The Role
Develops and engineers aftermarket product concepts during the early product development phase. Responsibilities include CAD modeling, prototyping, testing, validation planning, cost estimation, product specifications, manufacturing collaboration, and technical ownership of cross-functional projects. The role requires expertise in SolidWorks, FEA, consumer product design, manufacturing processes, mechanism design, and vehicle fitment, along with domestic and international travel.
Summary Generated by Built In
At Yakima we believe in connecting you, your family, friends and all your favorite gear to your desired destination or activity through our mission of enhancing the journey and earning trust every day. As part of the Yakima Advanced Development Team, this position is responsible for the technical development and engineering execution of aftermarket product concepts during the Concept Phase of the Yakima Product Development Process.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll do:
- Develop innovative concepts within the Concept Phase of the Yakima Product Development Process.
- Collaborate with Industrial Design, Category Business Management, Global Sourcing, and manufacturing partners to develop innovative products that meet performance, manufacturing, and market requirements.
- Develop CAD models, build and evaluate prototypes, obtain cost estimates, and translate market and product requirements into clear product specifications.
Specifics Include:
- Produce completed engineering work using industry-leading processes and techniques.
- Maintain an Engineering Notebook to document workflow, results, analyses, alternative concepts, and recommended solutions.
- Work closely with Industrial Designers to integrate aesthetic and user experience inputs into engineering designs.
- Work with the Advanced Development Manager and internal resources to develop and drive project schedules.
- Collaborate closely with the Senior Advanced Development Engineer and participate in technical reviews outside the Concept Team through the weekly Tech Panel.
- Collaborate with the Test Team to develop and execute validation plans, including prototype and production testing to verify product performance and feasibility.
- Work with manufacturing partners and the Cost Manager to create product and tooling cost estimates.
- Take technical ownership of assigned projects, working with cross-functional teams and internal and offshore engineering resources to ensure concepts meet user experience, innovation, performance, manufacturability, and project objectives.
- Create and maintain product specification documents.
- Follow, influence and improve the Product Development Process.
- Keep informed of the latest developments in the field through industry research, professional contacts, trade shows, and attendance at relevant meetings.
- Travel domestically and internationally in support of projects.
- Carry out other duties, responsibilities, and projects as may be assigned, in an effective manner.
What you Bring:
- Bachelor's degree in Design Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- 6+ years of engineering product development experience, including experience contributing to and driving product development projects with minimal oversight and aggressive timelines.
- 3+ years of consumer product design experience preferred.
- Demonstrate a high degree of creativity, curiosity, and innovative thinking.
- Comfort and willingness to operate within the “fuzzy front end” of development when requirements and goals are sometimes not fully defined.
- Proficiency with SolidWorks CAD software, including surfacing and FEA.
- Thorough understanding of manufacturing processes, test methods, and basic machine shop practices, including but not limited to injection molding, vacuum forming, metal fabrication, die casting, and extrusion processes.
- Lean manufacturing experience, offshore manufacturing experience, and mechanism design experience preferred.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills in English required; bilingual fluency in Mandarin Chinese is desirable.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to work independently and effectively within cross-functional teams.
- Excellent organizational, project management, and time management skills.
- Knowledge of outdoor hard goods and/or automotive industries.
- Knowledge of vehicle fitment, vehicle platforms, and the automotive aftermarket preferred.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Design Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
- 6+ years of engineering product development experience
- Experience contributing to and driving product development projects with minimal oversight and aggressive timelines
- 3+ years of consumer product design experience
- Creativity, curiosity, and innovative thinking
- Ability to operate in ambiguous early-stage product development environments
- Proficiency with SolidWorks CAD, including surfacing and FEA
- Understanding of manufacturing processes, test methods, and basic machine shop practices
- Knowledge of injection molding, vacuum forming, metal fabrication, die casting, and extrusion
- Lean manufacturing experience
- Offshore manufacturing experience
- Mechanism design experience
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills in English
- Bilingual fluency in Mandarin Chinese
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
- Ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams
- Strong organizational, project management, and time management skills
- Knowledge of outdoor hard goods and/or automotive industries
- Knowledge of vehicle fitment, vehicle platforms, and the automotive aftermarket
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The Company
What We Do
Yakima designs and sells gear that helps people transport recreational equipment and enjoy outdoor adventures. Its product range includes roof and truck racks, hitch and towing systems, bike and snow carriers, cargo boxes, water-sport mounts, camping equipment, rooftop tents, and related accessories. The company traces its roots to a small machine shop making canoe braces and ladder racks, and today serves customers through a global outdoor-gear brand.
