Job Title: Project Design EngineerSalary: $95k - $105kWe are seeking a motivated Project Design Engineer, based on-site at our Chicago facility, at 4849 South Austin Avenue, Chicago, IL 60638, to join the Rockfon Engineering team. This position will report directly to the Engineering Manager. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work with cutting-edge products and technology in a dynamic industry.Job Purpose
The Project Design Engineer develops new product designs that meet customer needs, focusing on the ceiling industry. This role involves designing products, understanding manufacturing methods, and ensuring successful product launches. The engineer will use the Rockfon Stage-Gate process for new product development.Key ResponsibilitiesProduct Design & Development
- Create and design new products, ensuring they meet customer and industry standards.
- Work with thin gauge, coated metals, and design for efficient manufacturing.
- Manage product development timelines, budgets, and resources.
- Use Stage-Gate and Fast Track methodologies for project management.
- Lead product launches and ensure successful outcomes.
Machine Design & Engineering
- Design equipment changes to meet product requirements and cost goals.
- Manage vendors for new machinery, tooling, and contract work.
- Apply Lean Six Sigma principles to manufacturing projects.
Compliance & Safety
- Ensure products meet industry standards (OSHA, NFPA, ANSI, etc.).
- Support testing and certification processes for new products.
- Maintain compliance with relevant regulations (safety, environmental, building codes).
Project Management
- Manage product design, qualification, and equipment changes within scope, cost, and timeline.
- Develop technical solutions and business case justifications.
- Create CAD models, BOMs, and manufacturing instructions.
- Work with cross-functional teams for testing, quality programs, and project execution.
Collaboration & Communication
- Maintain strong relationships with Tool Room, Maintenance, Production teams, and vendors.
- Liaise with Rockwool/Rockfon facilities for prototype development and testing.
- Keep organized records of all project-related documents.
Continuous Improvement & Innovation
- Stay updated on technology trends, competitive products, and global patents.
- Seek development opportunities by collaborating with Rockwool companies and suppliers.
Additional Requirements
- Hands-on involvement with prototypes, mock-ups, tooling, and production equipment.
- Travel required (10-15%) based on project needs.
What We Offer
- Competitive Pay & Benefits from Day 1: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
- 401K Match: Up to 6%
- Paid Time Off: Generous PTO, 12 paid holidays, and parental leave.
- Educational Assistance & Career Growth: Invest in your future.
- Wellness Perks: Fitness reimbursement and EAP access.
- Safety First: Company-provided PPE and programs to keep you protected.
Who we are:Founded in 1937 in Denmark, ROCKWOOL Group transforms volcanic rock into sustainable and innovative products that enhance lives and communities. With a global team of over 12,000 employees and 51 manufacturing facilities across 40+ countries, we are united by a shared mission: unlocking the natural power of stone to enrich modern living.This role is part of our Rockfon business, a division of the ROCKWOOL Group. Rockfon delivers comprehensive ceiling system solutions, integrating stone wool and specialty metal ceiling panels with Chicago Metallic suspension systems, providing high-quality, sustainable offerings to our customers. To learn more, visit www.rockfon.com.
Top Skills
What We Do
We release the natural power of stone to enrich modern living.
ROCKWOOL Group is a focused industrial company with leading positions in insulation, acoustic ceilings and horticultural growing media based on proprietary stone wool technology. We harness the properties that nature has given us to create products for quality living.
Our products touch most aspects of everyday life. We offer carefully designed, innovative sustainable solutions for your comfort, safety and for the benefit of the environment.
ROCKWOOL Group's business portfolio consists of:
* ROCKWOOL® insulation solutions for buildings.
* ROCKWOOL® technical insulation solutions to both industry, marine and offshore.
* ROCKWOOL® core solutions tailor made stone wool products to be integrated into finished systems.
* Rockfon® acoustic ceilings and wall solutions.
* Rockpanel® cladding material.
* Grodan® growing media solutions for plants.
* Lapinus® solutions for applications such as friction, water management, tracks, coatings, gaskets.
At ROCKWOOL Group, we are committed to enriching the lives of everyone who experiences our product solutions. Our expertise is perfectly suited to tackle many of today’s biggest sustainability and development challenges, from energy consumption and noise pollution to fire resilience, water scarcity and flooding. Our range of products reflects the diversity of the world’s needs, supporting our stakeholders in reducing their own carbon footprint along the way.
Stone wool is a versatile material and forms the basis of all our businesses. With around 12,200 colleagues in 40 countries, we are the world leader in stone wool solutions, from building insulation to acoustic ceilings, external cladding systems to horticultural solutions, engineered fibres for industrial use to insulation for the process industry and marine & offshore
