The History Of Product Development

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

Table of Contents

Introduction - Problem Identification

Design Engineering is a boutique research and design-engineering firm, which was established by Jim Smith is 1987. A premier engineering design firm provides design-engineering service to all small and medium sized firms in Grand Rapids, MI. The one of the significant problem identified in the organization is the dramatic downturned of firm's services demand due to recent economic crises. Since, in the result of this recession, Jim lay off several employees. Later on, when the recent development in the economic position of the country comes up, the business and Jim has new clients and more orders to deal, but still business has not able to generate projected annual revenue of $18 million.

Because of this business condition, Jim cannot hire additional engineer because the market of engineers is heating up in terms of pays. It is the reason due to which the no engineer is agreed to work on low salaries. As the engineers are the heart of the firms without which the firm cannot be run and its becomes difficult for the company to meet with the customers deadline. Besides, it has been also identified that the structure for design engineers does not formal since Jim was using a standard job description to deal with the employees. Later on, based on this standard job description, Jim was started to pay competitive salaries annual merits to the employees. Beside all, due to the lack of informal job structure and lack of guidelines, some of the compensation issues are raised that need to be addressed so that the employees at engineering firm being able to receive competitive salaries. Now, Jim wants someone who can address these issues and provide him a proper pay structure that could motivate employees and prevent the top engineers at the Design Engineering firm from leaving.

In order to do so, this report is prepared to provide the formal pay structure that could meet with the expectations of the Jim and fulfill his demands. In this report, several task are decided to perform such as job evaluation, development of point factor system, market price analysis, benchmark job evaluation, creation of pay structure, and analysis of employees population pay by using the developed structure and market analysis. At last, the overall overview of the report is provided along with implications of composed pay structure and recommendation to make it more effective.

Task 1: Proper Job Descriptions

Job Description - CAD Designers 1/2

Summary

A CAD Designer is required who has capability to prepare drawings according to defined instructions, sketches and/or layouts prepared by others.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Perform draughting duties as advised under supervision of assigned, Lead Engineer, Project Manager or CAD supervisor

Take responsibility for draughting tasks

Communicate with project team when and where required

Create or modify engineering drawings for structural changes

Drawings may include but are not limited:

Layout drawings

General arrangement drawings

Detail drawings

Field layout

Approach

Tie-in

Alignment sheet

Isometrics drawings

Sketches and schematics

Electronic filing of drawings

Required Competencies and Experience:

At least 3 years of experience

Preferred Software Experience:

At least 3 years AutoCAD 2007 2D or above

At least 1 year Autodesk Inventor 2009 or 2010

Qualifications:

Minimum qualification ONC in Structures or equivalent

Job Description - Senior CAD Drafter

Summary:

A senior CAD drafter, which should be advanced professional and able to perform administrative level duties including offering in technical expertise and production support in computer-aided drafting (CAD) to engineering staff and design teams on multi-disciplinary projects.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

Reviews, leads and performs General CAD drafting and design support for various projects

Develops revises and maintains contract drawings, as-built drawings, sketches, presentational drawings, graphs, and charts in support of both large and small projects

Lead, review and provide feedback on all CAD efforts by consultants or others in support of various design and projects.

Coordinates with the Engineers, Project Managers, and coordinators to bring changes in contract drawings and provide feedback to ensure overall quality, accuracy, consistency, and adherence to CAD standards

Ensure all submittals are completed and delivered on schedule 

Develop and maintain the configuration and environment for all CAD programs used by the agency

Manages and maintains the completed projects by using electronic document management software

Coordinate with Information Technology (IT) to review, test, and make recommendations for new products

Write and test programming code, such as Visual Basic to perform automated or scripted, processes with drafting and modeling software. 

Attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the fields; and incorporates new developments ideas as appropriate.

Ensure the firm's processes, policies and practices are interpreted and applied consistently and effectively

Education and Experience:

Masters' Degree or Graduate in technical education or in engineering graphics, architecture, industrial design, computer science, CAD drafting, 3D Modeling, or closely related field and five years of experience drafting with AutoCAD on multi-discipline projects

Required Knowledge

Computer technology in specific areas of application, such as engineering

Understanding with advanced methods and techniques of using and AutoCAD or related software

Understanding with general design and facility terminology 

Principles and practices of reading and interpreting design drawings

Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations 

Methods and techniques of complex report preparation, data collection and analysis of relevant information 

Techniques to work effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, and adjust to changing priorities

Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation along with English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation

Modern office procedures and equipment including printers, large format plotters, computers

Computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, statistical databases and document management systems

Physical Demands / Work Environment:  

Ability to work in a standard office environment

Subject to standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting of objects up to 25 pounds

Job Description - Electrician 1/2

Summary:

Under general supervision, perform journey-level work in the design, installation, construction, modification, repair and maintenance of electrical apparatuses, equipment and systems; act as lead worker to other classified staff in the area; and perform related work as required.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Troubleshoots, repairs and maintains electrical systems integrated with the project and control it

Ensure that the campus fire alarms and emergency electrical systems are operational

Performs certification testing on alarm systems

Installs, troubleshoots and repairs new equipment and systems, and control all lighting system of the firm

Monitors work done by outside contractors for adherence to National Electrical Code Requirements and reports back to supervisor

Assists in the writing of specifications for repairs and new construction

Shared Responsibilities:

Maintains appropriate service and repair records

Researches, purchases and inventories equipment parts, chemicals and supplies

Responds to routine and emergency calls for repairs and service

Train and direct the work of other classified staff in the area

Skills and Abilities

Operate and use required tools and equipment skillfully and safely

Assemble, install, maintain, and repair electrical apparatuses

Estimate cost, time and materials of electrical work

Analyze and respond safely and appropriately to emergency situations

Read and comprehend plans and blueprints as appropriate to trade

Perform heavy physical labor

Follow and give oral and written instructions and maintain cooperative working relationships

Knowledge Required:

Knowledge of electrical theory and methods, materials, tools, equipment and systems used in the electrical engineering

Knowledge of applicable state and federal codes and regulations pertaining to the electrical trade

Understanding with computer logic and programming

Knowledge of methods and practices followed in the maintenance of tools, machinery, and equipment

Knowledge of safety precautions to be observed in the maintenance and installation of electronic and mechanical equipment

Qualification and Experience:

Graduation from high school, and certification in electrical studies relevant to engineering field with the experience of four years as a licensed electrician in engineering field

Job Description - Engineering Technician 1/2/3/4

Summary:

Experienced engineering technician for full time that has ability to deal with all kind of technical issues that could be raised in any area of engineering project.

Job Responsibilities and Duties:

Assist in supervision of the work of technicians

Ensure that the production area produces product that meets with the quality standards and business requirements

Assemble aids, accessories, and assembly of electrical components

Document and trend finding

Soldering of small parts under microscope

Testing of completed assemblies

Miscellaneous tasks to improve operations

Practice necessary safety and security techniques

Documentation of all completed work

Education and Experience:

Masters' Degree or Graduate in technical education along with minimum five years of experience in the field of engineering as a engineer technicians with the ability to deal with multi-discipline projects.

Job Description - Engineer 2/3/4/5

Summary

Design robust and high quality systems and components by integrate the physical design requirements and manufacturing aspects of all hardware development to produce designs that meet all applicable requirements for the form, fit and function.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

Assist engineering staff in design and development of systems and components.

Collaborate with the engineering staff to produce design sketches and drawings in accordance with applicable standards.

Originate and review structural analyses, prototype test processes, operations procedures, and reports using appropriate computer software.

Review and verify design drawings and other technical documentation prepared by others to ensure correctness and accuracy in form, fit and function.

Job Specifications

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in related engineering discipline

Minimum five years of experience in drafting and 3-D Modeling CAE systems required.

Experience with Autodesk Inventor preferred.

Hands-on experience with design, engineering and fabrication of welded components preferred.

Strong verbal and written communication skills are necessary.

Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects

Strong problem-solving skills and a creative approach for generating new ideas

Education:

Design engineers are required to have relevant certification in their area of expertise. Qualifications may be in areas such as mechanical, civil, product, industrial, or materials engineering. Engineers may filter into their design role through from other positions into the practical element of design engineering.

Experience:

Minimum Four years of experience required in engineering field

Job Description - Engineer 4 - Product Development

Summary:

To conceive, design and develop medical devices through engineering analysis, prototyping, risk assessment and appropriate qualification testing.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Evaluate the feasibility of selected concepts to meet functional and customer needs

Design, develop and prototype new products in accordance with company requirements

Evaluate the feasibility of concepts through engineering testing and analysis, consistent with customer expectation

Develop timelines and cost estimates for development tasks and appraise management of performance against plan

Evaluate, document, and implement potential design and process changes to improve performance, manufacturability, safety or cost consistent

Strong understanding of new product development technologies and application to company strategic needs

Assess reliability, safety, performance and risk of new designs & methodologies

Coordinate and communicate development schedules and compatibility or design issues throughout the team continuously

Provide input into the creation or modification of Product Specifications in alignment with Customer Requirements

Other duties as assigned

Qualification and Experience:

Masters or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and four years of relevant engineering experience

Extensive experience in the testing and selection of material

Other Skills

Good written and oral team communication skills

Ability to travel when required

Competency in material processing methods and equipment routinely found in engineering devices

Strong statistical analysis and experimental design skills

Job Description - Engineering Manager 1/2

Summary

People focused technical professional who provides technical direction and business guidance to the engineering team. Drives gross profit through account planning, and resource planning and allocation. Proactively develops and maintains a team of high performing Engineers and continually seeks innovative methods for improving team performance and profitability.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Build and Hire a professional Systems Engineering organization

Build the engineering structure to scale and grow with the strategy of the company

Create a technical resource plan by vertical and technology

Collaborate with engineering team opportunities and understand mechanisms for building team capacity and improving team performance

Lead team to technical account strategies that align to customer business requirements and goals also assign resources appropriately

Monitor and approve requests

Assist in determining solution for engineering problems and issues

Provide timely and appropriate feedback that focuses on those things that will enhance the performance

Track and report team metrics for a given opportunity

Personal and Organizational Development

Monitor and measure team progress against business plan and recommend changes as needed

Lead cross-functional projects within area of responsibility

Proactively seek feedback on self; recognize own capabilities and take initiative to continually improve

Understand drivers of customer satisfaction and strive to improve customer experiences

Skills & Behaviors

Advanced understanding of internetworking industry trends, including new products and solutions

Advanced understanding of competitive product and solution landscape

Excellent knowledge in Routing, Switching, Unified Communications, Security and Wireless

Leadership Ability

Develop team members’ capabilities in support of individual career goals and team objectives

Understand basics of managing technical people and the associated process of running a business

Understand the value of best practices and apply best practices and other tools to drive business results.

Communicate a clear vision and strategy for the account that inspires and empowers the team to execute within a common framework

Experience and Qualification

8-12 years industry and Management experience

Should be Masters in Engineering field

Management certification

Job Description - Machine Operator

Summary

Candidate should be able to operate all sort of engineering related equipment and machines as well as should responsible to operating heavy equipment in a safe and effective manner.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Operate heavy equipment in a safe and effective manner in order to minimize the risk of injury, property damage or loss of life

Main Activities include:

Operate all heavy equipment according to legislation, policies and procedures

Perform daily safety and maintenance checks

Clean machines and equipment as scheduled or when required

Ensure machines are safely and securely stored

Participate in routine maintenance

Practice workplace safety

Maintain inventory

Perform other related duties

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of equipment maintenance and storage

Knowledge of machines maintenance techniques

Knowledge of workplace safety requirements and procedures

Knowledge of record keeping system

Knowledge of equipment cleaning standards and procedures

Client service and public interaction skills

Team building skills

Analytical and problem solving skills

Stress and time management skills

Experience and Qualification

3 - 4 years experience in engineering industry as a machine operator

Should be graduate in technical studies

Job Description - Maintenance Lead-Manufacturing

Summary:

Lean Manufacturing Engineer must able to provide guidance and direction and help in driven the implementation of Lean Manufacturing principles throughout all operations and processes; coordinates  and facilities the implementation of the system to support meeting stated business objectives for Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Safety and Morale; and coaches employees and management  in implementing the new work methods.

Core Responsibilities:

Continuously facilitates reviews and standardizes production system tools and methods

Promotes, engineers and helps implement efficient and reliable Lean Manufacturing processes to guarantee efficient movement and delivery of materials and increase productivity and quality in station in support of production rates 

Develops training material and assists in delivery of training sessions and workshops to all levels in the organization 

Continuously drives culture change and acceptance of Lean Manufacturing principles across the organization by communicating and demonstrating the values and practicality of continuous improvement 

Inspires and encourages the use of best practices throughout the organization 

Engages management and employees in conceptualizing, planning and implementing, and sustaining continuous improvements by using Lean Manufacturing tools 

Coaches all employees and management on implementing and sustaining production system practices 

Frequently follows up with appropriate stakeholders to ensure timely and effective implementation and sustainability 

Drives continuous improvement and problem solving activities using Lean Manufacturing tools and processes 

Collaborates with operations to improve processes and evaluate and take action regarding day to day material, logistics, and build issues impacting the productions lines

Critical Competencies:

Leadership: Setting and modelling high performance standards and empowering a team of people to achieve agreed-upon outcomes 

Teamwork: Building cooperation among individuals and departments, sharing information and resources, and working to achieve group goals and outcomes 

Creativity/Innovation: Reframing traditional patterns of thinking and applying new and evolving ideas, methods, designs and technologies 

Problem Solving/Decision Making: Taking a well-ordered approach to solving problems and acting despite obstacles or resistance 

Detailed knowledge of business and manufacturing productivity improvement practices, tools, methods and line balancing techniques 

Project leader skills 

Proven analytical skills and sound structured approach 

Strong communicator who can influence his/her environment and be passionate about change and improvement 

Ability to work in a matrix and team based environment 

Resilience and perseverance: Ability to focus and execute projects to conclusion in the face of adversity and ambiguity 

Excellent computer skills; proficient in Excel, Power Point and Word 

Strives for perfection; proven ability to manage large projects and maintain attention to detail 

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Management or related field or equal due to proven experience. 

Experience with lean implementation in assembly environments 

Solid and proven project management skills required 

A demonstrated understanding of Lean principles such as Value Stream Mapping, Just-In-Time, Demand Flow, Single Piece Flow, 5S, Visual Management, Total Productive Maintenance, Continuous Improvement Process, Kaizen, SPC, Six Sigma and Communication Tools, Statistical Problem Solving and QS9000 

Six Sigma certification is a plus

Job Description - Project Coordinator and Manager

Job description

Engineering project managers are in charge of supervising the development of complex projects while observing pre-determined conditions (cost, quality, safety, timelines). These versatile engineers participate in defining the project's specifications, planning its implementation and drawing up its budget.

 Comfortable with both technical and financial aspects, they coordinate the work of the various participants involved (engineers, technicians, suppliers and subcontractors). They can intervene as required in technical matters. They make sure that development methods, timelines and costs are observed during each phase of the process. When they notice discrepancies, they notify the managers concerned and work with them to resolve the problem.

Specific skills

Have an engineering diploma, with a specialization depending on the company's sector of activity

Be registered with their province's professional engineering association for the right to practice as an engineer

Have technical skills in the area of expertise in question

Be able to solve managerial, financial and business problems in relation to project management

Be proficient in the use of computer tools like MS Project

Personal qualities

Organization

Leadership

Entrepreneurial spirit

Ability to adapt

Thoroughness

Communication skills

Authority

Team Building

Task 2: Job Evaluation

For the effective and accurate job evaluation, there are number of that can be used. However, however for the given case, the point method is used. The solution of task b is given below:

Identification of Benchmark Job

From the given jobs, there are following benchmark jobs are identified:

Designer

Engineer

HR

Technical

CAD Designer 1

Engineer 2

Project Coordinator 1

Machine Operator

CAD Designer 2

Engineer 3

Project Coordinator 2

Maintenance Lead-Manufacturing

CAD Designer 2

Engineer 4 - Product Development

Project Manager

Electrician 1

Senior CAD Drafter

Engineer 4

Engineering Manager 1

Electrician 2

 

Engineer 5

Engineering Manager 2

Engineering Technician 1

 

 

Engineering Technician 2

 

 

Engineering Technician 3

 

 

Engineering Technician 4

Table : Jobs Benchmarking

The above benchmark jobs are identified after considering the nature of jobs and responsibilities that identified in the task A. All CAD designers and drafters are placed in same categories because their responsibilities and nature of job is similar in terms of using CAD software. Similarly, all engineers, manager and technician are placed in respective categories because their responsibilities are similar and nature of jobs is interrelated to each other.

Job Evaluation of Benchmark Jobs - Points Method

The job evaluation of benchmark jobs is illustrated below:

CAD Designer/Drafter

 

Degree (1,2,3,4)

Weight

Point

Skills (50 Percent)

 

 

 

Educational Level

4

25%

100

Degree of Technical Skills

2

25%

50

Responsibility (30 Percent)

 

 

 

Scope of Control

3

10%

30

Impact of Job

2

20%

40

Effort (20 Percent)

 

 

 

Degree of Problem Solving

3

10%

30

Task Complexity

3

10%

30

Total Points

280

Table : CAD Designer Benchmark

Engineers

 

Degree (1,2,3,4)

Weight

Point

Skills (50 Percent)

 

 

 

Educational Level

4

25%

100

Degree of Technical Skills

3

25%

74

Responsibility (30 Percent)

 

 

 

Scope of Control

2

10%

20

Impact of Job

2

20%

40

Effort (20 Percent)

 

 

 

Degree of Problem Solving

4

10%

40

Task Complexity

2

10%

20

Total Points

280

Table : Engineers Benchmark

HR

 

Degree (1,2,3,4)

Weight

Point

Skills (50 Percent)

 

 

 

Educational Level

4

25%

100

Degree of Technical Skills

4

25%

100

Responsibility (30 Percent)

 

 

 

Scope of Control

2

10%

20

Impact of Job

2

20%

40

Effort (20 Percent)

 

 

 

Degree of Problem Solving

1

10%

10

Task Complexity

2

10%

20

Total Points

240

Table : HR Benchmark

Technicians

 

Degree (1,2,3,4)

Weight

Point

Skills (50 Percent)

 

 

 

Educational Level

2

25%

75

Degree of Technical Skills

2

25%

50

Responsibility (30 Percent)

 

 

 

Scope of Control

2

20%

10

Impact of Job

1

10%

40

Effort (20 Percent)

 

 

 

Degree of Problem Solving

4

10%

40

Task Complexity

2

10%

20

Total Points

235

Table : Technicians Benchmark

The assigned points to different jobs are vary from each other, but the ranking of overall job evaluation points across jobs is most likely from lowest to highest: CAD Designer and Drafter, Engineers, HR managers, and technician. In order to assign the degrees to the identified benchmark job following four degrees for education level are used that includes:

1=High School/GED

2=Associates

3=Bachelors

4=Masters/Graduate

Task C: Analyses of Survey Data

The survey data for this study is conducted from the five different companies (A, B,C, D, E) and the pay of employees with similar title such as CAD Designer/Drafter, Engineers, HRs, and Technicians. Based on the data conducted from the survey, will be used to predict the base pay for the firm that is under consideration. However, by analyzing the survey data (in excel sheet) following weighted average values are recognized that are illustrated below, which will be used to process further:

 

Weighted Average

CAD Designer/Drafter

$32,653.85

Engineer

$37,803.57

HR

$36,500.00

Technicians

$27,846.15

Table : Analysis of Survey Data

Task D: Simple Regression to Create a Market Pay Line

To create market pay line, the simple regression is conducted by using the data obtained from survey and job evaluation. For regression, job evaluation points (X) and weighted average base pay rates (Y) are used due to which following regressions values are obtained:

Regression Calculation

Slope (m)

157

y-Intercept (b)

-9443

Correlation , R square

0.96

Table

In order to determined the pay , following predict pay model is used:

y=m(x)+b

Whereas,

y =the predicted base pay

m =the slope of the line

x =the job evaluation points

b =the y-intercept

Task E: Predicted Base Pay for Benchmark Job

The predicted base pay for the benchmark jobs is given in the following table that is calculated in the given excel sheet:

Benchmark Jobs

Predicted Pay

CAD Designer/Drafter

$34,485

Engineers

$36,839

HR

$36,054

Technicians

$27,425

Table : Predicted Base Pay

Task F: Create Pay Grades

By considering the scenario, following pay grade are determined for different benchmark jobs that could be used by the firm under consideration. The given pay grade is different because of the different nature and responsibilities involved in each job.

Pay Grade A

Engineer and HR should be placed at first grade pay because their responsibilities are more technical and complex. Since, engineer integrate basic design with all components to run the certain system efficiently, while the HR is responsible for controlling overall process and management from the development of project till its completion.

Pay Grade B

CAD Designer and Drafters are placed at second grade pay because their responsibilities are limited to developing effective and innovative designing for the certain project.

Pay Grade C

The jobs involved in the third pay grade are technician and electrician because their jobs are less critical and complex as compare to the professionals of pay grade A and B.

Task G: Determine the Pay Range

The solution provided below presumes the pay grades identified in Task F:

Pay Grade A: Engineer and HR

Pay Grade B: CAD Designers/Drafters

Pay Grade C: Technicians

In order to allocate the accurate range of pay, following criteria is used:

Pay grades A and B include clerical/office positions, so the pay range for each will be 10 percent above and below the midpoint.

Pay grade C includes professional and management positions, so the pay range will be 30 percent above and below the midpoint.

Pay Range for Grade A

Jobs in this grade

Predicted Pay

Minimum (10% below midpoint)

Midpoint

Maximum (10% above midpoint)

Engineer

$ 36,838.00

$33,154.20

$ 36,838.00

$40,521.80

HR

$ 36,054.00

$32,448.60 

 $ 36,054.00

$39,659.40 

Table : Pay Range for Grade A

Pay Range for Grade B

Jobs in this grade

Predicted Pay

Minimum (15% below midpoint)

Midpoint

Maximum (15% above midpoint)

CAD Designers/Drafters

$34,485.00

$29,312.25

$ 34,485.00

$39,657.75

Table : Pay Range for Grade B

Pay Range for Grade C

Jobs in this Grade

Predicted Pay

Minimum (30% below midpoint)

Midpoint

Maximum (30% above midpoint)

Technicians

$ 27,425.00

$23,311.25

$ 27,425.00

$31,538.75

Table : Range for Grade C

Task H: Pay Structure Discussion and Implications

Using the above pay structure will be effective for the Design Engineering firms in terms of motivating employees and keeping them prevent to leave the organization. It is because the developed pay structure is composed after reviewing and analyzing the other engineering firm in the industry operating in Grand Rapids, MI. In addition to this, in this pay structure the salaries to the employees are decided after recognizing their job roles and responsibilities. In this new structure for the pay to the employees and engineers of engineering firms, the salaries are competitive and meet with the standards that also implemented in other engineering firms. Furthermore, it is assured that after the successful implication of this pay structure, the engineer will be motivated to work with the firm and company will be able to retain top engineers in the firm. By doing so, the design engineering firm will not only obtain the significant benefit in terms of satisfying customers by meeting their dead lines as well as it will be able to enhance the growth and development of the firm. On the other hand, it is suggested to Jim that he should maintain the developed pay structure and keep it up-to-date in terms to obtain long-term benefit from it.