Prototype Design Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Description

About Ergotron:

Ergotron, Inc. is a global leader in designing ergonomic solutions that connect people and technology to enhance human performance, health and happiness. Through its 40+-year history, Ergotron has led the industry with innovative, professional-grade products and customer-focused service. The company has earned more than 200 patents and through the Technology of Movement, established a growing portfolio of products and solutions to help create environments that promote wellness, productivity and efficiency. 

Ergotron is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, with a strong presence in North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific. For more information, please visit www.ergotron.com. 

Position Summary:

• This is an exciting opportunity for a Shop Manager & Prototype Engineer II to join the New Product Development Team at our global headquarters in Eagan, MN. Ergotron is investing in strengthening our capability for design and rapid prototyping. Our goal is to develop concepts quickly to validate design direction with customers, both internal and external. This position will require the leveraging of 3D Printing, manual machining, along with hand fabrication. Models include: quick conceptual mock ups to validate a specific function, volume studies, usability and ergonomic studies, and fully functioning prototypes for design and engineering investigation.
• Why is this role important? We recognize that every good product hinges on validation, early and often, before going to production. With your help, Ergotron can continue to make a positive impact on people's health and well-being.

Position Responsibilities:

• Build and fabricate prototype models ranging from rough concept models built to learn a specific function/form to high quality and complex models using plastics, woods, metals, Ren, and additional materials.
• Coordinate the operations of the model shop, assigning tasks and tracking project timelines to ensure prototypes are delivered on time
• Finishing and painting of appearance models.
• Create prototypes and models from a napkin sketch or from CAD models (SOLIDWORKS preferred) to capture the design intent.
• Lead and train others of various skill levels to work effectively and safely within the shop environment.
• Partner with Safety to ensure the shop adheres to OSHA guidelines and hazard regulations.
• Program, operate, and maintain equipment such as mills/lathes, 3D printers, CNC benders and plasma cutters, table saws, and other machinery/hand tools.
• Cross functional collaboration with Design teams to develop a project's build needs, brainstorm ideas, review build progress and advise on design manufacturability.
• Work with various teams to document project activities to leverage company know-how across the design organization.
• Understand vendor capabilities and make recommendations for outsourcing when appropriate.
• Explore new materials, processes, and equipment.
• Procure and maintain material inventory, facilities, and equipment.
• Track departmental budget, monitoring the costs of materials, equipment and labor.
• Maintain 5S methodology (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain).
• Travel upon request based on project requirements and professional development.
• Support Manufacturing as needed with troubleshooting and new product production.
• Additional duties as requested.

Position Requirements (Knowledge and Experience):

• Associate degree or higher in Model Building/Making, Engineering, Rapid Prototyping, or a related major.
• 4+ years of experience.
• Experience in prototyping or model making, scheduling resources in a model shop, and collaborating with industrial designers, engineers, and vendors in new product development.
• 3D modeling, 3D printing, plasma cutting, welding, manual machine operation including lathes, mills, sheet metal break and press along with other typical machine shop equipment. 
• Ability to manufacture parts and prototypes to drawing specifications and tolerances.
• Experience in laying out and maintaining efficient model shop, including equipment, tools, and materials.
• Self motivated, creative and capable of handling and prioritizing multiple projects.
• Able to lift 50 pounds.
• Must be able to perform the physical requirements of the job as described to you for the position.
• Ability to champion and model behavior reinforcing Ergotron's Core Values

Benefits:

• Ergotron provides a fast-paced, innovative and flexible work environment with a comprehensive and competitive pay and benefits package. (Use below bullets for United States, delete for Global positions)
• Our total rewards package includes, but not limited to; competitive wages consisting of base pay, bonus and/or incentive pay based on position, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, tuition reimbursement, 401k with match, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 
• We work hard and we recharge. With competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) programs which includes vacation and sick and safe time, and eleven paid holidays our employees have ample time throughout the year to spend with family and friends, traveling or relaxing.
• We are proud to support our employees and their growing families by offering ten weeks of paid maternity leave, four weeks of paid paternity leave, and three days of paid grandparents leave.
• Both our newest and our most tenured employees are formally recognized. Our career milestones program ensures that our new team members feel welcome and rewards employees at five years, ten years, fifteen years and beyond.

Core Values:

• Customer-Centric Innovation
• Built to Last
• Always Improving
• Integrity