National Presto Industries is looking for a Director of Engineering to lead the Engineering team within the Housewares division of the company. The Director of Engineering is an integral member of the leadership team and is closely involved in the management and direction of engineering related ideation, research and development, product development, manufacturing processes and quality control as well as working with factories and the international purchasing aspects of the business. This position ensures the delivery of a well-designed, safe, quality product on schedule, against tight deadlines and without compromise, and oversees the sourcing of products from reputable vendors to our warehouse for ultimate delivery to customers. The areas of responsibility also include industrial design, new products test lab, model shop, and quality assurance. This position collaborates with the corporate executive team. Performance in this position directly affects the operations and financial success of the company.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Supervise and provide technical leadership and guidance to the department.

Direct, monitor, and supervise product development with the chief engineer related to the following:

• Sales requirements
• Design direction and review – designing for manufacturability
• Safety and UL requirements
• Industrial design to assure ID is economical and can be implemented into the engineered concept
• Model building
• Manufacturing cost requirements
• Performance, short and long-term durability, and Test Kitchen testing
• Delivery schedule

Monitor all lab testing and make recommendations to ensure all required testing is completed and acceptable.

Work up product cost BOM and cost sheet on concept products and products being designed and advise President.

Review and approve all BOMs and price changes for new POs and negotiate prices as necessary.

Create schedules for new products.

Coordinate product design with Purchasing and Sales.

Evaluate, recommend, and approve product design, product tooling, product changes/modifications, ECOs, TDPs, SOs, and content of carton artwork and product literature.

Advise third party quality team of on ongoing projects.

Interface with QA and provide advice and direction to ensure quality standards are being met. 

Evaluate competitive products for cost, function, competitive features, design direction, safety, and durability.

Monitor monthly QC and service reports and designate direction as needed.

Review and question monthly engineering expenses.

Review and approve all BOM cost changes for new production orders.

Approve and sign shipping container invoices, third party quality team invoices and all debit memos; factory invoices for production product and tooling, USA and Canada duty and customs fees, production and tooling PO’s and RMB exchange rate differentials.

Work with purchasing manager to negotiate LEL and factory contracts and product prices.

Investigate new factories, give recommendations, and make decisions.

Adequately staff all areas of engineering and purchasing departments and ensure that all department employees are productive.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Attend New Products Committee, Marketing Committee and Scheduling meetings, advise of project status, and provide professional opinion
• Issue quarterly engineering/purchasing executive report
• Attend quarterly Executive Committee meetings and report on engineering and purchasing matters
• Attend quarterly Quality meetings, assist and advise

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/REQUIREMENTS:

• BS in mechanical or electro-mechanical engineering, or related field
• Minimum 15 years experience in mechanical, electrical, and/or engineering with background in product design, project engineering, or similar position, preferably in consumer products
• Minimum of 5 years in an engineering management role with proven track record of departmental management and new product design
• Experience in designing, engineering, manufacturing and putting into production consumer products while meeting tight deadlines.
• Proven track record of directing and managing employees at all levels
• Strong interest in product design, function, and safety

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

• Good leadership skills and strong ability to mentor, coach, and teach
• Engineering department and product management background 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Familiarity with and understanding of UL standards and product safety
• Working knowledge of electromechanical design and principles
• Familiarity with high volume, mass production methods
• Familiarity with and understanding of QA and QC procedures and methods
• PC proficient, including Microsoft Office software
• Familiarity with CAD 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: Work is performed indoors in normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, fumes, or temperature changes, however, significant travel will expose employee to varied, unforeseen indoor and outdoor conditions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to travel by automobile and airplane, both domestically and internationally
• Must be able to perform visual product inspections
• Must be able to communicate clearly, both verbally and in written form
• Must be able to operate all standard office equipment, including an international cell phone
• Mobility within the office and at client locations
• Frequent computer use at workstation of up to two hours at a time 
• Must be able to carry up to 25 pounds

JOB STATUS: Full Time

FLSA: Exempt

NORMAL WORK HOURS: The hours of this Exempt position may be varied, based on schedule, travel, and workload.

WORK LOCATION:

• Eau Claire, WI Corporate Headquarters 
• Travel: Will include some domestic and international travel as needed
• Relocation assistance available
• Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status)

National Presto Industries offers a competitive benefit package including health, dental and vision along with life and disability insurance. We offer a 401k which includes a 4% company match. Enjoy paid time off with policies including vacation and sick pay. 

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities required of this position. This job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity. Job functions are subject to modification.