SUMMARY
Under general supervision of the Engineering Manager, the job of the Engineer is responsible for design efforts from inception through production in new product development or existing product design.
The Design Engineer position at Astec has four (4) levels dependent on experience and specialty. There are engineers who specialize in new and existing product development/design, product safety, manufacturing set-up, hydraulic and electrical product development/design. The successful candidate will work in collaboration with other engineers, cross-functional teams not limited to sales, manufacturing, purchasing, and service. They will develop conceptual and final design solutions, manage and coordinate project activities, support existing product offerings, and perform testing or analysis of new and existing products to further Astec’s product line development goals.
Design Engineers can be asked to travel to develop business relationships with customers, dealers, and suppliers. They may also participate in product focus groups to gain critical customer application and design suggestions to assist in the development of the product lines.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (may include but not limited to)
• Utilize 3D software (SolidWorks preferred) in conjunction with data management software
• Interpersonal skills required to an be effective member of cross-functional project teams from concept to testing, and ultimately to production
• Demonstrate technical and written skills to document ideas, designs and concepts
• Develop design concepts to meet required cost objectives. Direct involvement with supply chain operations to provide technical information for the selection of components.
• Interact with production personnel to define and solve manufacturing and/or design issues and implement cost reduction ideas with regards to the product
• Effectively work with sketches, marked-up prints and verbal instructions to drive concept to solution
• Follow internal company standards when creating data and information
• Review customer drawings, specification drawings, and other applicable specifications to determine requirement and/or feasibility of component
• Perform all necessary calculations such as stress analysis, performance analysis and pressure drop and flow analysis, etc. as required
• Problem-solving skills required to identify opportunities to improve product design
• Ability to use tools to determine root cause analysis. Using root cause analysis to implement a corrective action from input from internal customers.
• Responsible for hitting due dates and pre-defined requirements defined by management
• Familiar with six sigma tools to drive decisions made from data
• Maintain positive, cooperative working relationships by working, interacting, and communicating with various personalities getting along with customers, vendors, co-workers and management working both individually and as part of a team
• Follow and actively support all company policies and procedures, to include a primary emphasis on safe operations
• Follow Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity program guidelines at all times
• Follow proper safety procedures at all times
• Wear personal protective equipment as required
• Perform work according to supervisor's directives when requested
• Follow and actively support all company policies and procedures, to include a primary emphasis on safe operations
• Document assigned tasks as required
• Clean work area daily
• Perform other duties as assigned
SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY
• None
INTERNAL CONTROLS AUTHORITY
• Design Engineer is responsible for certain internal control responsibilities. These internal control responsibilities have been verbally communicated to the Design Engineer and periodic feedback is provided as it relates to the performance of these internal control responsibilities.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
MINIMUM EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
LEVELS OF DESIGN ENGINEER POSITION
Levels will be determined based on education, experience and equivalents.
Design Engineer I
Experience/Knowledge
• Experience involving new product development (NPD) projects
• Technical understanding of leading edge technologies in automation, robotics, remote monitoring, and mobile autonomy ("Mechatronics" skills)
• Technical understanding of leading edge manufacturing technologies in computer numerically-controlled (CNC) strategies, industrial adhesives, and advanced materials such as polymers and composites
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing processes, Safety and 5S to identify and assist with continuous improvement
Education
• Minimum of bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Agriculture, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering or related field
Design Engineer II
• Must meet minimum education and experience requirements of Design Engineer I
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in equipment design and manufacturing (mechanical, structural, hydraulic and electrical/control system design)
Design Engineer III
• Must meet minimum education and experience requirements of Design Engineer I
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in equipment design and manufacturing (mechanical, structural, hydraulic and electrical/control system design)
Design Engineer IV
• Must meet minimum education and experience requirements of Design Engineer III
• Minimum five (5) years’ experience designing Astec-specific equipment
Job-related Skills and Abilities
• Ability to work satisfactorily as a team member and communicate with all levels within the company
• Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills (both verbal and written)
• Become proficient with personal computer and AutoCAD, Microsoft Office Suite and SolidWorks 3-D software applications
• Ability to handle sudden changes in project/priority and multiple tasks simultaneously in a positive fashion
• Ability to set, adjust and change daily priorities
• Ability to manage conflict and resolve issues in the most positive fashion for all parties concerned
• Ability to identify problems or potential problems at both a strategic and functional level and make or recommend decisions to resolve the same
• Projects strong leadership skills
• Good organization and time-management skills
• Willingness to accept responsibility and take on new challenges
• Ability to use calculator and other standard office equipment (fax, copier, typewriter, scanner, etc.)
• Ability to influence others via communication to get desired results
• Accurate data entry/typing and proofreading skills
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment on a customary and regular basis