Product Engineer
linkedinWausau (WI)
About the role
Position Summary:
The Product Engineer is responsible for the design, development, validation, and lifecycle support of residential window and door products. This role ensures that products meet customer expectations, regulatory and code requirements, performance standards, and cost targets while being manufacturable at scale. As a member of the R&D team, the Product Engineer works closely with manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and sales teams to support new product development, product line expansions, and continuous product improvement.
Key Responsibilities:
Design and develop residential window and door systems, components, and options (e.g., frames, sash, glazing systems, hardware, screens, etc.)
Translate architectural requirements, building codes, and customer expectations into engineered product solutions
Support new product development from concept through commercialization, including prototypes, testing, and pilot production
Create and maintain engineering documentation, including drawings, BOMs, product specifications, and assembly instructions
Ensure products meet or exceed applicable performance standards (e.g., structural, air/water, thermal, and durability requirements)
Support product certification, testing, and validation activities (AAMA, NFRC, ASTM, or equivalent standards)
Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to ensure designs are optimized for fabrication, glazing, and assembly processes
Lead or support root cause analysis and corrective actions related to quality issues, field claims, or production challenges
Manage engineering change requests and product updates throughout the product lifecycle
Support suppliers by defining technical requirements, reviewing drawings, and resolving component issues
Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and FMEA activities
Contribute to cost reduction, value engineering, and continuous improvement initiatives
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or related field
3–7 years of product engineering or product development experience (preferably in building products or durable goods)
Strong understanding of materials and manufacturing processes commonly used in window and door systems (e.g., vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, wood, wood composites)
Experience with 3D CAD software (Inventor, Solid Works, Creo, or similar)
Ability to interpret and produce detailed engineering drawings, tolerances, and specifications
Experience supporting products in a production manufacturing environment
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and manage multiple priorities
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in the residential fenestration industry (windows, doors, skylights, or related products)
Familiarity with industry standards and certifications (AAMA, NFRC, ASTM, ICC, ENERGY STAR®)
Knowledge of glass systems, IG units, coatings, and glazing performance
Experience with structural, thermal, and performance testing and validation
Familiarity with extrusion design, tooling, and profile optimization
Experience with ERP/PLM systems
Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement experience
Key Competencies:
End-to-end product ownership
Design for manufacturability and assembly (DFM/DFA)
Structured problem solving and root cause analysis
Detail-oriented documentation and change management
Customer- and market-focused design mindset
Ability to balance innovation, performance, cost, and manufacturability
Work Environment / Physical Requirements
Combination of office, lab, and manufacturing floor work
Minimal ( Ability to support hands-on prototype builds and production trials
Before you apply
Applying takes about a minute. These four things decide how fast it moves after that.
Your profile is current
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Two examples you can talk through
Not a portfolio — just two pieces of work where you can explain the decisions and what you'd change.
A number in mind
What you're on now and what would make you move. We negotiate better when we know both.
Your notice period
Employers plan around it, and it's the question that stalls offers most often.
Once you apply, someone reads it and calls you before anything reaches the employer — usually within two working days.
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