Product Design & Development Engineer I

Bring concepts to life for metal railing and panel systems through SolidWorks modeling, BIM content, prototyping/testing, and field-ready documentation.

Responsibilities

• Model and detail new products and product-line extensions in SolidWorks, including parts, assemblies, configurations, weldments, and sheet metal, plus full 2D detail and fabrication drawing packages
• Design around VIVA’s in-house capabilities (fiber laser cutting, CNC machining, forming, welding, finishing) and real installer constraints (ladder installation), using input from fabricators and field crews
• Build and fit up prototypes and mock-ups; set up and run structural and performance tests tied to IBC, ASTM, and ADA criteria; record results and revise designs based on outcomes
• Complete load, deflection, connection, and anchorage hand calculations under senior engineering direction; run basic FEA when appropriate
• Assemble documentation packages for third-party engineers of record and testing labs
• Build and maintain parametric Revit families and BIM content so architects can place VIVA systems accurately; keep the published library current with released designs
• Expand a library of standard connection details, common parts, and configurable components to reduce re-engineering on projects
• Produce and maintain BOMs, part numbers, assembly and installation instructions, tolerance and finish specifications, and product data sheets
• Maintain clean drawing and revision history in PDM and ERP
• Deliver assigned work through the NPD stage-gate process with clear design intent, honest cost/lead-time input, and gate-required documentation
• Participate in architect, contractor, and installer feedback sessions with Product Management and Sales, then translate feedback into design changes
• Support Product Engineer on NCRs from shop floor and field: measure and inspect affected parts, verify against released drawings/models, and document findings
• Contribute to structured root cause analysis using tools like 5 Why and fishbone, including tolerance stack-up checks, revision history review, dimensional measurement, and fabrication method review
• Execute drawing/model/detail revisions from corrective actions and update affected documentation, instructions, and BIM content
• Prepare ECRs and process approved ECOs, including impact assessment on active projects, inventory, and existing documentation; communicate changes to impacted groups
• Assist with field escalations and warranty claims using dimensional analysis, retrofit details, and repair drawings; travel to sites occasionally when in-person review is required
• Help define inspection checkpoints and acceptance criteria, especially for finish quality, weld quality, and glass and cable interfaces plus dimensional accuracy
• Log recurring issues by product family and feed learnings into design standards and the detail library
• Provide day-to-day drawing and detailing support to Manufacturing, Project Management, and Field Installation for product application and problem-solving
• Read and interpret architectural drawings/specifications and support submittal and design-assist efforts with buildable detailing
• Contribute to installer guidance, shop-floor briefings, and internal technical reference material
• Support continuous improvement in the fabrication shop including fixturing, process capability, and lean/5S efforts

Requirements

• 2–5 years of hands-on product design, mechanical design, or manufacturing engineering experience in a manufacturing environment (ideally metal fabrication, architectural products, or building products)
• SolidWorks proficiency for parts, assemblies, sheet metal, weldments, and detail drawing work (core skill and closely evaluated)
• Working proficiency in AutoCAD (or equivalent 2D CAD) and ability to read/interpret architectural and structural drawings
• Strong knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-up, fits and clearances, and dimensioning practice per ASME Y14.5
• Practical working knowledge of metal fabrication processes: laser cutting, CNC machining, forming/bending, welding (especially stainless steel and aluminum), and finishing
• Comfort with engineering hand calculations (loads, deflection, simple connections) and judgment for when a calculation needs senior review
• Clear written and verbal communication, including explaining drawings/design decisions to welders, project managers, and installers
• Willingness to work hands-on in the fabrication shop and at project sites (not desk-only)
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or Architectural Engineering (or closely related) preferred but not required; associate degree, drafting, or engineering technology also considered

Technology

• SolidWorks
• Revit
• AutoCAD
• FEA
• PDM
• ERP
• ASME Y14.5

Position Summary

• Convert railing and metal panel concepts into manufacturable, code-compliant, installable products
• Hands-on role focused on the new product development pipeline: modeling and detailing in SolidWorks, producing drawing packages and BIM content for quoting/fabrication/specification, plus prototyping and testing against IBC, ADA, and ASTM
• Approximate split: ~25% supports product quality
• Reports to the New Product Development Manager and works daily with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Project Management, and Field Installation
• Role breakdown: Product Design and Development (~60%) and Product Quality and Issue Support (~40%)

Location and Experience

• Onsite: Lewisville, TX
• Minimum experience: 2 years