Job Description

At Johnson Outdoors, home to some of the world’s most innovative and best-known outdoor recreation brands, we create amazing outdoor experiences - for adventurers, by adventurers. Check out each of the unique Johnson Outdoor brands in Fishing, Camping , Watercraft and Diving!

Come and help shape the future growth of Johnson Outdoors and our Fishing brands by playing a key role within our Engineering/R&D function. Located at our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility on the shores of beautiful Lake Eufaula, Alabama, the Lead Electrical Engineer is responsible for performing innovative, complex electronic design and development for new products from conception through production release and for design improvements to existing products. The successful candidate will have responsibility for overall product designs, leading a development team in the design, implementation and testing of the platform and providing support for production.

What you will be doing:

• Provide daily technical oversight and guidance and engineering design. Lead project teams from project conception to completion by managing plans, milestones, reviewing assignments to ensure successful product launch. Coordinate daily activities, set priorities and manage work schedules. May coach employees on performance, provide input into performance evaluations and into hiring and termination decisions.
• Evaluate designs and project activities for compliance with technology and development guidelines and provide tangible feedback to improve product quality.
• Research and recommend vendors and oversee vendor activities.
• Independently, create innovative new product designs in response to new product concepts through development and initial production efficiently and effectively based on thorough knowledge of company strategy and needs and advanced design skills. Construct and maintain new product timelines, which include required external resources. Additionally design and develop improvements to existing products.
• Recommend MFG and design fabrication/construction applicable to best practice. Troubleshoot design obstructions and provides cost effective solutions.
• Perform prototype design experimentation, rapid prototype and conventional prototype fabrication. Evaluate prototype design(s) for performance and reliability.
• Write products specifications and provide prints documentation and testing verification methods to source and inspect the product. Ensure the product meets specifications and publish test results.
• Conduct and document technical feasibility evaluations, qualifications field and competitive testing to verify the design. Formulate development, unit and tooling cost estimates.
• Perform advanced troubleshooting of electrical/electronic design issues during development after the production start. Collaborate with various internal teams to resolve issues and ensure the development of a quality product that supports company and consumer needs.
• Produce project documentation that includes prints, engineering files, supplier communications and Engineering Change Orders (ECO’s).
• Assist operations and outside suppliers through new product development stages of new products with tooling, process methods, assembly plans and forecasting capacity requirements.

What you need to succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering (BSEE), electronics engineering (BSET) or equivalent. Typically requires a minimum of 7 years’ experience in electrical design engineering within consumer product design.
• Advanced knowledge of and skills in the design, evaluation and testing of electronic and/or electrical circuits and components.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead a team of engineers by providing technical guidance on the design and implementation of electrical components.
• Knowledge of and experience in reading and drawing schematics.
• Advanced understanding of and experience in product development from concept through production which includes a core understanding of the new product process, financial modeling (EVA) and timeline management.
• Proven experience in generating, designing and executing concepts into manufacturing designs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in managing more complex projects from concept to completion.
• Demonstrated creativity with strong analytical and technical expertise.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with a variety of internal teams as well as external contacts.
• Ability to take ownership and work with limited direction.
• Advanced proficiency with specific computer-based analysis, simulation and design tools.

A few pointers about our culture:

• Entrepreneurial spirit and innovation are in our bones! We authentically innovate trusted equipment that gets people out in the great outdoors.
• We are laser-focused on our consumers, and passionate about providing superior solutions flexible to meet any event’s needs or mission requirements.
• We strive to create meaningful, healthy change in the world as individuals and as a family of brands.
• We value team members who are willing to wear many hats; who take personal initiative, anticipating what needs to be done, and figuring things out to make them happen; but who are also willing to ask for help, to assist others and work together.

What you will receive:

• Share in the company’s success with competitive base salary with additional earning potential through participation in the cash profit sharing program, and eligibility for annual pay increases.
• Find work/life balance with generous Paid Time Off and holiday benefits, a full benefits package, and broad range of employee support and fitness and wellness plans.
• Further your career with performance development and training opportunities, including our tuition assistance program.
• Have fun at work, enjoying a collaborative and casual work environment, participating in fun company events, and taking advantage of great employee discounts on all our outdoor recreational products.
• Plan for your future with our 401(k) with company match and deferred retirement contributions, Sons & Daughters Scholarship program, college savings program, life and LTD insurance, and more.