Job Description:
Design Engineer III – New Product Development Engineering (OPE) The Design Engineer III is responsible for hands-on mechanical design execution for moderate to high‑complexity outdoor power equipment (OPE) systems and subsystems. This role owns detailed design execution from concept to production, with a strong emphasis on robust design, manufacturability, validation, and cost. Operating within the Outdoor Engineering organization, the Design Engineer III functions as a technical leader and subject‑matter expert for assigned components and assemblies, partnering closely with Product Management, Manufacturing, Quality, Sourcing, and global suppliers to deliver competitive, production‑ready designs.
Key Job Functions & Responsibilities
Technical Design Ownership
Owns end‑to‑end mechanical design execution for assigned components, sub‑assemblies, or systems from concept, layout, and detailed CAD through validation and production release.
Develops and maintains 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, GD&T, tolerance stacks, and specifications to ensure functional performance, regulatory compliance, durability, safety, and manufacturability.
Ability to analyze problems and provide design trade‑off analyses (performance, cost, weight, manufacturability, reliability) and documents rationale for design decisions.
Applies structured problem‑solving methods to resolve design issues, field failures, and manufacturing concerns.
Demonstrates strong engineering judgment and accountability for design quality and performance.
Design for Manufacturing, Cost, and Quality
Designs components optimized for high‑volume manufacturing , assembly efficiency, tooling capability, and supplier process constraints.
Partners with Sourcing and suppliers to evaluate manufacturing processes, tooling concepts, and cost drivers early in development.
Ensures designs comply with internal standards, regulatory requirements, and applicable UL / ANSI / CSA / ISO expectations.
Verification & Validation
Defines DFMEA inputs, design risks, and mitigation strategies for owned designs.
Develops and executes design verification plans including tolerance validation, stress analysis, durability testing, environmental testing, and abuse testing.
Uses data‑driven test results to refine designs and confirm requirements are met with appropriate margin.
Reviews and approves engineering changes, deviation requests, and corrective actions related to owned designs.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Works closely with Product Management to translate customer needs and CTQs into clear engineering requirements.
Supports Manufacturing Engineering during pilot builds, PPAP, and ramp‑up by resolving build issues and incorporating feedback into design revisions.
Collaborates with Quality, Compliance, and Reliability teams to support certifications, audits, and failure investigations.
Provides clear technical communication to global engineering, sourcing, and supplier teams.
Contributes to the development and improvement of design standards, test methods, and engineering processes.
Required Qualifications Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
Minimum 4 years of design experience in consumer, industrial, or electromechanical products.
Strong proficiency in 3D CAD (Creo / SolidWorks / NX or equivalent), detailed drawings, and GD&T.
Demonstrated experience with materials, manufacturing processes, tooling, and supplier‑built components.
Experience leading design verification and validation activities using data‑driven methods.
Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and technical communication skills.
Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, results‑driven product development environment.
Preferred Qualifications Experience with outdoor power equipment, power tools, small engines, or high‑load electromechanical systems.
Hands‑on experience supporting pilot builds and production ramp‑ups.
Familiarity with global supplier collaboration and Asia‑based manufacturing.
Experience supporting UL / CSA / ANSI compliance activities.
Travel Up to 10% travel (international and domestic).