Associate Industrial Designer, Product Formulation & Engineering

«out the Team Our Proprietary Brands team focuses on building brands that are exclusive to PetSmart and that pet parents and pets love. Our team partners with product development, merchandising, product design, product integrity and global sourcing to bring the brand essence to life in product form. About the Location Hybrid Position: This position may be considered Hybrid based on PetSmart’s FlexSmart policy and business needs. A Hybrid work arrangement is considered to be a blend of onsite and remote work activity. Associates with a Hybrid work arrangement have a work space at Phoenix Home Office and can be required to come onsite between 1-5 days a week as determined by leadership and based on business needs. About the Job SUMMARY This position is responsible for developing new propriety-branded Specialty and Hard Goods products that drive customer loyalty, increase profitability, create competitive differentiation, and address merchandising assortment needs. The ideal candidate will participate in the product development process from concept to market launch with an emphasis on technical product development. Their contributions will ensure that the product meets or exceeds product performance and reliability targets, will be of high quality, and can be manufactured at scale. This person will drive the design and engineering to help deliver key category strategies that are commercially viable in partnership with manufacturers primarily in Asia. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to: Support development of prototypes from proof of concepts, utilizing engineering test methods, data driven decision making, and creative problem solving. Utilize design and simulation tools (CAD, FEA, CFD, etc.), rapid prototyping (3D printing, quick-turn fabrication, etc.) and data logging and analysis in developing creative solutions to provide engineering justification and design validation. Collaborate with Senior Industrial Designers and QA teams to ensure design is robust and finalizes specifications with detailed performance tolerances. Blends creativity and technical expertise in designs to ensure product or material will function as intended and that the performance and lifespan goals are achievable and reliably manufacturable. Perform pre, mid-production, and post-production checks and testing to ensure consistent performance and address in improvements needed. Also continues to improve and launched products. Troubleshoot prototype and production assembly equipment for reliability, quality, and throughput issues. Provide solutions based on engineering justification. Supports production start-up either remotely or on-site for product launches and partners with QA for on-going manufacturing and compliance product needs. Develops and maintains specifications with detailed tolerances and approves all changes for key proprietary products. A team player and work well with others in the face of challenges and a common mission. Responsible for ensuring technical milestones in development timelines are met. Proactively follows up with vendors on project statuses, product requirements, manages product development timeline, communicates any changes, additional details and/or risks to Process Team. Cost engineers products based on knowledge of production processes and raw materials to achieve or exceed margin requirements. Possesses strong expertise in product design engineering and partnering with manufacturing engineers in Asia to deliver products that meet cost, quality and performance targets. Possesses an understanding of global development lead-times to coordinate quicker turnaround times with vendors and manage category-specific timeline(s). Must have strong communication and customer service skills to build & maintain productive professional relationships with co-manufacturers, internal stakeholders, and be an effective team player. Requires the ability to proactively & creatively problem-solve & prioritize when facing business problems. Requires strong organizational skills & has the ability to work in a fast-paced environment & handle multiple projects within established timeframes. Tracking of projects through PLM systems and ensuring standards, testing, and performance specs are accurately maintained across EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE Minimum Bachelor's, preferred Master’s, degree in Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent engineering or design degree. One to three years of experience in Product Engineering Development is required. Retail experience preferred. Experience partnering with manufacturers in Asia to launch molded and other technical products that result in strong consumer reviews. TECHNICAL SKILLS Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.) Proficiency of 2D and 3D CAD (PTC Creo, or Solidworks preferred) Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, especially Illustrator and Photoshop Proficiency with FEA and performance Simulation Software Strong, concise written communication Strong sketching and creative presentation skills Knowledge of mass manufacturing molding techniques and how to best use them Working understanding of cut and sew techniques and materials Knowledge of PLM software systems used in product development PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENT The physical demands and work environment are characteristic of those found in a typical office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable those with disabilities to perform essential functions. Must be able to travel domestically and internationally 30% of the time. About the Culture At PetSmart, we work hard to create a culture where every associate feels like they truly belong and we celebrate the unique stories, backgrounds, and experiences our associates share. These experiences not only bring new perspectives in shaping our Belonging culture but they’re core to PetSmart’s success. Not sure if you meet 100% of the position requirements and whether you should apply? We’d still like to hear from you and encourage you to apply with us! You just may be the ideal candidate for this role, and if not this one, perhaps another position. Our home office offers outstanding amenities in a fun and rewarding workplace including: Pet friendly environment, bring your pets to work! On-site Dog Park “Top Dog” gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists and personal trainers “Sit & Stay” Café serving fresh breakfast and lunch options On-site coffee bar “Lil’ Paws” learning center and onsite daycare facility (associate paid) Volunteer events with PetSmart Charities Learn more about
LifeAtPetSmart here: https://www.lifeatpetsmart.com/life-at-petsmart/ Check out Associate stories and share in some celebrations at PetSmart: https://www.blog.lifeatpetsmart.com/ Explore PetSmart Benefits here: https://benefits.petsmart.com/ If you don't already live in the Phoenix area here's a guide to the area: Welcome to Phoenix Guide