Product Development Engineer at Westlake

Wayne, Pennsylvania, United States

Not SpecifiedCompensation

Mid-level (3 to 4 years), Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Manufacturing, Plastics, PVC Pipe, ConstructionIndustries

Technical knowledge, original thinking, and ingenuity to solve design problems and develop new products and systems
Mechanical engineering expertise and ability to utilize best practice methodology for robust product designs and sound decisions
Comfortable working in a team environment and collaborating cross-functionally with all roles and levels of the business
Ability to plan, lead, and report on projects while maintaining scope, schedule, and cost commitments
Willingness to travel out-of-town approximately 10% (plant visits, outside lab testing, trips to observe product installations, vendor interface, etc.)
Ability to work in both lab-based settings (physical testing, machining tools, rapid prototype assembly, hands-on field testing) and office settings (extensive design work)
Knowledge of design for safety, manufacturability, and other best practices
Knowledge of design for molding for injection molded system components
Knowledge of elastomeric sealing technologies to innovate and optimize hydraulic seals
Familiarity with governing agency requirements (e.g., ASTM) and ability to develop test plans for compliance
Proficiency in creating 3D CAD models and assemblies using SolidWorks, including detail drawings, part and product specifications
Understanding of plastic extrusion and molding manufacturing processes, capabilities, and design requirements
Ability to manage multiple product development projects using a Stage/Gate process, defining timelines and key milestones

Develop innovative products that meet customer expectations, quality, financial requirements, and industry/government compliance standards
Lead brainstorm and ideation sessions to create innovations that solve market needs
Develop product prototypes and looks/works models for design validation, aesthetics, performance, and usability reviews
Work closely with material technology and process engineering groups to ensure designs utilize optimized materials and transition effectively to production
Create test plans in cooperation with labs (internal/external) to confirm design goals and establish qualification/QC manufacturing criteria
Assess and optimize existing products for application, field performance, or manufacturing improvements, and develop line extensions
Monitor and benchmark competitive products and identify design alternatives
Work directly with outside vendors for part sourcing, engineering support, and material development