Job brief
We are looking for a skilled Product Development Engineer to lead the design and validation of our next-generation mechanical systems. You will take ownership of the full product development lifecycle, from initial ideation and complex FEA testing to final production handoff. By working closely with our production and procurement teams, you will ensure our hardware solutions are not only innovative but also manufacturable and cost-effective. If you are passionate about mechanical engineering and thrive in a collaborative environment, we invite you to help us push the boundaries of industrial precision.
Key highlights
- Design and iterate complex mechanical components and assemblies using 3D CAD software like SolidWorks, CATIA, or Creo.
- Execute Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to predict performance and validate structural integrity.
- Optimize manufacturing processes by applying Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles to improve cycle times and reduce per-unit material costs.
- Perform detailed root cause analysis on prototype or field-test failures to implement effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
What is a Product Development Engineer?
A Product Development Engineer is a technical expert who bridges the gap between conceptual innovation and mass-producible mechanical systems. By utilizing advanced CAD software and simulation tools like FEA and CFD, a Product Development Engineer transforms engineering requirements into functional, cost-effective, and scalable designs. This role is central to the manufacturing lifecycle, ensuring that complex industrial machinery or consumer products meet rigorous performance benchmarks while driving long-term organizational success.
What does a Product Development Engineer do?
A Product Development Engineer spends their time creating 3D models and engineering drawings in platforms like SolidWorks or CATIA, while conducting rigorous stress and thermal simulations to validate design integrity. They collaborate daily with cross-functional manufacturing and supply chain teams to refine component selection, troubleshoot prototype failures, and optimize production tooling for efficiency. Beyond design work, they manage the technical documentation required for regulatory compliance and lead root-cause analysis efforts to ensure the highest standards of reliability in every iteration.
Key responsibilities
- Design and iterate complex mechanical components and assemblies using 3D CAD software like SolidWorks, CATIA, or Creo.
- Execute Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to predict performance and validate structural integrity.
- Manage the end-to-end prototyping process, including sourcing rapid-prototype parts and overseeing functional testing in the laboratory.
- Optimize manufacturing processes by applying Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles to improve cycle times and reduce per-unit material costs.
- Perform detailed root cause analysis on prototype or field-test failures to implement effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Define technical specifications and bill of materials (BOM) to align product development with supply chain and procurement limitations.
- Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams, including electrical and firmware engineers, to ensure seamless integration of electro-mechanical subsystems.
- Ensure all designs strictly adhere to ISO standards, safety regulations, and internal quality guidelines throughout the development cycle.
Requirements and skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related engineering discipline.
- Minimum of 3+ years of professional experience in mechanical product development and design for high-volume manufacturing.
- Expert-level proficiency in 3D modeling software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, or Creo for complex part and assembly design.
- Proven experience performing FEA and thermal simulations using tools like ANSYS or Abaqus to guide design improvements.
- Strong understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) standards and their application in technical drawings.
- Practical knowledge of various manufacturing processes, including CNC machining, injection molding, sheet metal fabrication, and additive manufacturing.
- Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools like Jira or Asana for tracking engineering milestones.
- EIT (Engineer-in-Training) certification or a Professional Engineer (PE) license is highly desirable for this position.
FAQs
What does a Product Development Engineer do on a daily basis?
A Product Development Engineer spends their day balancing creative design with analytical validation. Daily tasks include drafting 3D models in CAD, running simulation software to stress-test designs, and meeting with cross-functional teams to discuss manufacturing feasibility. They also spend time reviewing test data from prototypes and troubleshooting mechanical failures to ensure the final product meets all technical requirements.
What are the essential skills for a Product Development Engineer?
Essential skills include high-level proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, or Creo) and simulation tools like ANSYS for FEA. A Product Development Engineer must also have a strong grasp of material science, GD&T, and various manufacturing methodologies like injection molding or machining. Soft skills, such as the ability to translate technical data for non-engineering stakeholders, are equally vital for project success.
Who does a Product Development Engineer work with in a company?
A Product Development Engineer serves as a central hub for product teams, working closely with industrial designers, manufacturing engineers, and procurement specialists. They also interact frequently with quality control teams to ensure compliance and with external suppliers to source specialized components. This collaborative environment ensures that the engineering vision is fully aligned with business and production goals.
Why is the role of a Product Development Engineer important to an organization?
The Product Development Engineer is essential because they convert high-level concepts into reliable, profitable physical products. By optimizing designs for manufacturing and conducting rigorous validation testing, they reduce long-term costs and prevent costly field failures. Their work directly dictates the quality, safety, and market competitiveness of the company’s physical hardware offerings.