Project Leader, Concept

Job Description:

Concept Project Leader, Accessories

Job Summary: As the Accessory Concept Project Leader at Milwaukee Tool, you will play a pivotal role in leading and advancing product innovation for cutting, drilling, grinding, and fastening consumables within our Accessories Business Unit. You will lead the development of new products and solutions that enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of end-users in the trades, specifically in construction and demolition. By combining advanced technologies and materials with a deep understanding of user needs, you will help shape the future of industry-leading accessories for power tools.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Lead Concept Development: Guide a cross-functional team in developing, demonstrating, and applying science and technology to create innovative concepts and solutions for new products.

Project Management: Manage the full lifecycle of complex concept engineering projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget, with minimal direction. Lead the team through each stage of product development, from early ideation to prototype testing and final execution.

Collaboration: Work closely with other core teams (Marketing, Materials, Technology, Reliability, Testing, Prototyping, etc.) to ensure concepts meet performance and user requirements. Foster collaboration across departments to align on objectives and timelines.

Research & User Insights: Lead and participate in local and regional field research. Use insights to design concepts that address critical user needs and integrate proprietary technologies where possible.

Design and Prototyping: Lead design efforts, including 3D modeling in tools such as NX and/or SolidWorks. Conduct testing, gather user feedback, and iterate on designs to refine concepts into viable products.

Reporting & Communication: Provide regular updates to senior management, including progress reports, key findings, and developments from projects. Communicate complex technical details to both engineering and non-engineering teams.

Risk Management: Identify and manage risks throughout the project lifecycle, implementing mitigation strategies as necessary to ensure the success of the project.

Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead and mentor team members, guiding them through project goals, tasks, and deadlines. Provide technical direction and assist in resolving challenges to maintain project momentum.

Job Requirements:

Education: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Engineering Physics, or a related field. Advanced studies in Project Management, Finance, Marketing, or Organizational Studies is a plus.

Experience: Minimum 7 years of engineering experience, with a proven track record of managing moderate to highly complex projects in product development.

Skills:

• Strong mechanical aptitude and in-depth knowledge of engineering principles, materials, physics, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with design tools like NX and SolidWorks.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, to convey technical information clearly to a broad audience.
• Hands-on attitude with the ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to travel up to 15% internationally and domestically.

Desired Personal Attributes:

• Highly motivated, entrepreneurial, innovative, and collaborative.
• Strong ability to work under uncertainty, with an openness to learning from failures.
• Passionate about tools and the trades, with a deep interest or experience in the construction and demolition industry.

What You’ll Bring:

• Expertise in managing full-category projects, including next-generation products and new technologies.
• A high level of mechanical and electrical engineering aptitude, with a strong foundation in product design and manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge and experience with various tools and technologies relevant to Milwaukee Tool's product portfolio.
• Proven ability to manage and optimize projects from concept to mass production.

Perks and Benefits:

• Robust health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous 401(k) savings plan.
• Education assistance and career development opportunities.
• On-site wellness center, fitness center, and food services.

Join Our Team: At Milwaukee Tool, we believe in the power of