Description
Our most important asset is our people. Who we are, what we do, how we do it and why we are passionate are all centerpieces of why we succeed.
We are proud to be recognized:
- Among America's Best Midsize Employers by Forbes in 2021, 2022 and 2024
- As a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace for four consecutive years (2021-2025)
Role Summary
As the Engineering Project Manager, you will lead the design, development, and launch of new products, the expansion of existing product lines, and engineering change orders (ECOs) within the Air Quality Management business unit. This role is responsible for coordinating and aligning cross-functional teams to ensure product development projects are executed successfully, creating a competitive advantage and supporting overall business strategies.
You will take a customer-centric approach to product design, ensuring solutions deliver exceptional ease of use, performance, and value in the marketplace. This position is well-suited for an engineer who is eager to step into a leadership role—managing complex, cross-functional projects—while staying closely connected to the technical aspects of product development.
In This Role, You Will…
- Own and lead multiple, complex projects from initiation to closing, including products with embedded software and firmware components
- Develop & maintain detailed product development timelines and meets target milestones, including software/firmware development cycles
- Leverage diverse resources, including multiple teams overseas and agile development methodologies, to execute goals of project and evaluates resources based on evolving needs of project
- Manage engineering change orders (ECOs) and work with cross functional teams to implement changes
- Manage cost reduction activities to meet business team objectives and strategies
- Collaborate and coordinate with cross functional teams (Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, Quality, After Sales and Service, Sales, Compliance, Software/Firmware Development, among others) to ensure products launch to design requirements, on time, on cost and on quality
- Communicate and manage project status, issues, risks, and project efforts to required stakeholders
- Partner closely with Global teams to provide project and product support
- Prepare and present data and ideas effectively and in a timely manner, using verbal, written, and visual communication to both individuals and groups
- Document the process and communicates project status effectively throughout the organization, including project stage gate presentations to CEO and Executive Team members
- Act as a technical liaison between engineering teams and stakeholders, with the ability to understand and contribute to discussions on electrical, firmware, and software design challenges
- Develop comprehensive technical specifications and performance expectations for multiple product categories, including software and firmware requirements
- Coordinate with external design firms, software vendors, and/or internal R&D teams in the development of product concepts
- Manage projects involving IoT-enabled products, including integration of sensors, connectivity modules, and cloud-based platforms
- Ability to engage with engineering teams to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues across electrical, firmware, and software domains
- Design and execute products that deliver customer satisfaction and loyalty
- Think like a consumer in the design of products to ensure product exceeds customer expectations in terms of ease of use, performance, and value
- Manage continuous improvement projects that lead to improved processes, documentation or overall improvement in product development efficiency
- Create and maintain technical libraries to aid in future research and development
What You Bring to the Team
- A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in product development, to include cross-functional project management experience
- A bachelor's degree in engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Systems, or related technical field)
- Experience with technical project management, preferably including software and/or firmware development projects
- Hands-on experience in electrical design, circuit development, or embedded systems engineering is strongly preferred
- Creative thinking and strong problem-solving skills
- The ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- A positive attitude with the ability to motivate and lead teams consisting of non-direct reports (leading without authority)
- Proficient in MS Office applications (Project, Word, Excel, Visio, PowerPoint)
- Effective public speaking, communication and collaboration skills
- Travel as projects require (travel to Asia 2-3 weeks per year & domestic travel 2-3 weeks per year)
Preferred Experience:
- Working knowledge of consumer product manufacturing (plastic, metal, electronics, software, etc.)
- Experience with agile development methodologies (Scrum, Kanban, etc.)
- Knowledge of 2D/3D CAD software (SolidWorks or similar)
- PMI Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification or equivalent
- Experience managing software/firmware development teams or projects
- Experience with IoT product development, including hardware/software integration and cloud connectivity, is a plus.
The hiring range for this position in Itasca, IL is $105,000 to $120,000 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills and experience, among other factors. An annual incentive may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. An overview of our benefits offering is available here: Fellowes Benefits Overview.
Fellowes Brands - A Family Business Since 1917
For over a century, Fellowes has been committed to positively impacting people through our culture, relationships and solutions. We have evolved toward relevance with each decade and generation, responding to a constantly changing world. Today, we are on an ambitious journey to grow our influence and impact in enhancing and maximizing work experiences worldwide. We are a “Brand on the Move” and remain committed to finding new ways to help people work better and feel better.
Visit our Careers Site: www.fellowesbrands.com/us/en/careers/Pages/overview.aspx
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Fellowes, Inc. does not accept unsolicited resumes from any agencies that have not signed a mutual service agreement. All unsolicited resumes will be considered Fellowes' property, and Fellowes will not be obligated to pay a referral fee. This includes resumes submitted directly to hiring managers without contacting the Talent Acquisition Department.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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