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Senior Product Design Engineer (Lead)

San Francisco, CA

Position Overview:

At Fellow, we are passionate about crafting products that blend cutting edge design with exceptional user experiences. 

As a Senior Product Design Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in leading the mechanical design efforts for some programs as we expand our lineup of home appliances - such as precision coffee makers, grinders, and kettles. You will help to drive the design, development, and iteration of hardware products from concept through production, ensuring that they meet the highest standards of functionality, user experience, and design appeal.

You will work closely with cross-functional teams including industrial design, electrical engineers, software developers, marketing, and manufacturing operations to deliver world-class products. As a design lead, you will also direct the efforts of external agencies, mentor other engineers, and lead design reviews.  

This position is required to be in the Bay Area as this is a hybrid position, 3 days in our San Francisco office each week.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead Product Design Process:
    • Oversee the end-to-end design and development of consumer hardware products, focusing on connected home appliances like coffee makers, kettles, and grinders.
    • Create detailed 3D models, CAD designs, and engineering drawings.
    • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure designs meet product specifications, technical requirements, and business goals.
  • Innovation & Concept Development:
    • Lead the generation of new ideas, driving proposals in product functionality, design, and user experience.
  • Prototype & Testing:
    • Utilize rapid prototyping to test design concepts and gather feedback.
    • Oversee testing for performance, durability, and user interaction, ensuring product designs meet quality standards.
    • Iterate on designs based on feedback from internal stakeholders and external users.
  • Mentorship & Team Leadership:
    • Provide technical leadership and guidance to the design team, mentoring other engineers and promoting a collaborative work environment.
    • Lead regular design reviews and provide constructive feedback to team members.
  • Collaboration with Manufacturing:
    • Work closely with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure that designs are optimized for cost-effective production.
    • Oversee the design for manufacturability (DFM) process to minimize production issues and ensure a seamless transition from prototype to mass production.
  • Project Management:
    • Manage project timelines, resource allocation, and deliverables for the design team.
    • Communicate project status, risks, and milestones to key stakeholders.
  • Compliance & Documentation:
    • Ensure all product designs comply with relevant safety, regulatory, and industry standards.
    • Maintain comprehensive documentation throughout the design and development process.
  • Work closely with the Hardware Engineering, Product Management and Program Management Office (PMO) to develop resource plans and program schedules. 

Qualifications:

  • 7+ years of experience in product design and development, with a focus on consumer hardware products.
  • Proven experience leading design projects from concept to mass production, preferably in the connected home appliance sector.
  • Proficient in CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, etc.), and able to create detailed technical drawings.
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing processes such as injection molding, die casting, CNC machining, and 3D printing.
  • Experience in rapid prototyping, product testing, and validation.
  • Excellent understanding of product development lifecycle, DFM principles, and quality assurance practices.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and inspire teams.
  • Passion for innovation and a keen eye for aesthetics, functionality, and user experience.
  • Ability to travel - up to 10%

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience working on connected devices (IoT) or smart appliances.
  • Familiarity with electronics integration, including sensors, connectivity modules, and embedded systems.
  • Experience with sustainability and eco-friendly design principles.
  • Knowledge of regulatory standards for consumer electronics.
  • Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with evolving requirements.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Education:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, Product Design, or equivalent experience.

Benefits:

  • Competitive compensation including employee equity plan
  • Generous paid time off plan
  • 401k with company contribution after 6 months of employment
  • Medical/dental/vision insurance
  • Monthly Fitness Stipend
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Better Yourself Wellness credit & Better Your Community donation matching
  • Generous discount on Fellow products
  • Best coffee anywhere

Salary Range: $180,000-$200,000

Our highest goal at Fellow is creating a safe, inclusive, and rewarding environment where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and thrive. We are committed to building diverse teams and strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups, including but not limited to women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. 

Fellow is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

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