ALUM-A-LIFT, Inc. is a small, growing, entrepreneurial manufacturer of ergonomic lifting devices. Back injury prevention is a goal. Engineering ideas are the means. Founded in January 1990, ALUM-A-LIFT Inc. is located in Winston, GA, about 40 miles west of Atlanta. Products are primarily customized, as solutions to ergonomic lifting problems. Most products are battery powered and motor driven. Users are major corporations (about one-third of the Fortune 500) located in many countries. Exports are increasing. Niche market segment penetration and diverse applications contribute to the need for additional engineering talent .

Basic requirements include: Concentration in machine design, mechanics and kinematics. Knowledge and experience in classic machine shop practices. Proficiency in CAD. Ability and desire to make (hands-on) and/or participate in constructions of parts and products designed. Knowledge of electrical circuitry and controls would be advantageous.  Mechanical engineering degree from a recognized institution required.

Responsibilities include: Applications, including the design and construction of end effecters; Configuration of products to solve lifting problems; New product development; On-going product improvement; Manufacturing methods; Working with client staffs including ergonomists, environmentalists, manufacturing, industrial and safety engineers; Some travel to clients and trade shows.

Personal attributes include: Comfort in a small Southern Community (minimal time wasted in commuting); preference for the entrepreneurial, small company environment (closely coupled cause and affect); ability to visualize in three dimensions and convert ideas into reality; identify and define the correct problems; able to function independently with minimal supervision to closure; seek out, comprehend, assess and use diverse information to establish priorities and implement accordingly in a customer-driven environment (the bigger picture); verbal and written communication skills; ability to work harmoniously with shop personnel and vendors; innovative and effective use of available resources; avoidance of frivolity; patience in the face of random interruptions. Appropriate compensation; usual benefits; modern, clean shop air-conditioned; bonus plan; growth through demonstrated accomplishment.

Primary Functions and Responsibility

• 1. Conceive, design, construct (or supervise the construction of) end effecters which perform the desired functions while being safe, ergonomically correct and user-friendly. Test the resulting product to assure correctness of design, performance, quality and durability. Use Autocad, Interface with shop personnel.
  
• 2. As assigned, conduct and implement projects related to product improvement, cost reduction, quality improvement, standardization and ease of manufacture.
  
• 3. With respect to quality, observe, identify, and actively undertake projects to prevent defects, reduce rework, improve quality and customer satisfaction.
  
• 4. Conceive, propose; and when approved; conduct projects to completion, related to kindred products and marketing methods.
  
• 5. As required, diagnose and help solve problems experienced in the field.
  

Attributes and Relationships

• 1. Effective written and oral communication skills. Avoids inappropriate slang, crutch words. Maintains sound relationships with customers, representatives and colleagues. Earns and maintains mutual respect with production personnel. Takes the initiative in keeping others informed on matters of mutual interest.
  
• 2. Credibility and reliability. Makes realistic commitments and lives up to them. Meets deadlines without being prodded.
  
• 3. Resourcefulness. Comprehends small business conditions and creative use of limited resources in an entrepreneurial environment. Maintains contacts within and outside the Company to expeditiously solve problems, avoiding waste. Actively seeks guidance and information from available sources.
  
• 4. Familiar with machine shop and assembly processes and methods, in short run manufacturing. Employs and integrates thought processes related to the affect of product design on others; avoiding undesirable side effects.
  
• 5. Initiative. Seeks out opportunities to improve product, quality, design methods and cost. When approved projects materialize, gets the job done. Avoids unfinished projects.
  
• 6. Theory. Understands and applies appropriate theory and underlying principles. Avoids pitfalls.
  
• 7. Judgment. Employs mature, logical thinking in the identification of alternatives, their evaluation and decision making; taking the surer path; avoiding unnecessary risks. Identifies and solves the right problems, thoroughly.