Prototype Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

PRODUCT ENGINEEREmployment Type: Full TimeLocation: Brentwood, TN / OnsiteReports To: Director of EngineeringBrand/Segment: Gathr OutdoorsABOUT THE COMPANYGathr Outdoors, a portfolio company of Centre Partners, is a diversified global company that designs and manufactures outdoor products and sporting goods. Our mission is to inspire time together outdoors by promoting a passion for outdoor experiences.Our portfolio is built around a collection of trusted brands serving consumers across outdoor recreation, sporting goods, and related lifestyle categories. We are committed to developing innovative, high-quality products and creating meaningful experiences for our customers and consumers.ABOUT THE POSITIONGathr Outdoors is seeking a Product Engineer to join our Engineering team in Brentwood, Tennessee. This hands-on role supports existing products while contributing to product improvements and new product development from concept through production.The Product Engineer will combine mechanical design, sustaining engineering, troubleshooting, prototype fabrication, product testing, and technical documentation to help deliver reliable, high-quality consumer products. The position works closely with internal teams, customers, suppliers, and international engineering, quality, sourcing, and manufacturing partners.The ideal candidate is a practical problem solver who enjoys working directly with products-designing, building, testing, troubleshooting, and improving them-and can effectively manage projects and technical issues through completion.RESPONSIBILITIESSupport existing products and resolve manufacturing, quality, assembly, performance, and customer-related issues.Investigate product failures, identify root causes, and develop and implement appropriate corrective actions.Identify and develop product, material, process, quality, and cost improvements.Support new product development, including concept development, mechanical design, prototyping, testing, validation, and production launch.Create and modify 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, specifications, and other technical documentation.Build prototypes and customer samples using methods including 3D printing, painting, finishing, bonding, and mechanical assembly.Plan and conduct testing of prototype and production products to evaluate function, durability, performance, and compliance with specifications.Develop test methods, fixtures, procedures, and validation approaches as needed.Document test setups, procedures, results, observations, conclusions, and recommendations in clear technical reports.Review production samples, first articles, and proposed engineering changes to ensure product and specification requirements are met.Communicate technical information, project status, test results, recommendations, and corrective actions to customers and internal stakeholders.Coordinate engineering activities with international colleagues, including engineering, quality, sourcing, and manufacturing teams in Hong Kong.Work collaboratively with suppliers and manufacturing partners to address technical and production-related issues.Track projects, engineering activities, and open issues through successful completion.Maintain engineering samples, tools, test equipment, materials, and prototype work areas.Perform other engineering and product-development responsibilities as assigned.QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTSBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.3+ years of experience in product engineering, mechanical design, sustaining engineering, manufacturing engineering, product development, or a related field.Strong mechanical aptitude with demonstrated practical problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.Experience developing mechanical or consumer products from concept through production.Ability to read and create engineering drawings and understand dimensions, tolerances, materials, specifications, and manufacturing requirements.Proficiency with 3D CAD software; SolidWorks preferred.Hands-on experience with prototyping, 3D printing, product testing, hand tools, and mechanical assembly.Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly communicate technical information.Ability to work effectively with customers, suppliers, manufacturing partners, and international teams.Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and independently follow assignments and projects through completion.Proficiency with Microsoft Office or similar business productivity software.PREFERRED EXPERIENCEExperience with injection-molded plastic components, textiles, footwear, sporting goods, outdoor products, or other consumer products.Experience with 3D printing and hands-on prototype fabrication and finishing.Experience working with suppliers and contract manufacturers.Familiarity with root-cause analysis and corrective-action methodologies.Experience with engineering change processes, bills of materials (BOMs), product specifications, and technical documentation.Experience designing or developing test fixtures, test methods, and product validation procedures.Familiarity with PLM, PDM, ERP, or engineering change-management systems.SKILLS / PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONSHands-on, solutions-oriented approach to engineering and product development.Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and root-cause problem-solving abilities.Ability to balance technical rigor with practical considerations related to manufacturing, quality, cost, and schedule.Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality.Effective interpersonal and collaboration skills across technical and non-technical teams.Ability to communicate clearly with domestic and international colleagues, customers, suppliers, and manufacturing partners.Self-motivated and capable of working independently while contributing effectively in a collaborative environment.Ability to prioritize competing demands and drive projects and open issues to completion.Curiosity and a continuous-improvement mindset.EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONSBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline required.Relevant professional certifications or specialized technical training are a plus.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essentialEQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITYGathr Outdoors is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.Gathr Outdoors complies with all applicable laws governing nondiscrimination in employment and makes employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONGathr Outdoors is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, perform the essential functions of the position, or otherwise receive the benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the appropriate Human Resources representative. 
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