Product Designer

EJ has an immediate opening for a Product Designer. Generous Benefit Package that includes: Paid Vacation and Holidays, Paid Maternity & Paternity Leave, 401K (with match), Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Account, HSA with Employer Match, Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Employee Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement and Bonus Program About EJ: We are the leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of access solutions for water, sewer, drainage, telecommunications, and utility networks. EJ is a family-owned company with global operations. The corporate headquarters is in East Jordan, Michigan, where the company was founded in 1883. Location: This position is located at our Product Development Office in East Jordan, Michigan. SUMMARY Supports existing products as well as new business opportunities from conceptual stages through production. This entails the coordination of multiple projects along with providing support for sales activities. The candidate will have responsibility over creation and maintenance of project design-related documents, e.g., specification reviews, drawings, solid models, bills of materials, stack-up analyses, validation plans, product, and process specifications, change orders, etc. Interact directly with various individuals and teams to design new products and maintain existing products that meet or exceed our customer’s expectations with focus on continuous improvements to quality, delivery, and cost. The candidate will take pride in their hands-on and analytical abilities, organization skills, and attention to detail. The candidate will have a proactive problem-solving approach to any issues that may arise and appreciates an environment where superior work is encouraged and recognized. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Creates models/drawings in Solidworks (CAD) Design and AutoCad. Develops expertise in designing infrastructure cast products. Ability to learn customer and industry requirements/specifications and offers design solutions. Works with customers and sales in providing product design and technical support, i.e., product design, consultation, and service. Assists with drawings, cost estimates, time schedules, written descriptions, and instructions for the project. Assists with product number and process set up. Collaborates with and provides input to entire cross-functional team (Sales, Quality, Manufacturing, Testing, and Purchasing). Works with manufacturing on the effective implementation of new products within the shop, i.e., processes, routings, bill of materials, standards, and new product set-up. Resolves design and/or installation questions. Prepares project status reports and maintains communications between all parties involved in order to avoid conflicts and promote progress to completion. Assists in customer complaint investigations, reporting and follow-ups. Leads the effort to improve product quality as seen by the customer. Provides various troubleshooting assistance to Sales through part set up corrections and assisting with problems in the field. Promotes safety awareness, accident prevention, and employee involvement with regard to a safe work environment. Promotes the company culture, the mission and vision, and the core values of the company. QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must present self in a diplomatic and professional manner. Phone and personal contact with EJ sales personnel and customers is part of this position. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE Associate degree (A.A.) or equivalent from a college or technical school; and/or one year of 3D modeling experience required; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Familiarity with casting design is a plus. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Experience with 3D modeling (preferably Solidworks) and finite element analysis techniques. Ability to conceptualize “verbal” projects and directives given by prospective and current customers. Familiarity with various engineering materials (e.g., iron, steel, aluminum, plastics, composites, adhesives, epoxies). Able to work well under pressure while managing competing demands and tight deadlines. Self-initiative and strong desire to learn new skills and create innovative solutions. Experience with common MS office programs (Excel, PowerPoint, Word). PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor environment/construction site type conditions and moving mechanical equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. TRAVEL Domestic or international air travel may be required. EJ is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. #EJcareers