Prototype Development Engineer

Mechanical engineers at frog are embedded in the design team to deliver innovative design solutions to problems that seem impossible. This is an exciting on-site role with our client in Boulder, CO. You'll be embedded full-time working directly alongside our client's internal softgoods design and engineering teams. You'll bring the prototyping lifecycle to life end-to-end: turning early concepts into high-fidelity, production-representative samples through hands-on fabrication, defining the prototyping process for small build quantities, feeding what you learn on the floor back into tooling and process improvements, and partnering with test engineering to prove they perform. This is hands-on work — expect as much time in the lab as at the CAD workstation, with build iterations turning around in days.

Responsibilities

Innovate and solve problems including unique constraints softgoods materials bring to design and manufacturing; Conduct core hands-on engineering tasks such as design, prototyping, analysis, 3D CAD modeling, and documentation; Help develop tooling and fixture design concepts for softgoods components, applying materials knowledge to troubleshoot design and fabrication issues; Engineer and hand-fabricate proof-of-concept prototypes by cutting, sewing, bonding, and assembling materials and components, defining the prototyping process for small build quantities; Prepare cut/print files and operate specialized machinery including softgoods machinery as a core part of day-to-day work; Support tooling design and fabrication, and part/assembly CAD when needed

Requirements

BS in Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Design, or equivalent hands-on fabrication experience; 3+ years of hands-on fabrication or prototyping experience with consumer electronics, softgoods, or related industries; Knowledge of the product development process including research, ideation, prototyping, analysis, concept evaluation, engineering, manufacturing; Comfort stepping into hands-on fabrication and operating specialized equipment such as sewing and cutting as a core part of daily work; Manufacturing processes and design constraints including injection molding, machining, and softgoods; Experience with Design for Manufacturability (DFM)/Design for Assembly (DFA) and First Article Inspection (FAI); Ability to read technical drawings and documentation including GD&T and mechanical drawings (ASME Y14.5); Passion for design and creating products that resonate with people; Self-motivated, excellent communicator, collaborative, fearless, positive team player

Benefits

Paid time off; Company paid holidays; Personal Days; Sick Leave; Medical, dental, and vision coverage; Retirement savings plans; Life and disability insurance; Employee assistance programs; Other benefits as provided by local policy and eligibility