Quanex is looking for a Design Engineer to join our team located in Rice Lake, Wisconsin.
The Design Engineer will be responsible for the development of innovative and manufacturable screen solutions for the window and door industry. This role will leverage a structured New Product Development (NPD) process to reduce risk, ensure robust performance, and optimize designs for manufacturability. The engineer will apply advanced design tools and methodologies including Design for Manufacture (DFM), Design Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (DFMEA), and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions.
We Offer You!
- Competitive Salary and bonus potential
- 401K with 5% company match, yours to keep after 2 years
- 15% immediate return if you participate in the company’s ESPP
- Medical, Dental & Vision Plans
- Employer paid disability plans and life insurance
- Paid Time Off & Holidays
- Tuition support for degree and continuous education
- Employee Resource Groups focused on employee empowerment
What’s attractive about the Design Engineer position?
- Ability to create detailed project plans
- Collaborative and Team-Oriented environment
What Success Looks Like:
- Lead the design and development of screen products from concept through production using a defined New Product Development process.
- Apply Design for Manufacture principles to ensure ease of production, cost efficiency, and quality.
- Conduct Design Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) to identify and mitigate potential risks early in the design phase.
- Utilize Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to validate design integrity and performance under various conditions.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, quality, and supply chain to ensure seamless product integration.
- Create detailed engineering documentation including CAD models, drawings, specifications, and BOMs.
- Support prototype development/testing and iterate designs based on test results and feedback.
- Participate in design reviews and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
- Stay current with industry trends, materials, and technologies relevant to screen solutions.
- Identifies gaps in product offerings and recommends new products or product derivatives.
Your Credentials:
- Required: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
- Preferred: 3-5 years of experience in mechanical design engineering
- 1-2 years of experience in Design or Applications Engineering in the fenestration industry desired
- Proficiency in CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks or Inventor)
- Fluent in MS-Office Suite, with a working knowledge ERP systems
- Experience with FEA tools and interpreting simulation results
- Strong understanding of DFM and DFMEA methodologies
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Collaborative mindset with a proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams
- Self-motivated and proactive, with strong organizational and time management skills
- Adaptability and openness to feedback in a fast-paced, iterative development environment
- Analytical thinking and a continuous improvement mindset
- High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability
- Familiarity with industry standards and regulatory requirements relevant to window and door hardware (AAMA, ASTM, ANSI).
The salary range for this position is $72,500 to $88,500 with bonus potential.
About Quanex, A Part of Something Bigger
Quanex (NYSE: NX) is a global, publicly traded manufacturing company primarily serving OEMs in the fenestration, cabinetry, solar, refrigeration and outdoor products markets. We are A Part of Something Bigger by improving the performance and aesthetics of end products through continuous innovation, helping customers achieve greater production efficiencies, dedication to giving back to communities where we operate, producing shareholder value and helping our employees learn, grow, and thrive. Learn more at Quanex.com.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Top Skills
What We Do
At Quanex (NYSE: NX), we are a global manufacturing company serving OEMs across fenestration, cabinetry, solar, refrigeration, and outdoor living markets. From iconic skylines to everyday homes, our components enhance the comfort, sustainability, security, and aesthetics of spaces worldwide.
Our Business Segments:
• Extruded Solutions: Delivering high-performance profiles and materials for windows, doors, and architectural products.
• Hardware Solutions: Providing advanced components that enhance functionality, security, and efficiency.
• Custom Solutions: Offering tailored products and services designed to meet unique customer needs and complex applications.
Our Commitment:
• Innovating to enhance product performance and sustainability.
• Helping customers achieve greater production efficiency.
• Supporting the communities where we live and work.
• Delivering long-term value to our shareholders.
• Empowering our employees to learn, grow, and thrive.
We are A Part of Something Bigger.
