What are the responsibilities and job description for the Product Development Lead position at Design Observer?
We have an immediate opening for a Lead Product Development Engineer in our Bellingham, WA facility. This role leads product development from concept through production while providing technical guidance to engineers and working closely with product management, sourcing, and overseas manufacturing partners.
The ideal candidate has strong experience in mechanical product development, manufacturing processes, supplier collaboration, and new product introduction (NPI). They should be comfortable managing multiple projects, setting priorities, and driving schedules while making sound engineering decisions around performance, safety, manufacturability, and cost.
This is a hands-on role requiring a solid understanding of the product development process and experience working with overseas suppliers and factories. The position combines individual contribution with coordination of engineering efforts across multiple projects.
The successful candidate will be organized, technically strong, and effective at balancing hands-on work with cross-functional collaboration throughout the product lifecycle.
Job Responsibilities
For a complete summary of our current benefit offerings please go to: https://support.grizzly.com/hc/en-us/articles/4404709035415-Employment-Opportunities
Grizzly is a drug-free and equal employment opportunity employer.
To learn more about our company’s products and history, visit our website at www.grizzly.com.
The ideal candidate has strong experience in mechanical product development, manufacturing processes, supplier collaboration, and new product introduction (NPI). They should be comfortable managing multiple projects, setting priorities, and driving schedules while making sound engineering decisions around performance, safety, manufacturability, and cost.
This is a hands-on role requiring a solid understanding of the product development process and experience working with overseas suppliers and factories. The position combines individual contribution with coordination of engineering efforts across multiple projects.
The successful candidate will be organized, technically strong, and effective at balancing hands-on work with cross-functional collaboration throughout the product lifecycle.
Job Responsibilities
- Lead multiple product development projects from concept through prototyping, design refinement, and production release.
- Provide technical guidance to engineers, helping prioritize work, review designs, and keep projects on schedule.
- Drive the product development process, including design reviews, prototyping, iteration, and production handoff.
- Work with product managers, sourcing, and factories to define product requirements and engineering specifications.
- Collaborate with overseas suppliers to review designs, resolve technical issues, and improve manufacturability.
- Evaluate prototypes and pre-production samples to ensure performance and alignment with design intent.
- Apply knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and assembly methods to improve product design and reduce risk.
- Review drawings, BOMs, and technical documentation to ensure readiness for manufacturing and support.
- Coordinate issue resolution during development and early production with internal teams and suppliers.
- Support and improve product development processes and engineering standards.
- Travel domestically and internationally to work with suppliers and support development efforts.
- Provide direct oversight and day-to-day direction to a team of engineers, including assigning work, setting priorities, and monitoring progress
- Review and approve engineering work to ensure alignment with product goals, timelines, and company standards
- Support the development of team members through coaching, feedback, and technical guidance
- Ensure coordination across multiple projects and engineers to maintain efficiency and meet deadlines
- Communicate project status, risks, and resource needs to leadership
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering, or related field
- 7 years of experience in product development or manufacturing engineering
- 1–2 years of experience leading or supervising engineers or technical teams
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple engineers and projects simultaneously
- Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
- Ability to provide direction, resolve conflicts, and keep teams aligned and productive
- Experience leading projects or coordinating engineers across multiple development efforts
- Strong knowledge of the product development process from concept through production
- Solid understanding of manufacturing processes and design for manufacturability
- Experience working with overseas suppliers, factories, or OEM/ODM partners
- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Proficiency in SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software
- Strong technical communication and documentation skills
- Experience with woodworking or metalworking machinery is a plus
- Familiarity with product testing and certifications (UL, CSA, TUV) is a plus
- Willingness to travel internationally as required
For a complete summary of our current benefit offerings please go to: https://support.grizzly.com/hc/en-us/articles/4404709035415-Employment-Opportunities
Grizzly is a drug-free and equal employment opportunity employer.
To learn more about our company’s products and history, visit our website at www.grizzly.com.