Vitamix is unquestionably the premium brand of high-performance “blenders,” and known for its top-notch company culture and climate. It is an important component of what makes Vitamix unique and successful, and the reason why Vitamix is recognized as a Top Workplace, NorthCoast99 Winner, and Smart Culture Award recipient.

Throughout its 101-year history, Vitamix has encouraged and promoted healthy lifestyles for both its customers and employees. Employees enjoy multiple wellness programs and perks, a free Vitamix machine, and an onsite fitness center. Vitamix also offers a flexible work environment, great work culture, healthy living initiatives like fitness reimbursements, and opportunities for advancement.

For consumers, Vitamix can be found domestically in places like William Sonoma, Sur la Table, Crate & Barrel, Target, Amazon, and at Vitamix.com, and is in over 130 countries around the world.

Ultimately, Vitamix is the Global-leader in high-performance blending solutions for home and commercial use, is preferred by chefs and is found in many of top restaurants around the world. It is relied upon by culinary schools in the U.S. and has been used to train thousands of students and master chefs worldwide. If it is not a Vitamix, it’s just a blender.

Vitamix is seeking a Mechanical Engineer, New Product Development to lead the design, development, and implementation of new products. They will be responsible for defining customer needs, developing concepts that meet the needs, vetting concepts through analytical and/or empirical means to propose final solutions to the business, and integrating the solution into manufacturing for readiness. The Engineer ensures that the implementation of the design into production within the framework of the stage-gate process and that the project meets cost, schedule and scope requirements. They will service a subject matter expert and use their knowledge and experience to coach and mentor NPD team members to improve the overall design and functionality of our products. The successful candidate will have previous experience in mechanical or electromechanical new product development environments.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Plans, tracks and delivers on technical aspects of project designs, components and systems that satisfy function, performance, reliability, regulatory and other internal company requirements
• Defines required testing, evaluates test results and identifies root cause of test failures and implements improvement strategies
• Develops, evaluates and improves new product development methods to maximize efficiency and ensure compliance to regulatory requirements.
• Assesses project technical risks in compliance with appropriate external standards and corporate policies
• Collaborates with cross-functional departments to facilitate the successful execution of the new product development projects
• Utilizes the stage gate product development process to produce applicable deliverables
• Proactively builds relationships within function, across departments, and effectively communicates with suppliers

The ideal candidate will also possess:

• Alignment with Vitamix’s culture and Guiding Principles which defines its Purpose, Mission, and Values.
• Expertise around Vitamix competencies: Adapting to Change, Customer Thinking & Focus, Drive for Results, Detail Orientation, Resourcefulness, Relations with Others, Critical Thinking
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel
• Proficient in use of 3D CAD (CREO preferred) and PLM system (Windchill experience a plus)
• Understanding of “Design to Cost” methods/tools is preferred
• Design for Manufacturing (DFM) / Design for Assembly (DFA)
• Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
• Experience in Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) is preferred
• Knowledge of stage-gate (Waterfall Model) product development methodology
• Knowledge of engineering analysis and mechanics
• Ability to apply knowledge of manufacturing methods to designs
• Knowledge of project management techniques and tools
• Possesses and displays excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to convey information in a clear, focused and concise manner
• Demonstrated ability to interface and maintain effective relationships with all levels of employees in a team-oriented environment

• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment

• Ability to shift priorities, demands and timelines through analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• 5+ years experience in mechanical or electromechanical new product development environment
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related discipline), at an ABET accredited university
• Master’s Degree in Engineering is a plus

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.