What are the responsibilities and job description for the Product Development Engineer position at Hammerton?
Hammerton is a leading American designer/manufacturer of custom decorative lighting for the hospitality, commercial and residential markets. We are known as a major design innovator in our industry, and we’re rapidly growing. Our in-house blown and kiln-fired glass capabilities, combined with our expertise in metal fabrication and machining, make us uniquely capable of addressing the needs of the design industry’s most discerning clients. Hammerton lighting can be found in leading five-star hotels and resorts, award-winning restaurants and many of the most beautiful homes in North America.
Hammerton is not a typical manufacturer—we are a vertically integrated design and production studio creating some of the most distinctive luxury lighting in the industry. From in-house glass blowing to precision machining and metal fabrication, we control every step of the process under one roof.
We are seeking a rare kind of engineer: a hands-on builder who thrives at the intersection of design, craftsmanship, and manufacturing. This role is for someone who doesn’t just design products—they bring them to life.
You will work directly with our internal glass studio, machine shop, and fabrication teams to develop products from concept through production—owning the process every step of the way.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Drive product development from concept through production within a fully integrated manufacturing environment
- Build, prototype, and refine designs in collaboration with machinists, welders, and glass artisans
- Create detailed CAD models and engineering drawings (SolidWorks or similar)
- Develop bills of materials (BOMs), installation instructions, and product specification documentation
- Translate design intent into manufacturable and scalable solutions
- Lead hands-on testing, validation, and iteration of new products and components
- Collaborate cross-functionally with glass, machining, and metal fabrication teams
- Identify and implement improvements to product performance, manufacturability, and quality
- Support production through tooling design, fixtures, and process innovation
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and quality standards
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- Engineering degree preferred but not required; equivalent hands-on experience highly valued
- Minimum of 2 years of CAD experience required
- Experience in product development, fabrication, or manufacturing environments preferred
- Background in fabrication, welding, machining, mechanical assembly, or related fields
- Demonstrated hands-on building experience with a strong understanding of how products are physically constructed
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Strong proficiency in CAD and the ability to translate physical builds into accurate models and drawings
- Solid understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and quality control practices
- Proven ability to prototype, troubleshoot, and iterate efficiently
- Excellent project management skills, including planning, prioritization, and execution
- Strong communication and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to translate design concepts into practical solutions
- Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including engineering, design, production, and supply chain
- High level of ownership, accountability, and pride in finished products
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift 15 pounds.
- Must be able to travel.