Innovation Engineer

Leatherman Tool Group, the leading manufacturer of multi-tools, is seeking talented individuals to join our growing team. With a rich heritage of craftsmanship and a commitment to delivering exceptional products, you'll be part of a culture that values innovation, creativity, and continuous improvement. We prioritize quality, environmental responsibility and operational excellence in our manufacturing processes. Join us at Leatherman Tool Group and contribute to our mission of creating innovative tools that empower people to take on the expected and unexpected, resulting in real tales of triumph.
Position Summary
The Innovation Engineer within the Leatherman Innovation Center will be a dynamic force within both the Product Design and Manufacturing realms, driving the end-to-end lifecycle of product innovation from conceptualization to market release. This role demands a unique blend of curiosity, technical prowess, and strategic action, oriented toward both design excellence and manufacturing efficiency.
Essential Functions:
Manufacturing Engineering:

• Optimize manufacturing processes for knife production, ensuring efficiency, quality, cost-effectiveness, and safety.
• Drive innovation in manufacturing methods. Evaluate and recommend new manufacturing processes and technologies.
• Manage manufacturing tolerances and quality performance benchmarks.
• Facilitate the creation and installation of manufacturing equipment and fixtures.
• Develop, document, test, and evaluate standard processes, operator techniques, fixtures, and equipment for new and existing products.
• Develop and conduct training for staff on new equipment and processes to ensure smooth adoption.
• Provide technical guidance during the entire product development lifecycle, ensuring design for manufacturability.
• Lead value engineering efforts to align product design with manufacturing capabilities and cost targets.
• Support the new supplier evaluation processes to ensure quality and performance standards.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships across functions to introduce new products, countermeasures, and process improvements effectively.

Design Engineering:

• Guide the creation and testing of new product designs, balancing development with engineering needs.
• Understand and translate consumer needs into clear, measurable product requirements.
• Design and implement new products, product variations, and product enhancements utilizing CAD
• Build and test prototypes, iterating based on performance data and consumer feedback.
• Design and implement testing protocols to validate product specifications and performance.
• Manage product documentation and collaborate effectively on concept development.
• Identify and work with 3rd parties, as needed, to complete projects, such as prototype builds or testing.
• Identify patentable design features.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Work directly with senior management to streamline decision-making and duty allocation.
• Champion a culture of continuous learning, problem-solving, and innovation.
• Embrace ambiguity and use it as a catalyst for creative solutions and improvements.
• Support production as needed.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Design Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience in both design and manufacturing engineering.
• Strong proficiency in CAD software and document control processes.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work comfortably with ambiguity.
• A track record of taking initiative, learning from mistakes, and making decisive corrections.
• Strong communication skills. Capable of listening to others and articulate a vision.
• Familiarity with Mastercam a plus

Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently sit; use hands to handle, grasp, or keyboard; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The employee occasionally stands or walks; climbs; stoops or crouches; and pushes/pulls. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
The employee frequently lifts and/or moves up to 5 lbs., and occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 55 lbs. The employee frequently pushes/pulls an average of 40 lbs., and occasionally pushes/pulls up to 70 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
Working Conditions/Physical Hazards
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office environment, and occasionally exposed to production environment. Work area is well lit and air conditioned. All employees are expected to adhere to Company safety policies and wear personal protective equipment when exposed to work areas or performing tasks where it is required. Position can be hybrid or in-office setting based on business need. Employees working hybrid must be flexible to work in-office as required for work assignments, meetings, etc.
We care about the Health and Wellbeing of our Employees
Leatherman believes having healthy employees contributes to a healthy and productive workplace and community. While we're all responsible for our own overall health and well-being, Leatherman works toward helping employees make healthy lifestyle choices and changes that improve their health and overall quality of life through its many Health and Wellbeing Resources.

• Medical/dental/vision
• Free/low cost on-site primary care health center
• 401(k) plan with company matching
• Life and disability insurance
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts
• Behavioral health programs
• Pet insurance
• Onsite health coaching
• Lifestyle and fitness programs
• Tuition assistance
• Employee volunteer program
• Generous employee discounts
• Onsite fitness center
• Paid time off

Core Values
We thrill our consumers with quality, products and service; We care about each other's well-being; We share ideas, challenge each other and do the right thing; We respect each other, show humility and grow from our failures; We foster the development of individuals to reach their greatest potential.
Mission
We create innovative products that prepare people for the expected and unexpected and result in real tales of triumph.
Vision
Our vision is to be the global multipurpose brand of choice.
Leatherman Is An Equal Opportunity Employer
For more information on Leatherman, visit our Careers page:
https://www.leatherman.com/careers