Senior Clipper Programming Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Wahl Empowers People To Be Their Best!
Design What Millions Use Every Day
At Wahl Clipper, innovation isn't just an idea, it's something you can hold in your hand. As a Senior Product Engineer, you'll lead the development of the products that define our brand, from clippers and trimmers to next generation grooming solutions. You'll take ideas from concept to production, solving complex engineering challenges and turning customer needs into real, manufacturable products. This is a role for a hands-on technical leader who thrives on building, solving, improving, and bringing ideas to life.
This position may sit in the Sterling Headquarters location or our Rosemont, IL location.
What You'll Do
You'll lead new product development from concept through launch, ensuring every product meets performance, quality, and manufacturability standards. Your day-to-day will include:

• Lead and execute new product development of clippers, trimmers and shavers meeting performance requirements to drive end user value.
• Lead translation of VOC/user requirements into system and component engineering specifications; drive trade-off studies and decisions.
• Drive 3D CAD concept development and guide CAD Designers in design maturation, tolerance/fit strategy, and creation of production-ready 2D detailed drawings.
• Apply advanced engineering rigor, tools, and techniques (e.g., DFMEA, FEA, tolerance stack-up, reliability methods) to create, select, validate, and release robust product designs.
• Own and approve key engineering documentation including product specifications, BOMs, design reports, verification summaries, and technical justifications.
• Lead collaborative efforts with R&D and Electrical Engineering teams to identify and/or design the right blades, motors, PCBAs and batteries.
• Define verification strategy and lead prototype and product testing following DVP&R process, including electrical, performance, safety, reliability, and quality evaluations.
• Own engineering execution for Stage Gate deliverables, ensuring design maturity, documentation completeness, and readiness for each gate review.
• Lead complex technical problem solving using Lean/Six Sigma tools (e.g., DoE, 8D, 5 Why, A3), driving containment, root cause, corrective actions, and validation.
• Partner with manufacturing and suppliers to drive DFM & DFA, and process capability improvements; lead supplier technical discussions to resolve design/manufacturing issues.
• Develop and drive risk mitigation plans for engineering deliverables (technical, schedule, cost, compliance), proactively escalating issues and aligning stakeholders to recovery plans.
• Lead and facilitate design reviews, technical reviews, and production release meetings; establish clear action items and ensure closure to confirm feasibility and production readiness.
• Support Manufacturing with development of tooling, equipment, fixtures, and gauges.
• Ensure product and process readiness to meet PPAP/quality requirements by partnering with Quality.
• Accountable for obtaining agency approvals such as UL, CE/EN by working with Compliance, and for integrating requirements into design and verification plans.
• International and domestic travel as necessary, up to 10%.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related technical field
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in electro-mechanical or mechanical product design.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience leading engineering projects from concept through production, including cross-functional technical leadership.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively interface with individuals at all organizational levels, both internally and externally.
• Demonstrated project/program leadership skills, strong ownership, and ability to mentor others.
• Broad knowledge of engineering materials and manufacturing processes, including plastics, casting, metal stamping and machining.
• Experience working with integrating DC Motors, Li-on batteries and Electronic PCBAs into products is a plus.
• Hands on 3D CAD modeling experience required.
• Experience using engineering tools and methodologies such as DFMEA, DVP&R, tolerance stack-up analysis, and FEA required.
• Experience using six sigma and problem-solving tools such as DoE, A3 and 8D is preferred.
• Experience translating user needs into engineering requirements and system level trade-off analyses is required.
• Experience collaborating effectively with engineering and manufacturing counterparts in Asian countries is preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, creative problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.
• Experience with cutting elements is a plus.
• Ability to model company values of respect for people, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Core Competencies

• Action Oriented
• Collaboration
• Optimizes Work Processes
• Nimble Learning
• Demonstrates Self-Awareness
• Values Differences

Why You'll Love Wahl Clipper
We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being and growth, including:

• Low-cost BCBSIL medical, dental, and vision plans
• A generous company-matched 401(k) and profit sharing
• Tuition support to fuel your learning
• Paid holidays and a vibrant, casual work environment

But that's just the beginning. At Wahl, you'll also enjoy:

• A legacy of quality and innovation.
• A team that values your expertise and ideas.
• Opportunities to grow and contribute to meaningful projects.
• A culture built on respect, precision, and progress.

Ready to Build What's Next?
If you're passionate about engineering, problem-solving, and bringing new products to market, we'd love to meet you. Apply today and help shape the future of Wahl products.
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