Product Design & Development Engineer I

Onsite in Lewisville, TX, this role helps turn railing and metal panel concepts into manufacturable, code-compliant, installable products through SolidWorks modeling, detailing, prototyping/testing, and product quality support.

Responsibilities

• Model and detail new products and product-line extensions in SolidWorks, including parts, assemblies, configurations, weldments, and sheet metal, and produce complete 2D detail and fabrication drawing packages
• Design around VIVA’s in-house capabilities (fiber laser cutting, CNC machining, forming, welding, and finishing) and around what installers can realistically execute on a ladder, with input from fabricators and field crews
• Build and fit up prototypes and mock-ups; set up and run structural and performance tests aligned to IBC, ASTM, and ADA criteria; record results and revise the design accordingly
• 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 in their models; keep the published library current with released designs
• Expand VIVA’s library of standard connection details, common parts, and configurable components to reduce repeated re-engineering
• Create and maintain BOMs, part numbers, assembly and installation instructions, tolerance and finish specifications, and product data sheets; maintain clean drawings and revision history in PDM and ERP
• Deliver assigned design work through the NPD stage-gate process with clear design intent, honest cost and lead-time input, and the documentation each gate requires
• Participate in architect, contractor, and installer feedback sessions with Product Management and Sales; translate feedback into concrete design changes
• Support product quality by assisting the Product Engineer with 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 5 Why and fishbone, including tolerance stack-up checks, review of drawing/revision history, dimensional measurement, and fabrication method review
• Execute corrective action revisions across drawings, models, details, and BIM content so fixes are captured
• Prepare ECRs and process approved ECOs: assess impact on active projects, inventory, and existing documentation; communicate changes across affected groups
• Support field escalations and warranty claims using dimensional analysis, retrofit details, and repair drawings; travel occasionally to project sites when in-person review is required
• Help develop measurable inspection checkpoints and acceptance criteria, especially for finish quality, weld quality, and glass and cable interfaces plus dimensional accuracy
• Log recurring issues against product families and feed findings 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 and specifications; support submittal and design-assist efforts with buildable detailing
• Contribute to installer guidance, shop-floor briefings, and internal technical reference materials
• Support continuous improvement in the fabrication shop through fixturing, process capability, and lean/5S efforts

Requirements

• 2–5 years hands-on product design, mechanical design, or manufacturing engineering experience in a manufacturing environment; ideally metal fabrication, architectural products, or building products
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks for parts, assemblies, sheet metal, weldments, and detail drawings (core skill; evaluated closely)
• Working proficiency in AutoCAD (or equivalent 2D CAD) and the ability to read and interpret architectural and structural drawings
• Solid command of GD&T, tolerance stack-up, and dimensioning practice per ASME Y14.5
• Practical working knowledge of metal fabrication processes: laser cutting, CNC machining, forming and bending, welding (especially stainless steel and aluminum), and finishing
• Comfort with engineering hand calculations (loads, deflection, simple connections) and judgment on when senior review is needed
• 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 preferred in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or Architectural Engineering (or closely related discipline). Associate degree, drafting, or engineering technology acceptable

Technologies

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

Role Focus

• Product Design and Development (~60%)
• Product Quality and Issue Support (~40%)

This position reports to the New Product Development Manager and works daily with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Project Management, and Field Installation.