Product Development Engineer Jobs

Position Summary: The Product Development Engineer will be responsible for evaluating and improving current product lines, generating innovative new product ideas, and managing the entire product development process from ideation to design, manufacturing, and marketing. This position will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure product excellence and market competitiveness.

Key Roles / Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to test the feasibility, performance, and durability of new product concepts.
• Apply knowledge of materials science and industrial design to assess and enhance the performance, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability of existing product lines.
• Collaborate with teams to develop, optimize, and launch new products.
• Develop project plans, timelines, and budgets for new product development projects, ensuring that milestones and objectives are met.
• Stay informed on industry trends, competitor products, and emerging technologies in the field of polymer and elastomer materials.
• Identify market needs and customer pain points and generate innovative new product ideas to address them.
• Work closely with marketing teams to develop product positioning, messaging, and promotional strategies for new products.
• Coordinate with manufacturing teams to ensure successful scale-up and production of new products.

Required Education, Experience, And Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in project management and cross-functional collaboration.
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering, Materials Science, Industrial Design, or a related field with a track record in polymer or elastomers is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of design principles, materials selection, and manufacturing processes.
• Proven track record of developing and launching successful products in the polymer and elastomer space.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience in a fast-paced, innovative, and collaborative work environment.
• Proficient in CAD software, such as SolidWorks or Autodesk Inventor.
• Familiarity with intellectual property management, including patent search, analysis, and filing processes.
• At least five (5) years of experience in product design and development, preferably working with industrial products and/or coatings.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate them when appropriate.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Working Conditions

• Able to wear common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, breathing protection, and hard hats when needed.
• Positions self to install equipment, including under desks.
• Must be able to speak clearly on the phone and to fellow workers.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
• Must be able to comprehend and follow written and oral instructions.
• Moves throughout the building to access files.
• Must be able to use discretion and independent judgment as needed.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
• Ability to maintain single task focus and situational awareness.
• Must demonstrate manual dexterity and be able to use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Must be able to complete tasks even with frequent interruptions.
• Exposure to moderate noise levels, vibrations, and bright lights; and exposure to dust, fumes, and gases; other chemicals.

This job description should not be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities or as an employment agreement between the employer and the employee. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification and are subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. Any essential functions of this position will be evaluated as necessary should an employee/applicant be unable to perform the functions or requirements due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the employee/applicant when possible.