Other qualifications include:

• Previous experience with MasterCam and SolidWorks
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Strong communication skills
• Creative problem solver & ability to draw your own conclusions and convey them to team members
• Full knowledge of all Machine Shop equipment: CNC machining center, Bridgeport mill, lathe and surface grinder
• Previous experience managing a team preferred

• Utilize MasterCam and Solidworks to layout and develop concepts for laminating tooling, trim fixtures and assembly fixtures. Implement, verify and maintain tooling and fixtures in the composite lab.
• Create prototype samples utilizing 3D printing including tabletop 3D printers and Stratasys Fortus 900mc FDM printer. Run jobs created by the engineering team, general maintenance and material sourcing.
• Create new prototype designs for Golf, Racket and Team Sports. Work with the development engineer to create ‘one off’ prototypes as proof of concept or visual representations for ongoing development. Deliver prototype components that meet the design intent to the engineer or player insight group for further analysis, then iterate designs from their feedback until the desired result is achieved.
• Project management to include defining and documenting project parameters: developing, implementing and monitoring project schedules: providing production and technical support in product design process.
• Provide engineering oversight and technical direction on composite product and tool designs, material selection, manufacturing processes, manufacturing equipment and product inspection.
• Troubleshoot conflicting design development vs. production requirements, promote new methods: process equipment and evaluate special material requirements when needed.
• Responsible for maintaining a safe work environment in the lab area