Product Development Engineer – Outdoor Power Equipment (Experienced)
Department: Lawn & Garden
Reports to: Director of Product Development Business Unit 1 (Lawn & Garden)
Ardisam is an employee-owned company headquartered in Cumberland, Wisconsin, with a long-standing commitment to innovation, quality, and outdoor living. Since 1960, we have designed and manufactured trusted products for outdoor enthusiasts across hunting, ice fishing, gardening, camping, and other recreational markets. Our family of industry-leading brands, including but not limited to Earthquake Power Equipment, Yardbird Chicken Pluckers, Eskimo Ice Fishing, ION Ice Fishing, Rivers Edge Treestands, Barronett Blinds, and Gazelle Tents, reflects our passion for creating reliable solutions that exceed customer expectations. Guided by an entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to continuous improvement, we strive to deliver exceptional products, foster meaningful careers, and inspire outdoor experiences for generations to come.
Job Summary:
Ardisam, Inc. is a design, marketing, and importing company located in the heart of Northwest Wisconsin where the big woods meet farm country. We produce a variety of products under numerous brand names that make our hobbies and recreational activities more enjoyable. This position’s work includes but is not limited to outdoor products in the garden tilling, property maintenance, wood processing, poultry processing and ATV trailer categories.
Ardisam Inc. is seeking an experienced Product Development Engineer to lead the design and development of outdoor consumer products. The role primarily supports the Lawn and Garden category, with occasional work in poultry processing and ATV trailers/related accessories. This position owns the full product development cycle, from concept through production, and partners with CAD designers, prototyping technicians, product line managers, quality and sales teams, sourcing, and domestic/international vendors. The engineer ensures designs are manufacturable, market-ready, and reliable in the field. Our products span a wide variety of materials (steel, aluminum, plastics) and manufacturing processes (metal stamping, tube bending, welding, machining, die-casting, injection molding, thermoforming, extruding, etc.) The role requires a balance of design, quality and project management. Qualified candidates have a bachelor’s degree in engineering and 5+ years of consumer product design experience, along with strong analytical skills and sound judgment. Success also requires understanding market needs and collaborating closely with the business unit manager and product development director. This position reports to the Director of Product Development for the Lawn and Garden Business Unit.
Job Duties:
Lead new product development projects to launch, managing scope, timeline and deliverables.
Create 3D models and 2D drawings in SolidWorks.
Provide regular project status updates using established timelines and tracking tools.
Ensure components and assemblies comply with applicable standards and internal engineering requirements.
Lead or support prototype builds and facilitate cross-functional design reviews.
Plan and execute performance and lifecycle testing; analyze data and document results in detailed test reports.
Develop and maintain quality requirements, test and validation plans, and pre-shipment inspection criteria.
Review third-party QC and pre-shipment inspection results; drive corrective improvements.
Disposition nonconforming material and lead corrective actions to closure.
Support development of domestic and international supply chains (primarily Southeast Asia).
Travel to overseas suppliers for pilot builds, quality improvements
Communicate effectively—verbally and in writing—with internal stakeholders and international vendors.
Lead the development, documentation, and implementation of engineering standards.
Assist in maintaining engineering systems and documentation.
Manage multiple projects by prioritizing tasks, timelines, and deliverables.
Support Sourcing, Customer Service, Marketing, and Operations with technical decision-making and documentation accuracy.
Qualifications and Skills:
5+ years of consumer product design experience is preferred.
3D modeling experience.
3D printing and waterjet experience.
Extensive knowledge of mechanical operation of small-scale transmissions, drivetrains and small engines
Extensive knowledge in part design and fabrication (machining, welding, metal fabrication such as brake pressing and stamping, plastic molding processes such as injection and thermoforming, etc.)
General understanding of electrical systems/wiring
Knowledge or certification in Lean manufacturing, six sigma or other quality management systems is preferred.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or similar. Those with a 2-year technical degree and 8+ years of consumer design experience will also be considered.
Benefits:
- Healthcare (Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription)
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with Employer Contributions
- ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan)
- Yearly Profit-Sharing Bonus
- 401(k) Plan
- Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, Parental Leave
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Group Term Life Insurance
- Long Term Disability
- Flexible Spending Account (Dependent)
- Employee Discount
Compensation: Salaried Position
Duration of Employment: Full Time
Work Days: Monday - Friday
Hours / Day: 8
Work Shift: First Shift
Travel: Up to 20% travel is possible (domestically and international)
Ardisam, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Ardisam, Inc. is a Substance Free Workplace and requires pre-employment drug screens.
To Apply: Please email cover letter and resume to careers@ ardisam.com
Pay: $70,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Relocation assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
