Product Development Engineer

Job Summary

The Product Development Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and launching new products and product improvements for the organization. This role works closely with engineering, operations, quality, purchasing, supply chain, and customers to ensure products meet performance, cost, quality, and manufacturability requirements. The Product Development Engineer supports projects from concept through production release and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop new products, components, and systems based on customer and business requirements.
• Create and maintain engineering drawings, specifications, bills of material, and technical documentation.
• Lead product development activities from concept through prototype, validation, and production launch.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and operations teams to ensure products are manufacturable and cost-effective.
• Coordinate prototype builds, testing, validation, and design verification activities.
• Analyze product performance, reliability, and failure data to drive improvements.
• Support cost reduction, value engineering, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Work with suppliers and purchasing on material selection, component sourcing, and technical requirements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards, safety requirements, and customer specifications.
• Participate in cross-functional project meetings and provide technical leadership throughout the development process.
• Assist with resolving production and field issues related to product design or performance.
• Support engineering change management and product lifecycle activities.
• Maintain project timelines and communicate progress to leadership and stakeholders.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related engineering field.
• 3–7 years of product development or design engineering experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Creo, or similar systems.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and product testing methods.
• Experience with project management and cross-functional collaboration.
• Knowledge of quality systems, DFMEA/PFMEA, APQP, or similar product development tools preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI) processes.
• Experience with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and engineering change processes.
• Knowledge of regulatory or customer compliance requirements related to the industry.

Key Competencies

• Product Design & Development
• Problem Solving
• Project Management
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Continuous Improvement
• Technical Analysis
• Communication Skills
• Attention to Detail

Supervisor Responsibility:
This position has supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment:
This job primarily operates in a professional office environment. This role uses standard office equipment. When in the manufacturing facility, all employees are required to wear personal protective equipment to include/hearing protection, and safety glasses with side shields, and OSHA compliant safety boots/shoes.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing duties of this job, the person in this position might remain stationary for long periods of time, while operating a computer and other office machinery. This position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access filing cabinets and operate office machinery.

The employee might occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds.

On occasion, the employee may be required to visit the shop that is a non-temperature-controlled environment with loud noises, dust, dirt, and metal particles that are usually associated with metal fabrication shops.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Travel:
Local travel is required for this position.

Benefits:
Hayden Industrial offers a generous benefits package including comprehensive health, dental, vision, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, a generous paid time off schedule, and professional development opportunities.

AAP/EEO Statement:
Hayden Industrial is an equal employment opportunity employer. Hayden Industrial recognizes and embraces federal legislation on equal employment opportunity and is committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination. All applicants for employment and all employees will be afforded equal opportunity and treatment, regardless of age, race, religion, gender, national origin, disability status or other protected status. All employees are responsible for complying with all applicable Federal, State and Local Laws, rules and regulations regarding non-discrimination practices.