Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Kawneer (Arconic)

Location: Alpharetta, Georgia, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Product Design & Engineering

Date Posted: September 16, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive innovation and product development within the fenestration systems sector as a key member of the New Product Development team.

• Lead the end-to-end design process for new and enhanced fenestration products, from conceptualization through to final engineering documentation.

• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration with internal teams, including drafting, technical authors, manufacturing, and procurement, as well as external suppliers.

• Ensure product designs adhere to market needs, industry standards, and Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles.

• Contribute to the creation of comprehensive technical literature and customer-facing documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is firmly rooted in product engineering and design within the building/construction materials sector, specifically fenestration (windows, doors, curtain walls). The emphasis on Inventor and AutoCAD, coupled with responsibilities like DFM, technical briefs, and product testing, indicates a need for a designer with a strong technical and manufacturing understanding, not solely a user interface or graphic designer. The "Product Designer" title here refers to the design of physical products.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the design and development of new fenestration products and lead enhancements for existing product lines.

• Develop conceptual designs, create prototypes, and produce detailed final product engineering documentation for manufacturing.

• Create and manage engineering change orders (ECOs) to implement design modifications and improvements.

• Collaborate closely with manufacturing teams to integrate Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles, optimizing production efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

• Work with Technical Authors and Illustrators to develop clear and accurate technical literature, including installation instructions and other customer-facing materials.

• Coordinate with the Drafting team to ensure accurate and complete engineering support documentation.

• Participate in and oversee the installation of test units and conduct product testing, which may involve hands-on activities and adherence to EHS policies.

• Engage with product manufacturing, procurement, and outside suppliers to ensure design feasibility, material sourcing, and quality control.

• Assist in the development of Technical Briefs to ensure product designs align with project definitions and market requirements.

• Travel domestically and internationally (25-30%) for project collaboration, site visits, and product testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a hands-on product development role. The mention of "hands-on" testing, including physical requirements like kneeling, squatting, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting up to 40lbs, is a critical detail for candidates to understand the physical demands of the job, beyond typical desk-based design work. The travel requirement also necessitates a candidate with flexibility and willingness to be on-site at various locations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Associate degree in engineering or architecture from an accredited institution.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, structural, or civil engineering, or architecture is preferred. Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in product design.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in the building/construction industry.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience with 3D modeling using Autodesk Inventor.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience with 2D drafting using AutoCAD.

• Experience with the Autodesk Vault environment.

• Experience with the MS Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• 3 years or more of experience in designing windows, doors, curtain wall, or storefront systems is preferred.

• Knowledge of fenestration industry codes and standards is preferred.

• Knowledge of thermal simulations using Therm software is preferred.

• Knowledge of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using Inventor or other software is preferred. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in 3D modeling software (Autodesk Inventor).

• Proficiency in 2D drafting software (AutoCAD).

• Understanding of product design principles and lifecycle.

• Ability to develop conceptual designs, prototypes, and engineering documentation.

• Familiarity with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles.

• Experience with PDM/PLM systems, specifically Autodesk Vault.

• Strong problem-solving skills for technical challenges.

• Effective verbal communication skills for team collaboration.

• Ability to manage design efforts, estimate task duration, and meet deadlines.

• Capacity to work effectively within a team environment.

• Familiarity with industry engineering standards and company procedures.

• Proven record of design creativity. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the fenestration industry (windows, doors, curtain walls).

• Knowledge of building codes and industry standards relevant to fenestration.

• Experience with thermal simulation software (e.g., Therm).

• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools.

• Project management skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific software like Inventor, AutoCAD, Autodesk Vault, and preferred tools like Therm and FEA software highlights the technical depth required. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their proficiency and experience with these tools, especially Inventor for 3D modeling and AutoCAD for 2D drafting, as these are explicitly stated as minimum requirements. The combination of an Associate's degree and 2 years of experience, or equivalent industry experience, positions this as an early to mid-career role within product engineering.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of product design projects, demonstrating the full design lifecycle from ideation to final engineering documentation.

• Include examples of 3D models created in Autodesk Inventor and 2D technical drawings produced in AutoCAD.

• Highlight projects that involved Design for Manufacturing (DFM) considerations and how they improved production efficiency or cost.

• Present case studies that illustrate problem-solving skills, particularly for technical challenges encountered during product development.

• Demonstrate experience with PDM/PLM systems, such as Autodesk Vault, by showing how design data was managed and version controlled. Process Documentation:

• Document your approach to developing conceptual designs and prototypes, detailing the iterative process.

• Explain your methodology for creating detailed engineering documentation, ensuring clarity and accuracy for manufacturing.

• Illustrate how you have collaborated with drafting teams, technical authors, and manufacturing to refine designs and documentation.

• Provide examples of how you have contributed to Technical Briefs and ensured compliance with project definitions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Product Designer role focused on physical products and engineering, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just be visual mockups but should demonstrate technical competence. Candidates should be ready to present CAD files (Inventor and AutoCAD), explain their design process, and articulate how their designs met functional, manufacturing, and market requirements. The inclusion of DFM and technical documentation aspects is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Product Designers with 2-5 years of experience in the Alpharetta, GA area, a competitive salary range for this role is estimated to be between $65,000 and $85,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the required technical skills in CAD software (Inventor, AutoCAD), experience in the building/construction industry, and the responsibilities associated with new product development.

Benefits:

• Competitive benefits package (details to be provided by the hiring organization).

• Development opportunities, including potential for training and professional growth within Arconic.

• Opportunity to work on innovative products and sustainable solutions.

• Inclusive and collaborative workplace culture. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time role, typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines, especially given the travel component.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on general market data for similar roles in the specified location and experience level. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and the company's compensation structure. The benefits listed are general and should be confirmed with the employer.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Building & Construction Materials Manufacturing (specifically Fenestration Systems). Arconic, the parent company, focuses on advanced aluminum, composites, and other innovative materials for various industries, emphasizing sustainable solutions. Kawneer is a leading manufacturer of architectural aluminum products for the commercial construction market.

Company Size: Arconic is a large, publicly traded corporation with a significant global presence. Kawneer, as a business unit, likely operates with a substantial team dedicated to its product lines. This implies a structured environment with established processes and opportunities for scale.

Founded: Arconic was founded in 1888. Kawneer was founded in 1932. This long history suggests stability, deep industry expertise, and well-established operational practices.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will be a key member of the New Product Development (NPD) team within Kawneer.

• This team likely includes other Product Designers, Drafters, Technical Authors, and potentially Project Managers.

• Collaboration extends to manufacturing, procurement, sales, and potentially marketing teams to ensure successful product launches and market fit.

• Reporting structure likely involves a Design Manager or Engineering Lead. Methodology:

• Design processes will likely follow established New Product Development (NPD) methodologies, incorporating stages like concept generation, feasibility studies, design validation, prototyping, and production handover.

• Emphasis will be placed on data-driven design, utilizing market research, customer feedback, and performance testing to inform design decisions.

• Collaboration and communication are central, with regular team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional workshops.

• Implementation of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles is a core aspect of the design process to ensure manufacturability.

Company Website: https://www.kawneer.com/ (for Kawneer) and https://www.arconic.com/ (for Arconic)

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Kawneer's specialization in architectural aluminum products for commercial buildings is key. Candidates should research their product portfolio (windows, doors, curtain walls) to better understand the design challenges and market context. The company's long history implies a culture that values experience and robust engineering practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an entry-to-mid-level within product design and engineering. It requires foundational technical skills and practical experience, offering a solid platform for growth within the fenestration industry or broader product development fields. The responsibilities involve leading specific design efforts rather than managing a team, typical for a Designer or Engineer I/II.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will report to a Design Manager or Engineering Lead. They will work closely with a team of Drafters, Technical Authors, and collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, procurement, and project management.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly impacts the company's product portfolio, market competitiveness, and manufacturing efficiency. Successful product designs lead to increased sales, improved customer satisfaction, and reduced production costs, contributing significantly to Kawneer's revenue and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in fenestration systems design, advanced materials, thermal performance, or structural analysis.

• Leadership Development: Progress to a Senior Product Designer, Lead Designer, or Engineering Manager role, potentially overseeing projects and teams.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Transition into roles in Project Management, Manufacturing Engineering, or Product Management within Kawneer or Arconic.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for further education, certifications, or training in specialized design software or industry standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Product Designer in this field typically involves increasing complexity of projects, greater autonomy, and potentially leadership responsibilities. The "operations impact" is framed in terms of tangible business outcomes like sales, cost reduction, and market share, which is crucial for operations-minded candidates.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in an office environment at Kawneer's Alpharetta, GA location. This setting will facilitate collaboration with other design and engineering professionals. The role also includes significant time spent in manufacturing facilities or on-site for testing, indicating a blend of office and field work.

Office Location(s):

• Primary location: 5555 Windward Parkway, Suite 220, Alpharetta, GA 30004. This is a professional office setting.

• Potential for travel to manufacturing plants, project sites, or supplier locations across the US and potentially internationally. Workspace Context:

• The office workspace will be equipped with standard office amenities and necessary design software (Inventor, AutoCAD, Autodesk Vault).

• Opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues in design, drafting, and engineering to foster a collaborative problem-solving environment.

• The role requires hands-on participation in product testing, which may occur in lab or field settings, necessitating adaptability beyond a typical office setup. Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week.

• Occasional overtime or adjusted hours may be necessary to meet project deadlines or accommodate testing schedules, especially during periods of intensive product development or travel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description highlights a hybrid work environment where the core is an office setting, but significant time is expected in manufacturing or field locations for practical testing and collaboration. This is a crucial point for candidates to consider regarding their comfort with diverse work settings and physical demands.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess basic qualifications, experience, and software proficiency (Inventor, AutoCAD).

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve in-depth questions about your experience with product design, DFM principles, CAD software capabilities, and problem-solving approaches. You may be asked to walk through specific projects from your portfolio.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you present selected projects. Be prepared to discuss your design process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the impact of your work. Focus on projects demonstrating your skills in Inventor, AutoCAD, and your understanding of manufacturing constraints.

• Cross-functional/Behavioral Interview: Discussion with potential team members and managers to assess collaboration skills, communication effectiveness, and cultural fit within the Kawneer/Arconic environment. Questions will likely probe your ability to work with manufacturing, procurement, and technical writing teams.

• On-site/Hands-on Assessment (Potentially): Depending on the role's specific needs, there might be a practical assessment or discussion about your willingness and ability to perform the physical aspects of product testing.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 projects that best showcase your skills relevant to fenestration product design, CAD proficiency, and DFM. Prioritize projects that demonstrate innovation and problem-solving.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your design process, the tools used (emphasizing Inventor and AutoCAD), the solutions you developed, and the quantifiable results or improvements achieved (e.g., cost savings, performance enhancements).

• Highlight DFM: Explicitly detail how you incorporated Design for Manufacturing principles. Show examples of how your design choices facilitated easier or more cost-effective production.

• Technical Documentation Examples: If possible, include examples of engineering drawings or documentation you produced, showcasing attention to detail and clarity.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Expect questions about your CAD techniques, material selection considerations, and how you approach design validation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical design challenge related to fenestration systems, considering market needs, manufacturing capabilities, and cost constraints.

• DFM Application: Prepare to explain how you would apply DFM principles to a specific product or manufacturing process.

• Collaboration Scenarios: Think about how you would communicate design intent to Drafters, Technical Authors, and Manufacturing Engineers, and how you would handle design disagreements or feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes technical skills, practical application, and collaboration. Candidates should prepare to not only talk about their experience but also to demonstrate it through their portfolio and potentially through scenario-based questions. The physical requirements and travel should be acknowledged and addressed positively if comfortable.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Autodesk Inventor: The core 3D modeling software for creating product designs, assemblies, and prototypes. Proficiency is a minimum requirement.

• AutoCAD: Essential for 2D drafting, creating detailed engineering drawings, schematics, and layouts. Proficiency is a minimum requirement.

• Autodesk Vault: A Product Data Management (PDM) system used for managing design files, revisions, and collaboration. Experience is required.

Analytics & Reporting:

• MS Office Suite (Excel): For data analysis, tracking project metrics, creating reports, and managing design effort estimations.

• Therm Software (Preferred): Used for thermal simulations, analyzing the thermal performance of fenestration systems.

• FEA Software (e.g., Inventor Nastran, ANSYS - Preferred): For performing Finite Element Analysis to assess structural integrity and performance under various loads.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly CRM-related, understanding how product designs feed into ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems for manufacturing and procurement is beneficial.

• Familiarity with project management tools for tracking design tasks and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on Autodesk's product suite. Candidates must highlight their experience with Inventor, AutoCAD, and Autodesk Vault. Preferred knowledge of thermal simulation and FEA tools indicates an area for growth and a strong differentiator for applicants.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A drive to develop new, better, and more sustainable fenestration solutions.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively across departments (design, manufacturing, procurement, technical writing) to achieve common goals.

• Quality & Precision: A commitment to high standards in design, documentation, and product performance.

• Customer Focus: Designing products that meet market needs and provide value to customers.

• Safety & Sustainability: Adherence to company EHS policies and a focus on developing environmentally responsible products.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration with manufacturing to ensure designs are DFM-compliant and with technical authors for clear documentation.

• Proactive Communication: Open and honest communication within the design team and with stakeholders to address challenges and share progress.

• Feedback-Driven: A willingness to provide and receive constructive feedback on designs and processes to foster continuous improvement.

• Problem-Solving Orientation: A team that actively seeks solutions to technical and project-related issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture values practical engineering, collaboration, and a commitment to quality and innovation within the building materials sector. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of how design impacts manufacturing and customer needs.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Innovation with Manufacturing Constraints: Creating cutting-edge designs while ensuring they are cost-effective and feasible to manufacture at scale.

• Meeting Stringent Industry Standards: Adhering to complex building codes, performance standards, and certifications within the fenestration industry.

• Managing Diverse Project Demands: Juggling multiple projects simultaneously, each with unique requirements and deadlines.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with advancements in CAD software, materials science, and simulation tools.

• Physical Demands of Testing: Performing hands-on product testing which requires physical stamina and comfort in varied environments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized CAD Training: Advanced courses for Inventor, AutoCAD, and potentially new design software.

• Industry Certifications: Opportunities to gain knowledge and certifications related to fenestration standards, building codes, or materials.

• Mentorship Programs: Learning from experienced engineers and designers within Kawneer/Arconic.

• Exposure to Advanced Simulation: Gaining hands-on experience with thermal simulation (Therm) and FEA tools.

• Project Leadership: Opportunities to lead design efforts on increasingly complex and critical product development projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the practical, hands-on, and technically demanding nature of the role. Growth opportunities are geared towards deepening technical expertise and advancing within product development leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex product design challenge you faced and how you used Inventor/AutoCAD to develop a solution. What was the outcome?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and tool usage).

• "How do you incorporate Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles into your design process? Provide an example." (Demonstrate understanding of manufacturing impact).

• "Imagine you need to design a new window system for a high-performance building. What are the key considerations, and how would you approach the initial design phase?" (Assess strategic thinking and industry knowledge). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Kawneer and the fenestration industry specifically?" (Showcase research and genuine interest).

• "How do you handle conflicting priorities or feedback from different departments, such as manufacturing and sales?" (Assess collaboration and communication skills).

• "Describe your experience with Autodesk Vault or similar PDM systems. How do you ensure data integrity and version control?" (Gauge familiarity with essential tools). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose projects that showcase your best work in 3D modeling (Inventor), 2D drafting (AutoCAD), and any experience with DFM or product testing.

• Narrative Flow: For each project, clearly outline the problem statement, your design process (including ideation, CAD work, and iteration), the final design, and the impact or benefits.

• Technical Depth: Be ready to explain specific design choices, material considerations, and how your CAD work directly informed manufacturing.

• Highlight Travel/Physical Work: If comfortable, briefly mention your willingness to travel and participate in hands-on testing, framing it as an integral part of ensuring product quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating technical proficiency with the required software, a solid understanding of design-for-manufacturing principles, and an ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud portal link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience with Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, Autodesk Vault, and any prior work in product design, especially within the building/construction or fenestration industries. Quantify achievements whenever possible (e.g., "Reduced manufacturing time by X% through DFM implementation").

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a digital portfolio showcasing your best 3D models, 2D drawings, and any case studies demonstrating your design process, problem-solving skills, and understanding of manufacturing. Ensure it's easily shareable and highlights your proficiency with the required software.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your design process, technical skills, and collaborative experiences. Practice explaining your portfolio projects using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and be ready for scenario-based questions.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Kawneer's product lines, their position in the market, and Arconic's broader mission and values. Understand the importance of fenestration in modern construction and sustainability.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.