Senior Mechanical Engineer, Innovation

Responsibilities:

• Execute the innovation mechanical engineering role by delivering on Brooks’ Fit, Feel, Ride, and Crafted Beauty principles on multiple, concurrent projects via an unwavering dedication to always deliver excellence
• Provide leadership to Innovation, Research, and Inline teams to uncover new ways that innovative materials can be tested and validated while also meeting project goals and performance, sustainability, cost, and quality objectives.
• Demonstrate and articulate the benefits of the new material testing program with key stakeholders including the Innovation Lead Triad, Run Research Team, Inline Teams, and our global factor partners to gain buy-in on the adoption of new methodologies and processes.
• Drive the adoption, implementation, and proliferation of the testing program.
• Lead the creation of new mechanical testing protocols to evaluate future concept materials and technologies that connect to improved runner experiences
• Ensure product performance integrity by working with Product Validation teams to determine testing needs/criteria, explore new test methods, understand results, and make decisions based on learnings.
• Identify and partner with vendors, factories, and the Sourcing team to discover and advance new materials and processes which enhance the overall performance of product.
• Identify, recommend, and specify to project team the materials that will ensure product performance integrity through product testing (physical and field testing).
• Own project management role for multiple complex projects
• Plan and execute projects according to project critical dates that lead to on-time delivery of project goals
• Lead and ensure good communication between core innovation team members, subject matter experts, external partners, and leadership
• Initiate and lead meetings with project teams during various phases of development to review, evaluate, update and ultimately drive the decision-making process that leads to on-time project delivery and cost goals
• Understand when to bring in additional support to continue to drive product decisions forward
• Lead the creation and implementation of new material methodologies that will deliver state-of-the-art technologies and processes complete with best practices and technology transfer documentation to facilitate seamless transitions into the in-line process.
• Employ simulation and modeling solutions to enhance our product designs, technologies, processes, and materials.
• Apply engineering principles to predictably calculate the benefits to the consumer before committing resources to prototype builds.
• Apply FEA principles and systems to model material properties and its influence on runner perception.
• Display an in-depth knowledge of the 2D/3D CAD tools and process with the ability to explain and manipulate the process to advance and enhance the overall performance and efficiency of product.
• Identify opportunities to streamline or improve current operations and create, implement, and communicate new processes and techniques to the cross-functional teams
• Recommend and specify software, hardware, and testing methods to help validate the designed computational solutions.
• Assist and guide the biomechanics and design teams to build sound solutions that enhance the speed at which we test and prove ideas.
• Contribute to the product creative process so that material modeling becomes a validation point within the innovation development process so that new ideas can be challenged and formulated through scientific reasoning.
• Lead and manage relationships with external partners conducting predictive modeling work and possess the ability to implement practical application of research findings.
• Provide engineering solutions that complement design, biomechanics, and production requirements.
• Employ simulation and modeling solutions to enhance our product designs, technologies, process, and materials.
• Keep up to date on engineering technologies and be innovative in their application.
• Display an expert understanding of the manufacturing process with the ability to modify the process to advance and achieve new materials techniques that improve the overall performance of product.
• Anticipate downstream effects of decisions as they relate to product and project management. Be proactive in solutions to mitigate delays.
• Act as an expert resource for other Footwear Team members with an aptitude for coaching and mentoring.
• Continuous learning of Brooks Fit, Feel & Ride manufacturing best practices.
• Create and build a knowledge base and stay informed about vendor capabilities and performance, factory relationships, quality issues, materials pricing, and lead times.
• Build collaborative relationships with inline colleagues.
• Provide mentoring assistance to the innovation team members on mechanical design engineering.
 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or other applicable technical degree.
• 7+ successful years relevant work experience in 3D CAD design and modeling;
• 5+ years in product development of high-performance footwear is a major plus
• Demonstrated ability to creatively apply engineering principles and theories to solve new technical problems.
• Technical expertise in 2D/3D with an advanced knowledge of computational and simulation engineering software.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing capabilities, anticipating issues, and problem-solving with timely resolution.
• Understanding of the validation process from modeling to lab, fit, wear, and biomechanical testing and specification concepts and processes.
• Proven ability to lead and influence in a collaborative, cross-functional group to meet strategic objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to develop relationships with individuals and teams that are made up of diverse disciplines and cultural backgrounds resulting in effective working relationships across the company
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with an advanced ability to communicate new ideas, concepts, and functional expertise within project teams and to external stakeholders.
• Keen attention to detail in planning, organization, and execution of tasks (self and through others).
• Curious and open-minded; always open to a challenge, inventive, creative. With the ability to challenge the status quo – always looking at improving our products and processes while also displaying a willingness to dive into the details.
• Strong computer skills including experience with Rhino, Solid Works, Altair, and MS Office software.
• Proven ability to lead and influence in collaborative, team-oriented, and complex global environments.
• Passionate participation in Brooks’ sports activities is a plus, overridden by the ability to understand and empathize with the runner in order to develop loyal, engaging relationships with our customers and the Brooks community.
• Embraces and lives the Brooks values!