The Associate Product Engineer supports the development, improvement, and maintenance of products throughout their lifecycle. This role works closely with cross-functional teams including design, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain to ensure product performance, cost-effectiveness, and manufacturability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Product Development & Design

• Assist in the design and development of new products and components.

• Create and update 3D models, 2D drawings, and technical specifications using CAD tools.

• Support prototype builds and participate in design reviews.

Testing & Validation

• Conduct basic product testing and gather data for analysis.

• Support verification and validation activities to ensure designs meet functional requirements.

• Document test procedures and results.

Manufacturing Support

• Collaborate with production and process engineers to ensure designs are manufacturable.

• Address and resolve issues related to production and assembly.

• Identify design improvements to enhance ease of manufacturing and reduce costs.

Documentation & Change Management

• Maintain and manage Bills of Materials (BOMs), product specifications, and part numbers.

• Participate in the Engineering Change Order (ECO) process.

• Ensure engineering documentation is complete, accurate, and up to date.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with supply chain and procurement teams to ensure component availability and cost targets.

• Coordinate with quality teams to address product non-conformities and implement corrective actions.

• Communicate with suppliers and vendors on technical matters when needed.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve product performance, reliability, and cost.

• Participate in value engineering and cost-reduction initiatives.

• Support root cause analysis and corrective action efforts (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams).

Other Duties as Assigned

• This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. Responsibilities and tasks may be modified, expanded, or adjusted to reflect business needs or management requests.

Competencies

• Communication

• Problem-solving

• Critical Thinking

• Attention to Detail

• Time Management

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, or related field.

Experience and/or Training: 

•    0–2 years of engineering experience (internships/co-ops acceptable).

•    Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar).

•    Basic understanding of engineering principles and manufacturing processes.

•    Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

•    Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment.

•    Excellent communication and collaboration skills for working with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:       

Experience and/or Training: 

•    Experience in a manufacturing environment.

•    Familiarity with GD&T, FMEA, and Lean principles.

•    Exposure to ERP systems and product lifecycle management tools.

Physical and Mental Demands

•    While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects, tools, or controls. 

•    The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. 

•    The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. 

•    Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

•    The employee must be able to lift and or carry up to 10 lbs occasionally.

•    Travel: This position requires an estimated 20% annual travel between local offices. The travel will primarily involve visiting other local facilities to collaborate with different teams and support projects across our multiple, local locations and the entire organization. 20% = 1 day/week

The mental and physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Working Environment

Work is performed in a general office environment with limited noise exposure and usually moderate. Noise may be loud when frequenting the production floor. Additionally, there will be occasional exposure to dust, metal debris, changes in ambient temperature, and requires the use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual will encounter while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.