Product Engineer Lead (Hard Goods)

Req ID: 427436 

 BASIC PURPOSE:  The Product Engineer is responsible for the technical development of product and managing the 3rd party compliance programs. Apply the technical knowledge in development of safe and cost-effective new products and improvements of existing products. In support of Global Sourcing Managers (GSMs), perform competitive benchmarking studies, assist legal and GSMs with intellectual property investigations, regulatory requirement investigations and environmental risk search for new and existing product programs. Work with GSMs and vendors on new product development, vendor selection/approval process, quality assurance, quality/productivity improvement, and product cost reductions. Key skills for success in this role are versatility and taking ownership.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

      Product Testing and 3rd party Compliance Programs

• Manage and refine the current 3rd Party Compliance programs.
• Provide technical consultation and help develop or refine testing protocols for 3rd party product testing.
• Identify and mitigate technical/ safety and environmental risks of all programs (new products, productivity, and quality improvement programs).
• Develop a product evaluation and customer/consumer complaint investigation process.
• Develop the documentation process for the product technical specifications in cooperation with GSM team and 3rd party compliance program.
• Review supplier quality programs and outgoing quality to ensure the best product quality.
• Collaborate with new product development process. 
• Develop and implement the standards for qualification and Beta testing of all products (new, productivity and quality improved).
• Assist GSMs in new vendor selection process based on 3rd party audit assessment.
• Manage the vendor quality process.

Competitive Benchmarking

• Manage the development of new product designs (technical and aesthetic) based on competitive benchmarking and desired performance goals.
• Perform competitive benchmarking studies for products involving new technologies or new competitors.

      Other Department Collaboration

• Assist GSMs and Love’s legal team in Intellectual Property investigations if necessary.
• Analyze the inspection data and assure corrective actions.
• Maintain relationship with existing supplier base.  Work with Suppliers in development and introduction of innovative and high-tech products.
• Ensure appropriate regulatory certifications for all products.
• Assist in review of the product packaging/graphics for regulatory compliance and user-friendly product descriptions and instructions.

      Travel Requirements

• Attend technical seminars and product shows to stay up to date of new developments in Consumer Electronics and Personal Computer accessory products including Bluetooth, USB, IR, and RF technologies.
• Overseas and domestic travel required.

      Handle other duties assigned as needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial, mechanical, electrical or electronic engineering field is required.
• 5 to 7 years of experience in item design, development, qualification and testing of Automotive, Consumer Electronics and Home Electrical Products is preferred.

     SKILLS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Skills:
  • Hard Skills: Knowledge of Microsoft Office. Other software knowledge including SAP applications or product lifecycle management is a plus.
  • Soft Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, keen attention to detail, ability to multitask, strong organizational skills, flexible, good relationship skills. Ability to work with various levels of management, and self-motivated to take on additional tasks.
• Typical Physical Demands:
  • Requires prolonged sitting, some bending and stooping.
  • Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.
  • Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer keyboard and calculator.
  • Requires normal range of hearing and vision.
  • Must be available to travel when needed (traveling by car and plane about 10% of the time).

**This position will be located at Love's corporate office in Oklahoma City.**

Job Function(s): Corporate 

Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores is the industry-leading travel stop network in the United States. For more than 55 years, we’ve provided customers with highway hospitality and “Clean Places, Friendly Faces.” We’re passionate about serving drivers with clean, modern facilities stocked with fuel, food and supplies. We offer meals from popular restaurant chains, trucking supplies, showers and everything needed to get back on the road quickly. The Love’s Family of Companies includes:

• Gemini Motor Transport, one of the industry’s safest trucking fleets
• Speedco, the light mechanical and trucking service specialists
• Musket, a rapidly growing, Houston-based commodities supplier and trader
• Trillium, a Houston-based alternative fuels expert