Product Innovation Engineering Manager

Product Innovation Engineering Manager

As the #1 most preferred national window and door brand by homeowners across the country

• Pella leads the industry in innovation and design. Founded in 1925, Pella Corporation is comprised of the Pella Family of Brands and remains a privately owned company with a robust product offering and national distribution.

With 19 manufacturing locations, 11,000 + team members and more than 250 showrooms in the U.S. and Canada, Pella was named a top employer by Forbes and Newsweek in 2023. We have also received numerous accolades for innovation and design, including Fast Company's Most Innovative Manufacturers for 2022 and 2023.

At Pella, we want you to do the work you're most proud of. That's why we offer individualized talent development plans, cross-functional experiences, and opportunities for career advancement through personal and professional development. Together, with talent just like you, we are building the future of windows and doors. Ready to join us?

SUMMARY

The Product Innovation Engineering Manager is passionate about driving innovation, solving customer problems, and leading a talented product design team. As a key member of our team, they will be responsible for driving the product innovation process, utilizing design thinking and rapid prototyping to create cutting-edge solutions that meet the needs of our customers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Implements best practices to support growth, customer satisfaction and profitability through product initiatives. Organizes and participates on continuous improvement events, including leading 3P events.

• Lead the product innovation process, from ideation to execution, utilizing design thinking methodologies to drive creativity and problem-solving.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify customer pain points and develop innovative solutions that address their needs.

• Drive rapid prototyping and iteration to quickly test and validate product concepts.

• Lead and grow a talented product design team, providing mentorship and guidance to foster their professional development.

• Work closely with stakeholders to align product innovation efforts with business goals and market trends.

• Stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies to drive continuous innovation and improvement.

• Coordinates the specification, design and/or modification of specialty tooling, fixtures and machines.

• Promotes safety through training, design and actions.

• Job requires strong leadership, collaboration, influence, organizational and financial skills.

• Job requires strong product and process background.

Up to 25% travel may be required to support team members and product engineering related initiatives.

Manages a team of 6-8 Engineers.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

QUALIFICATIONS-

• Intellectual Property Management (Patent) experience.

• Proven experience in product innovation, design thinking, and rapid prototyping.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Experience in managing product design projects from ideation to launch.

• Knowledge of market trends and customer insights to drive product innovation.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in engineering, product design or related field from four-year college or university. Master's degree is a plus. Six years related experience and/or training.

COMPUTER SKILLS

Word, Excel and Power Point. Has familiarity with CAD.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

Pella Corporation is committed to workforce diversity. Pella is a Tobacco-Free Work Environment.  Pella participates in E- Verify.  Pella will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Pella Corporation provides a working environment free of discrimination and harassment.  Pella Corporation treats all persons equally, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age or disability, as each is protected under federal law. A number of states in which Pella operates have laws protecting classifications of Team Members not necessarily protected under federal law. Therefore, Pella also treats all persons equally, regardless of political affiliation and belief, pregnancy, national origin, age, creed, marital status, military status, sexual orientation, mental disorder, veteran status, ancestry or handicap as each category is protected under a municipal ordinance or state law.