Product Development Engineer III - The Toro Company

We're looking for a Product Development Engineer III to join our talented team. In this role, you will work closely with the Design team including Designers, Electrical Engineers and Software Engineers to develop innovative products for our Commercial Division.  This role will lead the cross functional team for a Commercial Product/s.

What Will You Do?

• Lead and coordinate the development of new product concepts, new products, or improvements to existing products. Creates design that satisfies the product requirements as outlined in the product specification and resolves design problems.

• Perform engineering analysis to predict the behavior of the proposed designs.  Analysis tools may include FEA, or electronic simulation programs.

• Develop product design plans including budgets and schedules.  Execute to plan and assist in control of project.

• Consult with / lead cross functional team including other Product Design Engineers, Marketing, Mechanical Designers, Manufacturing, Service, Test on proposed product designs.  May be responsible for work direction of designers, drafters, contract/consulting personnel, and others.

• Work with vendors to finalize designs and implements, in hardware, the needs of the product application.  Develop specifications and working agreements with vendors. Help assure that the vendor meets the requirements of the design.

• Perform functions as required by established engineering procedures including project requests through engineering release and change management procedures.

• Assure that designs meet the requirements of the customer as defined by safety and any applicable industry or Toro standards.

• Supervise designers and/or engineers which include selection, training, discipline, performance appraisal, salary review, setting and monitoring objectives and other related tasks in support of engineering project goals and objectives.  May also provide work direction to contractors and consultants to assure that they meet the requirements for function, cost, timing and quality.

• Actively participate in the development and understanding of customer requirements through direct contact with marketing, customers, service, manufacturing and distribution.

• Coordinate work with the product development team members such as, but not exclusively: Shop, Test, Drafting, CAE, Quality, Marketing, Sourcing, Manufacturing, Advanced Manufacturing, Sales, Technical Publications, Administration, and Management.  Conduct and participate in regular project team meetings.

• Responsible for drawing package, bill of material, and product specification.  Oversee the building of prototypes.

• Work with test engineers and technicians to develop tests which simulate the requirements of the customer.  Evaluate test data and develop design revisions to solve problems. Support company Quality Policy by working within the documented Quality System.  Responsible for the operation of the quality system within their respective areas.  Participate in quality initiatives and training as needed.

• Keep abreast of new technological developments, components, concepts, materials, manufacturing processes, or competitive environment, which would affect the design or design process.

• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

What Do You Need?

• Professional Engineering license, or

• Bachelors degree in an ABET accredited Mechanical, Aeronautical or Agricultural engineering program  or

• Masters degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aeronautical or Agricultural engineering from a university with an ABET accredited undergraduate engineering program

• Successful completion of EIT requirements is desirable

• A minimum of 5 years of experience, preferably in the powered equipment industry.

• Must be able to plan and execute all technical engineering activities for complete product development.

• Must be able to direct activities of engineers, designers, drafters and supports groups, such as Shop and Test personnel.  May supervise designers and engineers.

• Has demonstrated competency in creativity, productivity, and decision make and problem resolution through successful completion of projects.

Other Job-Related Components: 

• Travel to test sites, distributors, customers, vendors, manufacturing facilities, and others will be required.  Travel may be U.S. domestic or International.

• Ability to work with others in teams to accomplish goals.  Includes task and/or project leadership.