Product Design Engineer
- DepartmentDesign Department, Design 1 Group
- Year of entry into the companyApril 2008 (new graduates)
- Job ResponsibilitiesProduct development and design of cosmetics containers in general
Q1What is the scope of your responsibilities?
I am in charge of product development and design of cosmetic containers in general. I receive a design from the customer and design the product based on the requiremets and the quantity of the filling. I then work with the customer to finalize the details and complete the product drawings, while also making internal adjustments to enable mass production. We are also developing our own products, and are considering and proposing new mechanisms to meet our customers' needs.
Q2What do you enjoy and find challenging in your daily work?
I believe that the work of design requires a broad knowledge of products and the ability to apply that knowledge on a daily basis. Cosmetics containers range from compacts, cream containers, tubes, and bottles, and sometimes we design special products for our company, such as massage tools or products similar to toys. And since we do everything in-house from product design to production, we need to be involved in all aspects of manufacturing and design products that can be produced without problems. It is very rewarding when I design new products by fully utilizing the knowledge and experience I have accumulated up to now, and when the products I have been in charge of are put on store shelves.
Q3Are there any difficulties or challenges in your daily work?
I am having a baby in 2019 and am currently working shorter hours, so I feel that I need to be creative to complete my work in time. It is especially difficult at times when there is any changes in my area of responsibility, as I have to keep up with deadlines. However, my boss and colleagues are very understanding and supportive, so I get over it each time.
Q4Why did you join Yoshida Industries?
When I attended a recruiting session for new graduates, I was very impressed by the detailed explanations given by employees and the explanation of how to make the cosmetic containers we use in our daily lives, which piqued my interest. When I was in college, I was a biology major, so I was looking for a job in the pharmaceutical industry. I could not read drawings at all, but I was told that I would be fine as long as I studied after joining the company, so I was not worried.
Q5After joining Yoshida Industries, what is your impression of the company?
No matter which group you belong to in the Technical Department, I think it is a good thing to be able to read drawings. However, there are many people like me who started from zero, so I think it is possible to learn after joining the company. Looking back on my time with the company, I realize that what was the norm in the past is not the norm today. For example, no one worked from home when I joined the company, but now I work from home about twice a week. I think both the company and its employees are changing appropriately with the times.
Q6Have you seen any changes in yourself since joining Yoshida Industries?
For the first four years after I joined the company, I was engaged in production engineering work, but I had no knowledge of plastic molding or quality control methods, and I felt I was not learning enough on a daily basis, so I studied for relevant qualifications and certifications. And after being assigned to the design group, I have been collecting information on design and studying 3D CAD. Now I am able to link the knowledge and experience I have gained since I joined the company to design, and I think I am now able to think more deeply about things.
Q7What kind of work would you like to do at Yoshida Industries in the future?
I would like to continue to take on various challenges. And since I have been taught by my seniors and supervisors, I would like to transmit the information I have gained from now on. I am sure that my juniors are also having trouble with what I had trouble with, and since many things are changing, I am sure that I will have new problems as well. I hope I can be a person who can deal with them appropriately at that time.
Q8Please provide any message to prospective applicants.
Our company manufactures cosmetic containers from product design to production, so I think our strength is that we can experience all aspects of manufacturing, and I think we are suitable for people who want to take on various challenges. In addition, I believe that not only women but also men can change their mood by improving their appearance these days. Makeup is one way to do so, and I myself have experienced many positive changes by wearing makeup. I believe that the social contribution we can make at this company is to provide people with beautifully designed cosmetics that they can use without stress. I hope that those who can relate to our company's efforts to help those who use our containers to play an active role in society will consider applying for a position.