Product Development Engineer

Job Title: Product Development Engineer Job Description The Product Development Engineer supports product design, development, and continuous improvement from initial concept through manufacturing release and field support. In this role, you collaborate closely with Production, Quality Control, Purchasing, and Sales to ensure products meet engineering specifications, customer requirements, and manufacturability standards while driving quality improvements, cost reductions, and product enhancements.

This position offers the opportunity to take ownership of products, see designs progress from CAD models to finished parts on the shop floor, and make a measurable impact on both products and operations. Responsibilities Lead and support product design and development activities from concept through manufacturing release and field support. Create, revise, and maintain engineering drawings and 3D models using CAD software such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD.

Collaborate daily with Production, Quality Control, Purchasing, and Sales to ensure products meet engineering specifications, customer requirements, and manufacturability standards. Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on product quality, cost reduction, and performance enhancements. Apply GD&T and manufacturing specifications to ensure accurate, reliable, and repeatable product designs.

Support production activities by providing hands-on engineering assistance on the manufacturing floor as needed. Identify opportunities for product and process improvement and implement changes directly within manufacturing operations. Utilize root-cause analysis techniques such as 5-Why and Fishbone/Ishikawa to investigate and resolve product and process issues. Incorporate design-for-manufacturability principles, materials knowledge, and tolerance analysis into product designs.

Work with fabrication, machining, welding, and electromechanical assembly teams to ensure designs can be produced efficiently and consistently. Maintain documentation and records within PLM and document control systems to support product lifecycle management. Manage multiple engineering projects concurrently, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet established deadlines. Communicate clearly and professionally with cross-functional teams, providing technical guidance and updates in both verbal and written form.

Support fielded products by addressing engineering inquiries and contributing to product enhancements based on customer and production feedback. Essential Skills Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline, with ongoing continuing education in a similar field. 1–3 years of experience in product design, mechanical engineering, or manufacturing engineering.

Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar tools for creating and revising engineering drawings and models. Ability to read, interpret, and apply engineering drawings, GD&T, and manufacturing specifications. Working knowledge of manufacturing processes including fabrication, machining, welding, and electromechanical assembly. Understanding of materials, tolerances, and design-for-manufacturability principles.

Basic understanding of root-cause analysis techniques such as 5-Why and Fishbone/Ishikawa. Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively in English. Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and meet deadlines. Proficiency with standard office and engineering software, including spreadsheets, word processing, and PLM/document control systems.

Solid math and geometry skills and strong mechanical aptitude. Ability to sit, stand, walk, stoop, and lift up to 30 pounds, with prolonged sitting when performing design and drafting work. Full use of head, neck, arms, legs, wrists, and hands, with the ability to reach, grasp, bend, and flex as required for engineering a