Director, Design Engineering

Who We Are

Frida is more than a brand built to support parents. We get parents. We know all about the often unbelievable realities of parenthood, because we’ve been in the trenches. Over the last 9 years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to developing the tools (and sometimes the tips, too) that help simplify parenting - and it all started with snot. Since the launch of our cult-favorite NoseFrida, The SnotSucker, we’ve innovated and launched over 100 products that provide quick and easy solutions to age-old parenting problems. We also launched Frida Mom in 2019, with products to help women with the transition through the fourth trimester into motherhood. Today, Frida holds over a 70% share of its main category, and our products can be found in over 50+ countries and in over 40,000 stores throughout the US - in every retail channel from mass-market, grocery, chain drug, and specialty stores. For 9 years, we’ve had parents’ backs as they navigate the parts of parenthood you don’t usually see on the ’gram with honest and raw messaging to provide the answers to questions they didn’t even know they had. And, we’re just getting started.

How You Will Make an Impact

Frida is looking for a Director of Design Engineering to lead the Design Engineering team, bring consumer products to market, and act as the bridge from product concept to mass production. The selected individual loves solving problems and can troubleshoot all kinds of process, product, manufacturing, or material challenges. The Director of Design Engineering will have strong organizational and prioritization skills, managing all projects supported by the Design Engineering team. The Director will help grow the team through recruiting and onboarding as well as develop key tools, processes, and capabilities to support the long-term growth of the function. Responsibilities to include: 

Team Leadership

• Create an environment for a highly engaged, collaborative, and solutions-focused Design Engineering team
• Build and track career development plans for team members to deliver against business goals
• Develop key tools and processes to improve team effectiveness and efficiency
• Recruit and onboard new team members against departmental hiring plan
• Establish long-term vision for Design Engineering function

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Ensure cross-functional teamwork and communication with internal and external contacts to drive the progress of projects to plan
• Collaborate with strategy, design, engineering, and operations teams to identify organizational challenges and develop and implement solutions
• Regular technical project status reporting to Executive team

Project Management

• Allocate Design Engineering resources to support pipeline and sustaining projects
• Manage projects according to key project indicators – schedule, budget, and quality
• Shepherd team through key technical and business gates

Product Development

• Player/coach role supporting a limited number of projects based on resourcing needs
• Translate key stakeholder inputs into product requirements
• Establish robust product specifications meeting regulatory, compliance, and performance requirements
• Support verification and validation of product designs

Vendor Collaboration

• Support the strategic selection of vendors for project success
• Nurture vendor relationships founded on collaboration and transparency
• Domestic and international travel is required (15%)

What You Will Need

• B.S. or higher in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Plastics Engineering, or equivalent work experience
• 3+ years’ experience managing technical teams
• 6+ years of Design Engineering experience or similar
• Proficient in 2D, 3D CAD software (Solid Works preferred)
• Experience and knowledge of various materials and manufacturing processes, including injection molded plastics
• Ability to learn new concepts quickly
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills with high attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communications skills
• Experience developing products in highly regulated industries (kids, medical)
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment in which requirements & priorities constantly change

Who You Will Work With

Frida is an organization that values collaboration and community. As the Director of Design Engineering, you will work closely with Operations, Marketing, Brand Management, and Analytics teams.  

Our Ways of Working

Frida HQ is located in Miami, Florida and approved roles have the flexible option to work remotely both Mondays and Fridays with the benefit of connecting in person Tuesdays - Thursdays.

Why You Will Love Working at Frida

• Robust health benefits including:
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental plans
• Employer paid life insurance
• Supplemental insurance options including Accident Insurance, Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability 
• FSA & HSA
• 401k matching up to 4% with immediate vesting
• Generous paid time off program including elective PTO days, federal holidays, sick/wellness days, and a birthday floater 
• Flexible paid pregnancy and parental leave
• Weekly wellness programming including manicures & pedicures, massages, and carwashes
• Dog friendly office - feel free to bring your best buddy with you to work! 
• Learning & development opportunities for professional and personal growth
• Company-wide events & outings- we know how to throw a party! Team engagement is at the epicenter of our culture, whether it’s getting together for our annual Fam Jam bash or giving back to our community through a day of service
• Exclusive employee product discounts

Frida provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected Veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

By applying for this position, you acknowledge and understand that your information will be used as described in Frida's Job Applicant Privacy Policy: https://frida.com/pages/fridababy-job-applicant-privacy-policy