Engineering Manager

Highwood USA is a leading innovator in the outdoor furniture industry, dedicated to designing and manufacturing high-quality, stylish, and durable products that enhance outdoor living spaces. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of design and engineering, creating furniture that combines functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability.

Position Summary:  

Highwood USA is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Design Engineering Manager to lead our New Product Design team within the outdoor furniture division. This pivotal role will be responsible for managing a talented group of design engineers and driving the entire product development lifecycle from conceptualization to production readiness for innovative and market-leading outdoor furniture. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of engineering principles, materials science relevant to outdoor environments, manufacturing processes, and a proven ability to lead and inspire a team to deliver exceptional designs that meet market needs and business objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

New Product Design and Development:

• Oversee the entire new product design process, from initial concept generation and feasibility studies to detailed design, prototyping, and testing.

• Develop detailed 3D CAD models and engineering drawings using software like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar.

• Create prototypes and mock-ups to validate design concepts and functionality.

• Conduct design reviews and present design proposals to stakeholders.

• Design manufacturing processes to support new products including CNC fixturing/programming, assembly fixturing and auxiliary equipment.

Engineering Analysis & Testing:

• Perform structural analysis, stress testing, and finite element analysis (FEA) to ensure product durability and safety.

• Develop and execute test plans to evaluate product performance under various environmental conditions (UV exposure, moisture, temperature variations).

• Analyze test data and generate reports to document findings and recommend design improvements.

• Ensure products meet relevant industry standards and safety regulations.

 Material Selection & Manufacturing:

• Research and evaluate materials for suitability in outdoor environments, considering factors like durability, weather resistance, and sustainability.

• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to optimize designs for efficient and cost-effective production.

• Develop and maintain bill of materials (BOMs) and technical documentation.

• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues and implement design modifications as needed.

• Manage packaging design focused on new products and improvements to existing designs, as well as third-party certification testing.

• Manage and develop internal testing specifications and processes focused on product performance in the field and packaging performance during shipping.

Project Management & Collaboration:

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, adhering to timelines and budgets.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including designers, marketing, and manufacturing, to ensure seamless product development.

• Communicate effectively with suppliers and external partners.

• Maintain accurate records of all design, testing, and manufacturing information.

• Serve as a project manager to integrate engineering, operations, supply chain, sales and marketing functions throughout the product development process, and balance priorities from multiple stakeholders to create win/win environments for all involved.

Continuous Improvement:

• Stay up to date with the newest materials, manufacturing processes, and design software.

• Identify opportunities to improve existing products and processes.

• Lead process improvement and automation efforts focused on cost reduction, capacity improvements, safety and quality.

Leadership:

• Lead, mentor and develop a team of design engineers, providing leadership and assisting with prioritizing projects – must lead by example.

• Effectively interact in a team environment with both senior leadership and multiple cross functional teams. 

• Provide a safe working environment for all employees by ensuring all equipment and facility upgrades put safety in the forefront.

Qualifications:

 Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline

• Proven Leadership skills with technical and non-technical direct reports / peers

• Minimum 10 years of experience in product development, preferably in the outdoor furniture or related industry

• Experience using CAD-based computer design software to produce 2D and 3D models (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, etc.) and FEA software

• Project management skill, with proven success records leading and directing projects

• Strong understanding of material science, manufacturing processes, and engineering principles

• Experience with prototyping, testing, and design validation

• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills

• Passion for outdoor living and design  

• Knowledge of relevant industry standards (ASTM, etc.) is a plus

 Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of sustainable design principles and materials

• Consumer goods experience working in design and building product for consumer use

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package

• Opportunity to work on innovative and exciting products

• Collaborative and supportive work environment

• Opportunities for professional growth and development

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.