Principal Product Development Engineer

Job Summary The Expert New Product Development Engineer is responsible for developing, evaluating, and modifying new product designs in support of customer and product requirements. This position ensures designs efficiently utilize quality and cost-effective materials, accounts for production capabilities, and supports the company commitment to producing top quality, durable bedding. It is a highly collaborative role with many cross‑functional partners, and also includes a leadership position within the New Product Development group, providing mentoring, training, and guidance to junior engineers. Salary Range $95,000-$135,000 Essential Duties, Responsibilities, and Key Results Area Lead cross‑functional product development teams dedicated to ensuring the product meets the organization’s key metrics for cost, quality, and timing Translate customer requirements from marketing into measurable product and technical requirements Develop test plans based on DFMEA, customer requirements, internal quality standards, and regulatory/EHS guidelines Conduct component testing, prototype trials, and full‑scale validation builds and testing Create product, component, and cover specifications to fully document product designs Conduct cross‑functional technical design reviews to ensure technical community alignment on status of product design Ensure compliance to the NPD tollgate process; collaborate with other functional resources at each step and report at tollgate presentations to leadership Work with marketing to develop product claims and substantiate through validation testing Perform pilot testing with operations to ensure manufacturability of the design Support new production processes and launches to ensure product is manufactured according to design, safety, and quality specifications Provide mentorship to junior engineers Lead innovation activities for the NPD team and support NPD leadership initiatives for continuous improvement and lessons learned activities Assist in NPD initiatives, communicate with the NPD team and other resources as required to support product development initiatives and rollout, providing design and technical expertise as needed Complete other duties as needed to support overall strategy and success of product development initiatives and rollout Ideal Candidate Possesses These Attributes Strong problem‑solving skills, able to collect, analyze, and interpret data, synthesize alternatives, and recommend the right final solution Broad project management skills and disciplined in developing objectives, action plans and effective in defending and selling decisions with confidence Solid interpersonal and collaboration skills and ability to communicate technical subjects to broad audiences, including leadership Impressive analytical abilities and enthusiasm to push forward in difficult situations Flexibility to seek and incorporate input from others Ability to adapt and manage effectively in a fast‑paced and continuously changing environment Experience in planning, assessing, and implementing change Strong organizational skills and capability to work on multiple projects efficiently within strict deadlines Experience with 3‑D CAD software such as Solidworks is a plus Internal and External Interfaces Member of Global Product Development as part of the New Product Development team. Internal Partners Sourcing, Engineering, Finance, Manufacturing, Marketing, Consumer Design Qualifications Degree in Mechanical, Textile, or Industrial Engineering (or other related Engineering discipline) 8+ years of experience in an engineering or operations organization delivering and maintaining consumer products Work Environment/Physical Requirements Fast‑paced corporate office environment. Regular travel is not expected in this position; however, travel around scheduled projects such as program rollouts may be necessary. #J-18808-Ljbffr