Design Engineer I - Burn In

As a Design Engineer I at Smiths Interconnect, your primary responsibilities include designing new products as well as redesigning existing ones to meet customer requirements. You will also provide technical support to internal departments and customers, review important drawings for compliance, and issue Engineering Change Release Notifications (ECN's). Throughout your daily tasks, you will engage in creating and updating product design guidelines and contribute valuable insights into resolving engineering problems.

To qualify for the Design Engineer I role at Smiths Interconnect, candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, preferably with a focus on Mechanical Design, and have at least 2 years of relevant experience. Proficiency in SolidWorks or equivalent 3D modeling software is essential, alongside an understanding of engineering mechanics and manufacturing methods. Familiarity with GD&T and ANSI/ASME standards as well as experience in Finite Element Analysis will be advantageous.

Yes, the Design Engineer I position at Smiths Interconnect may involve travel, although it is estimated to be 20% or less. This travel could include visiting clients or participating in relevant industry meetings, providing an excellent opportunity for professional growth and networking within the engineering field.

A strong skill set in SolidWorks or an equivalent 3D modeling software is mandatory for the Design Engineer I role at Smiths Interconnect. Additionally, a good grasp of engineering mechanics, manufacturing processes, and familiarity with Finite Element Analysis and GD&T standards will support success in this position, allowing for effective product design and problem-solving.

Smiths Interconnect values diversity and inclusion, believing that different perspectives enrich the company culture and performance. They are committed to creating a workplace grounded in equality, ethics, and support for all employees, regardless of their background. The company promotes equal opportunity for all applicants and maintains confidentiality and respect throughout the hiring process.

When discussing your experience with SolidWorks during your interview for the Design Engineer I position, emphasize specific projects where you utilized the software effectively. Be prepared to elaborate on your designs, any challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. Mention your familiarity with 3D modeling and how it contributed to successful product outcomes.

To answer how you approach problem-solving, illustrate your methodical process: identify the issue, conduct research, consider various solutions, and evaluate their feasibility. Relate an example from your past experience as a Design Engineer, focusing on how you utilized technical knowledge and teamwork to resolve a challenge successfully and the positive outcome that followed.

In your response, showcase your understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) principles. Discuss any experience you have applying GD&T in design projects, emphasizing how it helped in meeting customer specifications or enhancing communication with manufacturing teams. Provide specific instances where your knowledge directly contributed to project success.

Share a specific experience where you collaborated with engineers or other departments on a design project. Highlight your role in the team, what challenges were faced, and how you successfully navigated differing opinions or pressures, showcasing your teamwork and communication strategies throughout the project.

Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning by discussing how you engage with professional development. Mention resources such as online courses, industry conferences, trade publications, or professional networks. Explain how staying updated has benefited your work, particularly in efficiency or innovation within your engineering practices.

Detail your systematic approach to ensuring compliance. Discuss the methods you use to familiarize yourself with relevant engineering standards and company policies, such as reviewing documentation and double-checking designs against specifications. Mention any tools or checklists you might implement to maintain consistency and accuracy in your work.

Discuss key factors such as thorough documentation, regular communication with stakeholders, and rigorous testing protocols. Give examples from your previous roles where these factors played a crucial role in ensuring the quality of your designs. Stress the importance of applying engineering principles and standards throughout the product development process.

In your explanation, clarify that ECNs are vital for tracking design changes and ensuring that all stakeholders are aware of modifications. Discuss your experience managing ECNs and how you communicated changes effectively to avoid confusion and maintain project momentum. This will demonstrate your grasp of the development process and the importance of thorough documentation.

Explain your time management strategies, such as creating priority lists or deadlines based on project requirements and timelines. Provide a specific instance where you successfully juggled multiple responsibilities and how effective prioritization led to timely completion of a project, showcasing your organizational skills and adaptability.

Highlight your belief that a Design Engineer's role is crucial in aligning product design with customer expectations. Discuss how you anticipate customer needs through effective design, communication, and technical support. Provide examples where your contributions positively impacted customer satisfaction, illustrating your understanding of the customer-centric approach in engineering.