Associate Research Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

The Best Experience Company
Our tagline is “The Best Experience Company.” More than just a set of words, it represents the essence of who we are at Springs Window Fashions. As North America’s premier window covering company, we’re committed to creating the Best Experience for our associates, consumers and end users, business partners, and communities. We want you to join our team of passionate self-starters who believe the world is full of Best Experience opportunities. So, if you’re excited about the thought of a Best Experience career with a team focused on creating Best Experiences for all, we want to hear from you!

Position Summary

Responsible for creating, supporting, and developing new and innovative product/process designs and redesigning existing products/processes. This is successfully accomplished by understanding, accurately specifying, and adhering to customer requirements, utilizing and applying quality tools and methods and pursuing continuous improvement in all aspects of product and process design. These efforts will have a direct impact on reducing labor and material costs, while improving value, reliability, and performance. The associate will plan and manage product design engineering activities related to conceptualization, product design, and manufacturing process functions. 

Objectives

Concept Development (30%)

• Identify consumer and market needs; translate them into product requirements using QFD and other structured design tools.
• Develop multiple concepts and functional prototypes for evaluation.
• Participate in consumer focus groups and market research activities.
• Reduce early concepts to commercially viable solutions.
• Create mechanical drawings and 3D models.
• Support evaluation of concept patentability and help identify potential IP risks.

Design Development (50%)

• Coordinate and prioritize design and engineering activities based on NPD and product management goals.
• Design products and components with emphasis on safety, durability, reliability, manufacturability, value, and ease of assembly.
• Contribute to both short-term and long-term design and development planning.
• Establish design specifications, select materials, and evaluate potential suppliers.
• Estimate product and tooling costs and assist with project justification.
• Facilitate design reviews across functional groups and integrate manufacturability feedback into designs.
• Prepare reports, summaries, and presentations related to engineering activities.
• Maintain engineering files, drawings, and documentation in accordance with internal standards.
• Interface with suppliers and purchasing to resolve supplier-related quality issues.

Administrative & Continuous Improvement (20%)

• Collaborate with NPD and Marketing to introduce new product concepts and improve existing products.
• Support and follow the New Product Development stage-gate process.
• Review patents and help assess potential patent risks.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives (root-cause analysis, corrective actions, 5S, process improvements).
• Maintain and organize lab areas according to 5S principles.

Education and Experience

• BS in Engineering with 4+ years of relevant work experience. 
• Must be flexible with assignments, able to work independently, and collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Must be organized, methodical, able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and capable of meeting established timelines.
• Receives direction from the Engineering Manager. Expected to manage multiple medium- or limited-scope projects and must document testing and communicate results clearly.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Design & Technical Skills

  • Strong conceptual and detailed design skills.
  • Creativity and innovation proficiency, including concept generation and early design exploration.
  • 3D CAD proficiency (SolidWorks preferred; AutoCAD experience acceptable).
  • Knowledge of drafting standards (e.g., ASME Y14).
  • Experience with metal, plastic, and wood components and processing preferred
  • Experience with prototype fabrication for fast learnings.
  • Familiarity with QFD and other customerdriven design translation tools.
  • Strong general math/calculation abilities.

  Project & Documentation Skills

  • Technical writing skills for specifications, lab reports, and project updates.
  • Ability to collect, organize, and manage engineering data.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Effective verbal and written communication.
  • Ability to manage work according to established project timelines.

  Software & Tools

  • Proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and general PC skills.
  • Experience with project management tools (e.g., MS Project, SmartSheets, etc).
  • Experience using PLM and ERP systems and general document control environments.

  Interpersonal & Collaboration Skills

  • Strong interpersonal skills for working with engineering, suppliers, marketing, manufacturing, and cross-functional teams

How We Work to Deliver a Best Experience: Our Culture

Our Core Value: We do the right thing, always

Our Seven Cultural Behaviors

• Empowerment - We trust our people.
• Ownership - We take 100% responsibility for our roles actions, and results.
• Leadership - We all lead by example and talk direct with respect (DWR).
• One Team - We are One Springs Team.
• Customer First - We consider our customers' needs before every decision.
• Continuous Innovation - We are constantly learning, innovating, and improving.
• Speed - We define priorities and operate with a sense of urgency and eligibility.