Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Spectrum Industries Inc

Location: Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design / Engineering / Manufacturing

Date Posted: 2026-06-02T01:08:07

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the critical transition of product concepts and prototypes into commercially viable, production-ready items, requiring a strong understanding of the manufacturing lifecycle.

• The Product Designer will be responsible for developing detailed production drawings, comprehensive bills of materials (BOMs), and precise specifications that ensure product quality and manufacturability.

• Key to this position is the ability to conduct thorough design investigations, feasibility studies, and utilize CAD software for complex modeling to enhance product performance, safety, and marketability.

• This role involves iterative prototyping, evaluating design modifications, and recommending changes to meet customer expectations and resolve field issues, directly impacting product reliability and customer satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Product Designer," the responsibilities heavily lean into mechanical design and manufacturing engineering, focusing on the tangible aspects of bringing a product to life from a design perspective. The "hybrid" work arrangement suggests a need for on-site presence for hands-on prototyping, CAD work, and collaboration with manufacturing teams.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate product concepts and prototype data into detailed production drawings, comprehensive bills of materials (BOMs), and precise manufacturing specifications.

• Conduct complex design investigations, feasibility studies, and perform CAD modeling to develop or modify components and products for manufacturing.

• Evaluate prototypes to identify necessary design modifications that improve product performance, safety, marketability, and reliability.

• Recommend and implement design changes to meet evolving customer expectations or to resolve identified field performance issues.

• Research and analyze potential components, including cost analysis, for integration into new or revised product designs.

• Evaluate and implement revised product designs to ensure feasibility and optimize manufacturability within Spectrum Industries' production capabilities.

• Process Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) by accurately updating all relevant production drawings, BOMs, and specifications to reflect approved modifications.

• Collaborate closely with manufacturing and engineering teams to ensure designs are aligned with production processes and quality standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for meticulous attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and a deep understanding of how design choices impact manufacturing processes and product performance. The emphasis on ECRs indicates a structured change management process is in place.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Product Design, Mechanical Design, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related technical field.

Experience:

• 1-3 years of progressive experience in product design, mechanical design, or a similar product development role.

Required Skills:

• CAD Proficiency: Advanced skills in using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor) for complex 3D modeling, assembly design, and 2D production drawing generation.

• Product Development Lifecycle: Understanding of the entire product development process, from concept ideation through to production and post-market support.

• Bill of Materials (BOM) Creation: Expertise in generating accurate and detailed BOMs, including part numbers, quantities, and supplier information.

• Technical Documentation: Ability to create clear, concise, and accurate production drawings, specifications, and other technical documentation.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to investigate design issues and propose effective solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Prototyping & Testing: Experience with hands-on prototyping, testing, and evaluating product performance.

• Manufacturing Processes: Knowledge of various manufacturing methods (e.g., injection molding, metal fabrication, assembly) and their impact on design.

• Cost Analysis: Familiarity with conducting cost-benefit analyses for design components and modifications.

• Engineering Change Management: Experience with formal Engineering Change Request (ECR) or Engineering Change Order (ECO) processes.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and marketing teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "1-3 years" of experience, coupled with the Bachelor's degree requirement, places this role at an early to mid-career level. The preferred skills suggest that candidates who have practical experience in a manufacturing environment or with specific manufacturing techniques will have a competitive edge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 significant product design projects that demonstrate your ability to take a concept from ideation or prototype to a production-ready state.

• CAD Model Examples: Include examples of complex 3D models and detailed 2D production drawings created using CAD software.

• BOM & Specification Samples: Provide sample BOMs and specification documents that highlight your attention to detail and understanding of manufacturing requirements.

• Problem-Solving Examples: Present instances where you identified and resolved design challenges, including the impact of your solutions on product performance or manufacturability.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate understanding of workflow design and optimization for product development processes, particularly in transitioning designs to manufacturing.

• Showcase experience in documenting design iterations, ECRs, and the implementation of design changes.

• Include examples of how you have contributed to process improvements in design, validation, or documentation phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for a Product Designer role, especially one with a manufacturing focus. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their projects, explaining their design decisions, the tools they used, and the outcomes achieved, with a particular emphasis on manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the location (Chippewa Falls, WI), experience level (2-5 years), and the nature of the role (Product Designer with engineering/manufacturing focus), a competitive salary range is estimated between $60,000 - $85,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Flexible Hours: Offers adaptability, allowing for better work-life integration, which is beneficial for managing project timelines and personal commitments.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): 3 weeks of PTO per year, providing ample opportunity for rest and rejuvenation.

• Paid Holidays: 72 hours of paid holidays annually, ensuring time off for national observances.

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, safeguarding employee well-being.

• Wellness Program: Supports employee health and encourages healthy lifestyle choices.

• Employer-Paid Benefits:

  • Short-term disability insurance, providing income protection during temporary incapacitation.
  • $30,000 of life insurance, offering financial security for beneficiaries.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a company match, aiding in long-term financial planning.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Provides confidential support for personal and work-related challenges.

Working Hours:

• The role is structured around a standard 40-hour work week, consistent with full-time employment.

• The "Flexible hours" benefit suggests some degree of autonomy in structuring the workday, provided core responsibilities and collaborative needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on general market data for Product Designers with 1-3 years of experience in a hybrid role in Wisconsin. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and interview performance. The benefits package is robust, with significant employer-paid components.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Manufacturing (Furniture/Office Products), with a strong emphasis on design and production. Spectrum Industries Inc. operates within a sector that values innovation, quality, and efficiency in physical product creation.

Company Size: Spectrum Industries Inc. is a medium-sized company, likely employing between 50-250 individuals based on typical industry structures and the comprehensive benefits offered. This size often balances established processes with opportunities for individual impact.

Founded: Spectrum Industries Inc. has a history, indicated by its established presence. A founding date would provide context on its evolution and market adaptation.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will likely be part of a broader Engineering or Product Development department.

• This team may include other designers, mechanical engineers, draftsmen, and potentially product managers.

Methodology:

• Spectrum Industries appears to follow a structured product development methodology, moving from initial design concepts and prototyping through rigorous feasibility studies, design validation, and formal change management (ECRs).

• A data-driven approach is implied through the need for cost analysis and performance evaluations.

• Emphasis on manufacturability and production readiness suggests a strong link between design and operational execution.

Company Website: www.spectrumfurniture.com

📝 Enhancement Note: As a manufacturer, Spectrum Industries likely values practical skills, efficiency, and a results-oriented approach. The hybrid model suggests a culture that trusts employees to manage their time while ensuring essential in-person collaboration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-level to early-career Product Designer, offering a solid foundation in product development and manufacturing processes. It's ideal for individuals looking to build expertise in translating design into tangible products within a manufacturing environment.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, Engineering Manager, or Product Development Manager. This individual will oversee the design team and guide product development initiatives.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly influences the manufacturability, cost, quality, and ultimate success of Spectrum Industries' products. Efficient and well-documented designs reduce production errors, minimize waste, and ensure customer satisfaction, all of which are critical to the company's operational efficiency and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific CAD software, manufacturing processes, or product categories.

• Project Leadership: As experience grows, the designer may take on lead roles for specific product lines or design projects.

• Cross-Functional Advancement: Potential to move into roles within manufacturing engineering, product management, or quality assurance, leveraging a comprehensive understanding of the product lifecycle.

• Mentorship & Training: Access to experienced engineers and designers for guidance, and potential for company-supported training in advanced design or manufacturing technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path here is strongly tied to the manufacturing and product development sectors. Growth will likely involve increasing complexity of designs, leadership on projects, and potentially specialization in areas like advanced materials, automation in design, or specific product lines.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as Hybrid, meaning a mix of in-office and remote work. The Chippewa Falls location at 1500 W. River St will serve as the primary in-office hub.

Office Location(s): The main office and manufacturing facility is located at 1500 W. River St, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729. This proximity is crucial for hands-on work with prototypes and collaboration with the production floor.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model necessitates effective communication and collaboration tools for seamless interaction between remote and in-office team members.

• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard CAD workstations, software licenses, and potentially rapid prototyping equipment will be available on-site.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, design reviews, and direct interaction with manufacturing personnel are expected during on-site days to ensure project alignment and problem resolution.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is typical.

• The "Flexible hours" benefit offers some leeway in daily scheduling, allowing employees to adjust start and end times, provided they meet project deadlines and collaboration needs. This flexibility is valuable for individuals who need to balance work with personal responsibilities, while still ensuring coverage and availability for critical tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature implies a need for self-discipline and strong time management skills. On-site days will likely be focused on tasks requiring direct collaboration or access to physical resources, while remote days might be for focused CAD work, research, or documentation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess foundational skills, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Technical Interview: An in-depth discussion focusing on your CAD skills, understanding of design principles, manufacturing processes, and ability to solve design challenges. This may include a live CAD demonstration or a review of your portfolio in detail.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you present 1-2 key projects from your portfolio, detailing your process, design decisions, challenges faced, and outcomes achieved, with a specific emphasis on manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Questions designed to assess your problem-solving approach, collaboration style, adaptability, and how you align with Spectrum Industries' values and work environment, particularly in a hybrid setting.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior management or department heads, to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and finalize offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Manufacturability: For each project, clearly explain how your design considerations facilitated efficient and cost-effective production. Use specific examples from your experience.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., reduction in material cost, improvement in assembly time, enhanced product durability).

• Showcase CAD Skills: Demonstrate proficiency in creating detailed 3D models, complex assemblies, and clear 2D production drawings with appropriate annotations and tolerances.

• Explain Design Rationale: Be prepared to articulate the "why" behind your design choices, linking them back to user needs, engineering constraints, and business objectives.

• Tailor to Spectrum: Research Spectrum Industries' product lines and manufacturing capabilities. If possible, subtly tailor your portfolio examples to showcase relevant experience.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: You might be given a hypothetical design problem or a modification request to solve within a time limit. Focus on a structured approach: understanding constraints, brainstorming solutions, evaluating trade-offs, and presenting a clear recommendation.

• CAD Exercise: Be ready for a practical test of your CAD skills, such as creating a specific part or modifying an existing model based on given instructions.

• Process Explanation: Prepare to discuss your process for developing production drawings, BOMs, and handling Engineering Change Requests.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize practical design skills and the ability to translate theoretical knowledge into manufacturable products. A well-prepared portfolio is your primary tool for demonstrating your capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD packages is essential. Likely candidates include SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and potentially Autodesk Inventor or similar parametric modeling software. The ability to create both 3D models and detailed 2D production drawings is key.

• PLM/PDM Systems: While not explicitly mentioned, experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) or Product Data Management (PDM) systems that manage design data, revisions, and BOMs would be highly advantageous.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Strong command of Microsoft Excel or equivalent for data analysis, cost tracking, and BOM management.

• ERP Systems: Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for understanding how BOMs and product data integrate with production planning and inventory management.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this core design role, but understanding how product information flows into sales or customer service systems might be beneficial for broad product lifecycle awareness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is advanced CAD proficiency. While other systems like PLM, ERP, or even project management tools are not explicitly listed, familiarity with them demonstrates a broader understanding of how design integrates into the business.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Precision: A strong emphasis on accuracy in design, documentation, and specifications to ensure high-quality, reliable products.

• Efficiency & Manufacturability: A drive to design products that are not only innovative but also cost-effective and straightforward to manufacture.

• Collaboration & Communication: A value placed on teamwork and open communication across departments (design, engineering, manufacturing, sales) to achieve shared goals.

• Continuous Improvement: An ethos of seeking better ways to design, produce, and refine products, embracing feedback and iterative development.

• Adaptability: Willingness to adjust designs based on new information, customer feedback, or evolving production capabilities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect a collaborative environment where designers work closely with manufacturing engineers to understand production constraints and with product managers to align with market needs.

• Process-Oriented: A structured approach to design reviews, ECR processing, and documentation, ensuring consistency and traceability.

• Feedback Exchange: Openness to constructive criticism and a proactive approach to providing and receiving feedback to enhance designs and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values practical problem-solving and a hands-on approach, reflecting the manufacturing industry. The hybrid model will test the team's ability to maintain strong collaborative ties regardless of physical location.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Aesthetics with Manufacturability: Finding the optimal balance between innovative design and the practical, cost-effective realities of mass production.

• Managing Engineering Change Requests (ECRs): Efficiently processing and implementing design changes while minimizing disruption to ongoing production and ensuring all documentation is updated accurately.

• Integrating New Technologies: Keeping pace with evolving design software, rapid prototyping technologies, and manufacturing techniques to maintain a competitive edge.

• Hybrid Work Environment Logistics: Effectively collaborating and staying aligned with team members and production staff across different work locations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced CAD Training: Opportunities to become certified or gain expertise in advanced features of CAD software, or to learn new software packages.

• Manufacturing Process Immersion: Gaining deeper knowledge of specific manufacturing techniques relevant to Spectrum Industries' products, such as advanced materials, joinery, or finishing processes.

• Product Lifecycle Management: Understanding the broader business context of product development, including market analysis, cost engineering, and quality assurance.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Opportunities to learn from and contribute to other functions within the product development and manufacturing pipeline.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are intrinsically linked to mastering both the creative and technical aspects of product design within a manufacturing context, alongside developing strong collaboration skills for a hybrid work environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Describe your process for taking a product from concept to production-ready drawings. What are the key checkpoints and documentation required?" Focus on your structured approach, CAD usage, BOM creation, and ECR handling.

• Problem-Solving: "Tell me about a time you had to modify a design due to manufacturing constraints or cost limitations. What was your approach and the outcome?" Prepare a specific example demonstrating your analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Collaboration: "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration with manufacturing teams, especially in a hybrid work setup?" Highlight your experience with cross-functional teamwork and strategies for clear communication.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Understanding Spectrum: "What interests you about Spectrum Industries and our products?" Research their product lines, recent news, and any stated values. Connect your skills to their specific needs.

• Hybrid Work: "How do you manage your time and productivity in a hybrid work environment?" Discuss your self-discipline, communication strategies, and how you prioritize tasks.

• Design Philosophy: "What factors do you consider most important when designing a new product for manufacturing?" Emphasize manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, quality, and user needs.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your solution (design), the process you followed, the tools used (CAD), challenges overcome, and the quantifiable results or impact.

• Focus on Manufacturability: Explicitly discuss how your design decisions facilitated production, reduced costs, or improved efficiency.

• Demonstrate CAD Skills: Be ready to show specific examples of detailed drawings, complex assemblies, and BOMs from your projects.

• Conciseness: Present your key projects efficiently, respecting the allocated time, and be prepared for follow-up questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will likely assess your technical design skills, your understanding of manufacturing realities, and your ability to function effectively in a hybrid, team-oriented environment. A strong, relevant portfolio is paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Paylocity recruiting portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience in CAD design, production drawings, BOM creation, and product development from concept to manufacturing. Showcase projects that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and understanding of production processes.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 1-3 years of relevant experience, your educational background, and lists specific CAD software proficiency. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., improved efficiency by X%, reduced material cost for Y product).

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, preparing specific examples of design challenges you've overcome, and rehearsing how you would present your portfolio projects, emphasizing manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Spectrum Industries Inc.'s product offerings, company history, and any publicly available information on their manufacturing capabilities and design philosophy. Understand their market position within the furniture or office products industry.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Spectrum Industries Inc. through their application portal or during the interview process before making application decisions.