Whisker is the maker of Litter-Robot, Feeder-Robot, and At Whisker, we believe pet parenthood can always get better.

As leading innovators in pet tech and refined pet accessories, we work tirelessly to solve problems and deliver smarter insights for pet parents while enriching the lives of pets. Whether it's a self-cleaning litter box that automates scooping, an automatic feeder that helps pets develop healthier eating habits, or a modern cat tree that delights both humans and felines, we strive to deliver better solutions for consumers while transforming pet care along the way. To us, having a pet is the best thing ever. At Whisker, life together just keeps getting better.

Whisker is based in Auburn Hills, Michigan and Juneau, Wisconsin with 600+ passionate team members.

What You'll Do:

The Principal Mechanical Engineer is responsible for leading the design and the development of connected pet care products, utilizing CAD to architect mechanical designs and take them from concept to mass production. The Principal Mechanical Engineer will work as part of a cross-functional team requiring collaboration and curiosity in domains other than mechanical engineering and will utilize strong mechanical engineering fundamentals, first principles, prototyping skills, CAD fluency, manufacturing process knowledge, and experience designing consumer electronics.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as deemed necessary.

• Leads the mechanical engineering team in the design and development of innovative products, coordinating efforts to meet project timelines, quality standards and cost objectives.
• Approaches product design with a high level of rigor and first principles.
• Utilizes Creo to lay out mechanical architecture, piece parts and mechanisms ensuring precision, functionality and adherence to project specifications.
• Provides technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
• Continuously evaluates and optimizes mechanical designs for efficiency, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness, leveraging own expertise in materials, manufacturing processes and design best practices working alongside tooling engineers and suppliers.
• Develops and maintains comprehensive documentation, including design specifications, technical drawings and engineering documentation.
• Develops and instills best practices, standards, and procedures.
• Demonstrates systems-thinking mentality to understand how other engineering disciplines integrate together to achieve product requirements.
• Conducts benchmarking research and creates design proposals for projects.
• Works with ODM's and Contract Manufacturers as engineering oversight, approver of mechanical designs and supporting RFQ process.
• Travels domestically and overseas to support builds and visit suppliers.
• Will perform additional responsibilities when required

What You'll Bring

• BS in Mechanical Engineering
• 12+ years of mechanical design experience in consumer electronics
• 7+ years of experience using Creo for design of consumer products
• Experience with system integration including electro-mechanical components, e.g. audio, display, camera, antenna, PCBA's, waterproofing, grounding, etc.
• Experience in Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), statistical tolerance analysis techniques, GD&T and Design of Experiments
• Deep history and knowledge in material properties such as plastics, metals, adhesive, etc
• Structural and Thermal Analysis experience using FEA tools
• Knowledge of high-volume manufacturing techniques (stamping, machining, injection molding, etc.)
• Up to 20% travel to manufacturing partners and suppliers
• Ability to maintain a professional atmosphere in a fast-paced environment with numerous interactions and interruptions
• A high degree of initiative, self-motivation, ability to motivate others and able to work with a degree of uncertainty
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with Team Members and colleagues
• Experience shipping multiple consumer products
• Comfortable with office pets (cats, dogs)

Not Required but nice to have:

• 15+ years of consumer product design experience, including full systems ownership
• 10+ years of experience using Creo CAD and Windchill administration

Requirements

Benefits & Purrks:

Join a tenacious, inventive company that empowers team members to chart their own path, lead by grounding decisions in the "why", and has a strong sense of empathy and openness to new perspectives. Be a part of exciting growth, work with incredible people, and create tomorrow's pet products-plus a whole lot of extras. You will also be provided with:

• Premium Medical/Dental/Vision insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Whisker Parents Program
• 1 day "pawternity" leave for new pet adoption
• Pet Insurance Discount
• 401K match
• Flexible spending accounts
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous paid time off
• 14 Paid Holidays
• Top of the line equipment
• Pet-friendly office
• Whisker products and swag
• Continuing education Support
• On-site gym with Peloton
• Referral program

Statement of Inclusivity:

We believe different perspectives make Whisker better and strive to create a place where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.

Please ensure to regularly check your email spam folder for any communication from Whisker to avoid missing important updates regarding your application status.