Product Development Engineer

Key Job Functions

• Facilitates research and process engineering developments in conjunction with the VP Operations / R&D, Manufacturing Manager, Marketing Director, and Business Unit Management.
• Manages cost analysis through the NonStandard Quote (NSQ) process, while maintaining detailed records for all Nonstandard quotations.
• Works with Finance and Manufacturing departments to outline and link new products and processes to current and planned rates, costs, and efficiencies for detailed cost modeling and margin analysis.
• Facilitates ERP (M3) administration through Bills of Material (BOMs), in relation to NSQs and commercialized opportunities.
• Follows product launches through the Berkshire Corporation Development (BCD) process and through commercialized release of 1st production runs.
• Evaluates, analyzes, and makes recommendations on products, designs, and cost improvements to improve the competitive position of the company.
• Maintains and organizes detailed records of development activities including prototypes, BCDs and Berkshire Corporation Quality (BCQs), data, reports and changes to design requirements.
• Analyzes test data to determine if designs meet functional and performance specifications.
• Develops raw material and finished product specifications based on customer needs and statistical evaluation of product performance measurements.
• Works with vendors to improve products and alter processes to provide products with superior performance to the market.
• Provides technical support to the manufacturing team as needed or as required on a project by project basis.

Description of Candidate

• Demonstrates integrity and professionalism.
• Possesses strong problem-solving skills; able to collect, analyze, and interpret data, synthesize and analyze alternatives and recommend the best final solution.
• Able to successfully manage multiple projects while maintaining a high attention to detail and adhering to established deadlines.
• Adapts readily to the changing needs of a small company.
• A self-starter dedicated to continuously increasing their technical and market knowledge level.
• Able to work well unattended and as a leader of teams and projects.

Qualifications of Candidate

• The candidate should have a BS or MS in an engineering, textile, or science related discipline.
• Possess 1-4 years of experience working in a manufacturing company with familiarity with ERP systems, process and industrial engineering, as well as a Product Development processes.
• Strong working knowledge with statistical quality control and quality improvement methods is required.
• Ability to effectively communicate with internal and external customers professionally in both verbal and written form.
• Strong MS Excel skills; Minitab experience a plus.
• Textile industry experience – nonwovens, yarns, knitting, and/or finishing is preferred, but not required.  Critical environment industry experience (pharmaceutical, medical device, healthcare, clean room, semiconductor) is a plus.
• Possess Lean/Six Sigma Certification, or willing to obtain.
• Strong attention to detail to work with ISO 9001 documentation requirements.
• Demonstrate investigational and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to successfully collaborate with diverse individuals at various levels both within the company and outside with vendors or customers.

Job Expectations

• The employee is expected to dedicate the time necessary to accomplish the given job requirements.
• On average, employment will require 40 – 60 hours per week at Berkshire facilities or off site on Berkshire business.
• In addition, it is the expectation that the employee will dedicate personal time to further his or her education as it relates to work at Berkshire.  This should include time spent reading relevant trade publications, journals, and textbooks.
• Travel less than 15%, primarily could be related to training, certifications, etc. for employee development, as well as local customer support.

Physical Requirements

• Hands to finger, feel, and handle product; operate computer.
• Frequent standing, sitting, and/or walking.
• Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Close, peripheral and depth perception vision.
• Moderate noise level in production environment.
• Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts.
• Occasional work in a non-controlled temperature warehouse environment.