Electrical Engineer

Springs Window Fashios is hiring an Electrical Engineer in our New Product Innovation group based in our Middleton, WI Corporate Headquarters

Springs Window Fashions has been part of the window treatments industry since 1939. We have over 8,000 associates with locations in North America, Europe, and Asia.  Our products are available in nearly every major retailer, in thousands of designer showrooms and showcased in large commercial buildings. 

Our company is privately owned with products marketed across a broad portfolio of brands including Bali, Graber, Mecho, SWFcontract and SunSetter.  We pride ourselves as “The Best Experience Company”, striving to provide the best experience for our consumers, channel partners, and associates. 

Job Summary

Responsible for creating, designing, testing, supporting, and developing new and innovative electronic motor and control systems for existing and new products.  Scope of role spans motors, controls, hardware and software.  This is successfully accomplished by understanding, accurately specifying, and adhering to customer requirements, utilizing and applying quality tools and methods and pursuing continuous improvement in all aspects of product and process design.

These efforts will have a direct impact on increasing average sales price per unit and improving value, reliability, and performance. Product responsibilities include Graber, Bali branded products, private label brands, and all support componentry. The associate will plan and manage product design engineering activities related to conceptualization, product design, testing / validation and manufacturing process functions. The Senior Electrical Engineer reports to our Vice President of Innovation and is a key member of our Innovation team.  

Job Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Executive, Product Management, Engineering, and Channel Marketing teams to introduce and develop new product concepts and existing product enhancements.
• Creates and maintains systems architecture for blinds, and how the blinds interact with end user controls and home / building systems. This includes the motors, controls, connected and IoT solutions, product interfaces, and systems interfaces as well as any languages or communications protocols used.
• Engaged in continuous improvement initiatives, recognizing process improvement methods to identify root cause, develop solutions, and implement solutions.
• Responsible for all electrical product and design engineering activities for the Graber, Bali, and private label product lines and other associated products.
• Lead role on motorization of all product lines: motors, controls, software, user controls, systems interfaces
• Collaborates on strategic application development and integration of connected deices including partnerships and voice control systems such as Alexa, Google Home, others
• Ensures designs comply with all relevant codes (electrical wiring, etc.) and standards (FCC, UL)
• Designs products and components with safety, quality, durability, reliability, value, and assembly as priorities.
• Develops and plans short- and long-term goals in accordance with SWF strategies and goals.
• Establish design specifications, material selection, and potential suppliers with regards to product design.
• Estimates project and product costs, assists with project justification, and recommends required materials and tooling.
• Facilitates design reviews to discuss concepts and proposed product designs, engaging other functional areas of the business, to gain input regarding product manufacturability and quality and incorporating those inputs into final design.
• Participates on project teams for new products, product enhancements, and NPS teams using the 4D stage gate process and teaming principles.
• Develops engineering solutions for design related customer field complaints.
• Develop and implement cost reduction measures in accordance with financial objectives.
• Prepares and submits capital requirements for product lines..
• Maintains and controls engineering files, records, and documentation for part and process specifications, drawings, and patents.
• Interface with purchasing and suppliers to investigate, resolve, and assure compliance to specifications for supplier quality issues.
• Develops innovative designs that are congruent with product strategy and resolve patent infringement issues.
• Manages projects based on timelines established by product management priorities.
• Develops, plans, and implements timetables for engineering related projects.
• Interacts and collaborates with associates in marketing, quality, manufacturing, customer service, external suppliers, and other key stakeholders with regards to quality and product improvement.
• Direct interaction and communication with customers and consumers.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering
• 3+ years design engineering experience in consumer products / controls related industry
• Relevant experience with new product development and product design role
• Familiarity with the design of motors, controls, user interfaces and software.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Conceptual and detail design skills
• Experience with consumer / appliance motors – A/C, DC, battery powered
• Experience with systems design: motors, controls, user interfaces, systems interfaces
• Experience with wired / wireless communications protocols: RS232, RS485, Z-wave, Zigbee, BTLE, WiFi
• Proficiency working with outside resources to direct development of new innovation
• Experience with CAD drawing (Solid Works)
• Experience and knowledge of typical drafting standards, electrical / circuit drawing standards and software documentation
• Knowledge of current practices, standards, and trends in home and commercial building controls preferred
• Data collection and management of database.
• Technical writing skills for memos, lab reports, and project updates.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Technical Writing
• General computer skills Excel, MS Word, Lotus Notes, MS Project and Access
• Preparing Samples for Testing and Analysis

Behavioral Competencies

• Ensures Accountability – Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments
• Drive Engagement – Creating a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives
• Instill Trust – Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity
• Drive Results – Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances
• Consumer/Customer Focus – Building strong customer relationships and delivering on customer-centric solutions
• Critical Thinking – Making Sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems
• Being Resilient – Rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations
• Optimize Work Processes – Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement