Universal Forest Products Inc

Senior Product Innovation Engineer

Universal Forest Products Inc$95K — $115K *
Real Estate & Construction
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Product Design, Manufacturing, or related technical field
  • 5+ years of product development, engineering, manufacturing, or product innovation experience
  • Strong proficiency in SolidWorks and 3D CAD
  • Experience designing products for manufacturing
  • Strong problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills

Responsibilities

  • Lead engineering activities throughout the product development lifecycle, from concept through commercialization
  • Translate customer needs and market insights into innovative product solutions
  • Develop 3D models, assemblies, and technical documentation using SolidWorks
  • Lead prototyping, testing, and validation to ensure product performance
  • Partner with Manufacturing and suppliers to optimize materials and processes
  • Create installation instructions and visual work instructions using SolidWorks Composer
  • Serve as the engineering lead on cross-functional innovation projects
  • Research emerging technologies and industry trends for new product opportunities
  • Manage multiple development projects and timelines

Benefits

  • Onsite work location in Charlotte, NC
  • Opportunity to work on innovative products
  • Collaboration with cross-functional teams
  • Engagement with emerging technologies and industry trends
  • Professional growth in product development and engineering
Full Job Description
Senior Product Innovation Engineer

Location: Onsite in Charlotte, NC

We're currently looking for a Sr. Product Innovation Engineer to join the team in our Charlotte office. The ideal candidate would transform ideas into commercially viable products by combining engineering, design, and manufacturing expertise. This role leads products from concept through prototyping, validation, manufacturing, and commercialization while partnering with Marketing, Industrial Design, Manufacturing, Sales, and Business Units.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead engineering activities throughout the product development lifecycle, from concept through commercialization.
  • Translate customer needs, market insights, and business objectives into innovative, manufacturable product solutions.
  • Develop 3D models, assemblies, drawings, specifications, and technical documentation using SolidWorks and related tools.
  • Lead prototyping, testing, validation, and field evaluations to ensure product performance and readiness.
  • Partner with Manufacturing, Sourcing, and suppliers to optimize materials, processes, tooling, cost, and scalability.
  • Create installation instructions, assembly guides, technical documentation, and visual work instructions using SolidWorks Composer and other tools.
  • Serve as the engineering lead on cross-functional innovation projects and communicate technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.
  • Research emerging technologies, materials, manufacturing methods, and industry trends to identify new product opportunities.
  • Manage multiple development projects, timelines, risks, and deliverables.


Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Product Design, Manufacturing, or related technical field.
  • 5+ years of product development, engineering, manufacturing, or product innovation experience.
  • Strong proficiency in SolidWorks and 3D CAD.
  • Experience designing products for manufacturing.
  • Strong problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.


Preferred
  • Experience in construction, building products, manufacturing, or prefabrication.
  • Experience with Design Thinking, product testing, commercialization, or project management.
  • Knowledge of structural principles, manufacturing processes, and product development standards.

Nice to Have
  • SolidWorks Composer and technical animation experience.
  • DriveWorks, PDM, or design automation experience.
  • AI-assisted engineering and design experience.
  • DFM/DFA or Lean Manufacturing knowledge.
  • Hands-on construction, fabrication, or manufacturing experience.


Success in This Role
Success means bringing innovative products from concept to market while balancing customer value, performance, cost, quality, manufacturability, and speed to market.

About Universal Forest Products Inc

Since 1955, there’s one thing that Universal Forest Products has consistently done: grow. We’ve grown our brand portfolio. We’ve grown our product lines. But, most importantly, we’ve grown our reputation—based on our commitment to grow brands by delivering the absolute best products and service possible. Not only because it’s what you expect, but also because it’s what we demand. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., with facilities throughout North America, Universal Forest Products is strategically positioned to deliver a wide variety of products to nationwide retailers that cater to both consumers and contractors. Universal Forest Products is a holding company that provides capital, management and administrative resources to subsidiaries that design, manufacture and market wood and wood-alternative products for the retail, construction and industrial markets. To explore all our products, like our outdoor living products or our framing services for the site-built market or our forming products for concrete construction.

Universal Forest Products Inc Careers

Join the dynamic team at Universal Forest Products Inc, a leader in the wood product manufacturing industry, and propel your career to new heights. As part of our commitment to innovation and leadership, we are continuously seeking skilled professionals eager to drive growth and embrace challenges in a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Why Work with Us?

At Universal Forest Products Inc, you are not just taking a job; you are embarking on a fulfilling career. We offer a range of job opportunities that allow you to utilize your skills, from entry-level positions to leadership roles. Our team is our greatest asset, and we invest in their growth through comprehensive training programs and professional development opportunities.

Explore Our Job Opportunities

Whether you're a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, Universal Forest Products Inc offers a variety of career paths in areas such as operations, sales, marketing, and technology. Our internship programs provide a robust foundation for students and recent graduates, offering hands-on experience and networking opportunities that often lead to full-time employment.

Our Culture and Benefits

At Universal Forest Products Inc, we pride ourselves on a culture that fosters innovation, leadership, and teamwork. We understand that job satisfaction extends beyond the workplace, which is why we offer competitive benefits that enhance the lives of our employees and their families. From health and wellness programs to retirement plans, we ensure our team members are supported both personally and professionally.

Join Our Team

Ready to advance your career with Universal Forest Products Inc? Explore our current openings and find the position that matches your skills and interests. Our hiring process is designed to be transparent and engaging, ensuring that all candidates can showcase their strengths from the resume submission to the interview stage.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity is integral to our company ethos. Universal Forest Products Inc is committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We believe that diversity drives innovation and makes our team stronger.

Develop Your Career

Universal Forest Products Inc is dedicated to the continuous professional development of our employees. With access to cutting-edge training and leadership programs, you can expand your knowledge, enhance your skills, and take on new challenges within the company.

Stay Connected

Don’t miss out on the exciting career opportunities at Universal Forest Products Inc. Stay updated with the latest company news, job openings, and industry insights by joining our career network. Tailor your job alerts to match your career preferences and be the first to know about new positions that fit your profile.

Apply Now

Are you ready to make a significant impact in your career and help shape the future of the wood products industry? Apply today and join a team that values hard work, creativity, and a commitment to excellence. At Universal Forest Products Inc, your future is in your hands.

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Embark on your journey with Universal Forest Products Inc and transform your professional life in a company that values growth, leadership, and diversity.
Learn more about Universal Forest Products Inc
Size
15,000 employees
Market Cap
$4.9 billion
Industry
Net Income
$246.7 million
Founded
1955
5 Year Trend
+21.7%
Revenue
$5.1 billion
NASDAQ

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