Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: S&C Electric Company

Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Product Engineering / Design Operations

Date Posted: May 19, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is integral to the Product Engineering function, focusing on the design and modification of complex 3D models and assemblies for electrical products.

• It requires a blend of technical design skills, practical fabrication knowledge, and hands-on problem-solving within a manufacturing environment.

• The Product Designer will contribute to new product development and the continuous improvement of existing product lines, ensuring operational efficiency and product reliability.

• This position involves active collaboration with production, engineering, and quality assurance teams to drive project success and maintain high design standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Product Designer," the responsibilities clearly indicate a focus on the operational aspects of product engineering, involving detailed design, documentation, and direct support to manufacturing. This role can be considered a specialized form of "Design Operations" or "Product Engineering Operations," emphasizing the lifecycle management and support of product designs within an industrial manufacturing context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and refine 3D models for new and existing electrical product assemblies and components using Solid Edge, adhering to specified mechanical and electrical functionalities.

• Troubleshoot complex shop floor issues by analyzing Production Support Requests (PSRs), identifying root causes, and implementing effective design solutions.

• Generate and manage Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) to meticulously document print modifications and formally release updated designs, ensuring compliance with company standards.

• Provide direct support to the production team by addressing design-related inquiries and implementing necessary engineering adjustments to optimize manufacturing processes.

• Update intricate prototype assemblies through hands-on work, utilizing basic hand tools and machine tools like drill presses and belt sanders.

• Procure necessary components for prototype development from internal model shops or external suppliers, managing part acquisition effectively.

• Create and maintain simple, single-level Bills of Materials (BOMs) within the 3DX Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system, ensuring data accuracy and completeness.

• Conduct fundamental quality checks on prototypes and individual components to verify adherence to design specifications and performance requirements.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Product Management, Production, and Quality Assurance, to align design efforts with project goals and timelines.

• Support senior product designers and provide training to junior designers on departmental best practices, fostering knowledge transfer and team development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a significant operational component, including direct shop floor support, ECO management, prototyping, BOM creation in PLM, and cross-functional collaboration, all crucial for efficient product lifecycle management within a manufacturing environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Associate degree in Design, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in product design or a related engineering role with a strong emphasis on 3D modeling and CAD operations.

Required Skills:

• 3D CAD Proficiency: Expert-level skills in 3D modeling software, with a strong preference for Solid Edge ST9 or newer versions.

• Design Principles: Practical understanding of fundamental design principles and their application in mechanical and electrical product development.

• Fabrication Techniques: Knowledge of various fabrication methods and their impact on design decisions and manufacturability.

• Drafting & Documentation: Proficient in creating detailed engineering drawings and documentation, including prints and ECOs.

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM): Experience using PLM software (e.g., 3DExperience) for revision control, part management, and BOM creation.

• Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T): Strong understanding and application of GD&T for specifying design tolerances and ensuring part interchangeability.

• Troubleshooting: Proven ability to diagnose and resolve complex design and manufacturing issues in a shop floor environment.

• Microsoft 365 Suite: High proficiency in Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio for communication, documentation, and data analysis.

• Hands-on Prototyping: Capability to perform hands-on assembly, modification, and testing of prototypes using basic tools.

Preferred Skills:

• Electrical Component Integration: Basic understanding of electrical components and how they integrate into mechanical designs.

• 3DExperience PLM: Direct experience with Dassault Systèmes' 3DExperience platform.

• Industry Standards: Familiarity with industry standards related to product design and manufacturing in the electrical sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific CAD software (Solid Edge), PLM systems (3DExperience), and GD&T, along with hands-on prototyping skills, points towards a role that requires deep technical operational expertise rather than purely conceptual design. The "5+ years" experience level combined with an Associate's degree suggests a focus on skilled execution and practical application.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct projects demonstrating proficiency in 3D modeling and CAD operations, preferably using Solid Edge.

• For each project, clearly articulate the design challenge, the specific solutions implemented, and the impact on product functionality or manufacturability.

• Include examples of engineering documentation, such as ECOs, revised prints, or BOMs, to highlight process adherence and documentation skills.

• Demonstrate experience with PLM systems by showcasing how parts and assemblies were managed for revision control and how BOMs were created and maintained.

Process Documentation:

• Present examples of how design changes were documented and communicated, such as through ECOs or relevant process workflows.

• Illustrate an understanding of the product development lifecycle, from initial concept and 3D modeling to prototyping, testing, and production support.

• Detail any experience in developing or refining design-related processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration within an engineering team.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role with significant operational and manufacturing interaction, a portfolio should emphasize not just the final designs but the process of design, documentation, and collaboration. This includes demonstrating how design changes are managed, how BOMs are structured in PLM, and how the designer supports production.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The estimated annual base salary range for this position in the United States is $71,082 - $94,177.82.

Benefits:

• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans. Prescription drug coverage.

• Financial Wellness: Health Savings Account (HSA), Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).

• Insurance: Group Life Insurance, optional Supplemental Life and AD&D Insurance.

• Work-Life Balance: Generous Vacation Time, Sick Time, Paid Holidays, and Company Shutdown Days.

• Income Protection: Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability.

• Family Support: Paid Parental Time, Military Leave, Employee Assistance Program, Family Forming Benefits (Adoption and Fertility Support).

• Retirement & Ownership: 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (with traditional and Roth options) and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (KSOP): Participants can receive significant annual ESOP company contributions (e.g., over 11% of eligible earnings, including core contributions, matching, and variable periodic contributions).

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

• This is an on-site position.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a Product Designer with 5+ years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Chicago. The extensive benefits package, particularly the significant ESOP contributions, highlights S&C Electric's commitment to employee ownership and long-term financial well-being, which is a strong differentiator for operations-focused roles that often value stability and long-term impact.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Electrical Equipment Manufacturing, Energy Infrastructure. S&C Electric is a leader in grid modernization, focusing on reliability, resilience, and the transition to clean energy. Their products are critical for power delivery worldwide.

Company Size: Over 3,500 team members globally. This size indicates a stable, established company with structured processes but still offers opportunities for individual impact.

Founded: 1909. With over a century of innovation, S&C has a deep history and a strong legacy in the electrical industry, emphasizing reliability and forward-thinking solutions. The company has been 100% employee-owned since 2012.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will be part of the Product Engineering function, specifically within an engineering support team.

• This team likely includes other designers, engineers, and technicians who collaborate to support product development and manufacturing.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated for this role, the company's focus on grid modernization suggests a data-driven approach to problem-solving and innovation, which will likely extend to design validation and performance analysis.

• Process Optimization: The role involves troubleshooting and improving designs to support production, indicating a focus on efficient workflows and manufacturability.

• Continuous Improvement: The company's history of innovation and focus on evolving grid demands implies a culture that values continuous learning and adaptation.

Company Website: https://www.sandc.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on employee ownership (100% ESOP since 2012) is a significant cultural differentiator. For operations professionals, this often translates to a strong sense of shared responsibility, long-term commitment, and a focus on sustainable business practices and profitability. The company's long history also suggests stability and a deep understanding of its market.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level to senior individual contributor within the Product Engineering department. It requires substantial practical experience and the ability to work independently on complex design tasks, while also contributing to team development through mentorship.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will report to a manager or lead within the Product Engineering function. They will work closely with production leads, quality engineers, and product managers, indicating a matrixed collaboration environment common in manufacturing operations.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer directly impacts operational efficiency by creating designs that are manufacturable, reliable, and troubleshootable. Their work ensures that production lines can operate smoothly, reduces rework and scrap, and contributes to the overall quality and performance of S&C's critical electrical grid products.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in Solid Edge, 3DExperience, GD&T, and specific manufacturing processes relevant to electrical equipment.

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to mentor junior designers, lead design initiatives for specific product components, and contribute to process improvement projects.

• Cross-Functional Advancement: Potential to move into roles in manufacturing engineering, product management, or quality assurance, leveraging a deep understanding of product design and its operational implications.

• Employee Ownership: As an employee-owner, contribute to the company's long-term success and benefit from its growth through the ESOP.

📝 Enhancement Note: The combination of a 5-10 year experience requirement, hands-on responsibilities, and mentorship duties suggests a role that is both demanding and offers clear pathways for growth. The employee ownership model provides a unique angle for career progression, linking individual performance to company-wide success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, requiring presence in the Chicago facility. This suggests a blend of office-based design work and direct engagement with manufacturing floor operations.

Office Location(s): 6601 N. Ridge Blvd., Chicago, IL 60626. This location is within a well-established industrial area, likely offering good access to transportation routes.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect to work closely with production teams, engineers, and quality personnel, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard CAD software (Solid Edge), PLM systems (3DExperience), Microsoft 365, and potentially machine shop tools for prototyping.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for design reviews, problem-solving sessions, and knowledge sharing with colleagues within the Product Engineering department and cross-functionally.

Work Schedule: The standard 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday schedule is typical for manufacturing environments. While structured, the nature of troubleshooting and supporting production may require occasional flexibility to address urgent issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and hands-on nature of the role mean that candidates should be comfortable working in a manufacturing setting, which can involve noise, varying temperatures, and the need for safety awareness. The collaborative aspect is key, requiring the designer to be communicative and approachable.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter review of applications and resumes to assess basic qualifications, experience, and fit with company culture.

• Technical Assessment: A series of interviews with hiring managers and team members focusing on CAD skills, design principles, GD&T knowledge, and problem-solving abilities. This may include a technical test or a review of your portfolio.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to walk through your portfolio, discussing specific projects, your role, design decisions, and the outcomes. Be prepared to explain your process, challenges, and solutions.

• Cross-Functional Interview: Discussion with stakeholders from Production, Quality Assurance, or Product Management to assess collaboration skills and understanding of manufacturing operations.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss career aspirations, cultural fit, and overall alignment with S&C Electric's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills in 3D modeling, Solid

Edge, and GD&T, ideally with relevance to electrical or mechanical assemblies.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline:

  • The problem or objective.
  • Your specific role and responsibilities.
  • The design process and tools used (e.g., Solid Edge, 3D printing).
  • Key design decisions and rationale.
  • Challenges encountered and how you overcame them.
  • The results or impact (e.g., improved manufacturability, reduced part count, enhanced functionality).

• Highlight Operational Impact: Emphasize how your designs supported production, reduced errors, or improved efficiency. If you have examples of ECOs or BOM management, be sure to include them.

• Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to answer detailed questions about your design choices, software proficiency, and troubleshooting methods. Demonstrate a clear understanding of fabrication processes and GD&T.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical design problem or a component to analyze. Be prepared to discuss your approach to modeling, identifying potential issues, and suggesting improvements.

• Software Proficiency Test: Some companies may include a practical test to assess your speed and accuracy in Solid Edge or other CAD tools.

• Troubleshooting Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would approach diagnosing and solving a shop floor problem related to a design.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on hands-on work and production support, interviewers will likely probe deeply into your practical experience and problem-solving approach. A portfolio that clearly demonstrates your ability to translate design requirements into manufacturable products and support production is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D CAD Software: Solid Edge (ST9 or newer preferred). Proficiency in creating parametric 3D models, assemblies, and detailed drawings.

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM): 3DExperience (preferred). Experience with revision control, part management, and BOM creation/management within a PLM environment.

• General Design Software: Familiarity with other CAD packages may be beneficial, but Solid Edge is the primary requirement.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: Essential for data analysis, tracking changes, creating simple BOMs, and reporting on project status.

• Microsoft Visio: Potentially used for creating process flow diagrams or workflow documentation.

CRM & Automation:

• Microsoft 365 Suite: Full suite including Outlook (communication), Word (documentation), PowerPoint (presentations), and Excel/Visio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Solid Edge and 3DExperience indicates these are critical tools. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate significant proficiency, especially with Solid Edge, and ideally have experience with 3DExperience for PLM functions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity and Safety: Core values for S&C Electric, emphasizing ethical conduct and a commitment to a safe working environment, especially in manufacturing.

• Quality: A fundamental principle in producing reliable electrical grid components. This translates to meticulous attention to detail in design and documentation.

• Innovation: S&C has a long history of innovation. This role contributes by designing for current needs while anticipating future demands for grid resilience and modernization.

• Collaboration: Essential for working effectively with production, R&D, and quality assurance teams to ensure designs meet operational realities.

• Efficiency: As an operations-focused role, there's an underlying value placed on designing for manufacturability, minimizing waste, and optimizing production processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands close collaboration with diverse teams, requiring clear communication and a willingness to understand different perspectives (e.g., production challenges, quality standards).

• Process-Oriented Feedback: Expect a culture where feedback on designs is common and encouraged from production and quality teams to improve manufacturability and product performance.

• Knowledge Sharing: The emphasis on supporting and training junior designers suggests a culture that values sharing expertise and best practices within the engineering team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values (integrity, safety, quality, innovation) combined with the operational nature of this role suggest a workplace that is serious about its mission, values precision, and fosters a collaborative environment where team members contribute to shared goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design with Manufacturability: Ensuring designs meet stringent electrical and mechanical specifications while also being cost-effective and efficient to manufacture on the shop floor.

• Troubleshooting Complex Issues: Diagnosing and resolving intricate problems that may arise from design interactions with manufacturing processes or component variations.

• Managing Design Documentation: Diligently creating and updating ECOs and BOMs in PLM systems to maintain accurate records and prevent production errors.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Keeping pace with advancements in CAD software, PLM systems, and manufacturing techniques within the electrical industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Solid Edge & 3DExperience Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in these critical software platforms.

• Industry Certifications: Potential to pursue certifications related to CAD/CAM, GD&T, or specific manufacturing processes.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced engineers and designers within S&C Electric, and potentially mentoring junior team members.

• Cross-Training: Gaining exposure to different aspects of product development and manufacturing through collaboration with other departments.

• Employee Ownership: Understanding the business impact of design decisions and contributing to the long-term success of an employee-owned company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for operational design roles, requiring a practical mindset and strong problem-solving skills. The growth opportunities are well-aligned with career progression in engineering and manufacturing, with a unique benefit from the employee ownership model.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Tools: "Describe your process for creating a new 3D model for an electrical component. What steps do you take to ensure it's manufacturable and meets specifications? What is your experience with Solid Edge?"

  • Preparation: Be ready to walk through your typical workflow, highlighting your use of Solid Edge features, design for manufacturability (DFM) principles, and how you incorporate GD&T.

• Troubleshooting & Problem-Solving: "Tell me about a time you encountered a significant design issue on the production floor. How did you identify the root cause, and what solution did you implement? What was the outcome?"

  • Preparation: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to detail a relevant experience. Focus on your analytical approach and problem-solving skills.

• Documentation & PLM: "How do you ensure accuracy when creating or updating Bills of Materials (BOMs) and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs)? What is your experience with PLM systems like 3DExperience?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about S&C Electric and our role in the energy industry?"

  • Preparation: Research S&C's mission, products, and recent news. Connect your skills and interests to their focus on grid modernization and reliability. Mention the employee ownership aspect.

• "How do you approach collaboration with production teams and other departments?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process: Don't just show the final CAD models. Explain the journey: the problem, your design choices, the tools used, challenges overcome, and the impact.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate the value of your work (e.g., "reduced assembly time by 15%," "eliminated 3 common manufacturing errors").

• Highlight Hands-on Work: If a project involved prototyping or direct support to production, emphasize that aspect as it's key to this role.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect detailed questions about specific design decisions, software techniques, and your understanding of manufacturing implications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation should focus on practical application, problem-solving, and a clear understanding of the operational context of product design within a manufacturing setting. Your ability to articulate your process and demonstrate proficiency with specific tools will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience with 3D modeling, Solid Edge, GD&T, PLM systems, and hands-on prototyping, specifically referencing your work with electrical or mechanical assemblies.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your years of experience in product design and 3D modeling, using keywords from the job description such as "Solid Edge," "3D CAD," "GD&T," "ECO," "BOM," and "PLM." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, troubleshooting methodologies, and collaboration experiences. Prepare to present your portfolio, focusing on case studies that demonstrate your operational impact and technical skills.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research S&C Electric, understanding their products, mission, values, and commitment to employee ownership. Be ready to discuss why you are a good fit for their culture and industry.

⚠️ 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.