Job DescriptionAs Senior Manager, Product Engineering, you will serve as the primary U.S.-based technical leader for Staples Private Brands product engineering initiatives. You will guide products from concept through commercialization, translating customer and business needs into practical engineering solutions that improve performance, manufacturability, reliability, and cost. Working across internal teams, global sourcing offices, suppliers, and factories, you will shape engineering standards, strengthen supplier capabilities, solve complex product challenges, and identify new technologies and materials that create a competitive advantage.
What you'll be doing:- Lead U.S. product engineering support for Staples Private Brands product development, commercialization, and product improvement initiatives.
- Translate customer, product, and business requirements into clear product specifications and engineering solutions.
- Evaluate prototypes, samples, and engineering submissions to improve product performance, manufacturability, reliability, and cost.
- Partner with Product Development, Category Development, Global Sourcing, Quality, Operations, and Design & Innovation teams to deliver successful products.
- Work with suppliers, factories, and global sourcing offices to ensure products meet quality, compliance, performance, and cost objectives.
- Lead value engineering and continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen product quality, margin, and operational efficiency.
- Investigate product issues, identify root causes, and partner with Quality teams to implement effective corrective actions.
- Provide technical guidance on materials, manufacturing processes, testing methodologies, product safety, and performance standards.
- Assess emerging technologies, materials, and manufacturing capabilities to identify opportunities for innovation and competitive differentiation.
- Lead complex project teams, influence stakeholders without direct authority, and advise leaders on engineering, supplier, and product decisions.
What you bring to the table:- Deep product engineering knowledge across materials, manufacturing processes, product development, testing, and quality systems.
- Strategic thinking that connects engineering decisions to customer experience, financial performance, and business priorities.
- Strong problem-solving skills and sound judgment when balancing performance, quality, cost, compliance, and speed.
- The ability to build alignment and drive results across diverse teams, suppliers, and partners without relying on formal authority.
- Clear communication skills that make complex technical information accessible to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- A collaborative, curious mindset and a passion for innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
What's needed- Basic Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering, a related technical field or equivalent work experience.
- 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in product engineering, product development, manufacturing engineering, or a related field.
- Experience supporting new product development and product commercialization initiatives.
- Experience developing product specifications and translating business requirements into engineering solutions.
- Strong experience applying knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, testing methodologies, and quality systems.
- Demonstrated success partnering with Product Development, Sourcing, Quality, Operations, and Design teams.
- Successfully leading complex projects and influencing stakeholders without direct reporting authority.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally based on business needs.
What's needed- Desired Qualifications:- Master's degree in engineering, product development, or a related discipline.
- 12+ years of experience supporting consumer products, private brands, or globally sourced product portfolios.
- Experience leading enterprise-wide engineering, product development, or continuous improvement initiatives.
- Experience working directly with global factories, suppliers, and international sourcing organizations.
- Experience delivering cost reduction, value engineering, reliability improvement, or manufacturability programs.
- Experience with Product Lifecycle Management systems, engineering analytics tools, or Agile methodologies.
- Experience overseeing engineering teams.
- Knowledge of global regulatory requirements, product safety standards, and compliance frameworks.
- Lean Six Sigma certification or another relevant engineering certification.
We Offer:- Inclusive culture with associate-led Business Resource Groups
- 22 days of PTO and Holiday Schedule (7 observed paid holidays + 1 floating holiday)
- Online and Retail Discounts, Company Match 401(k), Physical and Mental Health Wellness programs, and more!
The salary range represents the expected compensation for this role at the time of posting. The specific base pay may be influenced by a variety of factors to include the candidate's experience, skill set, education, geography, business considerations, and internal equity. In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for bonuses, or other forms of variable compensation.
