Product Development Engineer

Job Title: Product Development Engineer

Location: Chalco, Nebraska

On-site, Hybrid or Remote: On-Site Only (Not remote or hybrid)

Job Type: Direct Hire

Experience: Must three or more years’ stable work experience

Industry: Manufacturing

Hours: 8-5PM

Company Size: 300 million – 1 billion in annual revenue; thousands of employees.

Keys to Job: An ME with strong written and verbal communication skills. An ME with qualification testing, prototyping, lab work and calculations work experience. Ideal candidate backgrounds will come from: automotive, electrical, medical equipment, special engineered manufacturers or general manufacturing environments. Must have 3D modeling software experience, a BS degree or equivalent work experience. Must have product development and risk assessment experience, must be skilled in reading and interpreting design requirements, electric, electronic and mechanical drawings and schematics.

 Job Description

Product Development Engineer

Hands-on Product Development Engineer position within a specialized team focused on innovative manufacturing power delivery and industrial motion control solutions for automation equipment. This role contributes to custom-engineered developments in a dynamic environment known for reliable, high-performance systems and exceptional post-sale support.

We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Product Development Engineer (ME) to join our product innovation group. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams—including design, project management, commercial, and production—to drive custom projects from initial concepts through validated solutions. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a results-oriented, adaptable setting where data informs decisions and priorities shift with customer and market demands.

Core Responsibilities

·       Lead the full-cycle design, development, and validation of integrated mechanical and electromechanical assemblies tailored to unique client specifications, from early ideation through final testing and deployment.

·       Manage design modifications and engineering updates to accommodate specialized requirements or continuous improvements.

·       Create detailed 3D models, perform simulations, conduct stress, fatigue, and durability evaluations, and generate comprehensive technical reports to confirm design integrity prior to prototyping or production release.

·       Select appropriate materials, define fabrication methods, and actively participate in prototype assembly, hands-on testing, and performance verification to meet functional and regulatory standards.

·       Identify potential project and design risks early, implement mitigation strategies, and support ongoing risk reviews throughout development phases.

·       Contribute to root-cause analysis, develop and implement corrective actions, and support on-site evaluations or system commissioning as required.

·       Interpret and apply relevant industry codes and standards, including electrical safety, structural, and compliance requirements.

·       Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior engineers and design support staff on mechanical principles, analysis techniques, and validation approaches.

·       Support quality initiatives, safety policies, and organizational values in all assigned activities.

Key Qualifications & Experience

·       Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or closely related field), or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.

·       Three to seven or more years of hands-on experience in mechanical product design, development, and testing, ideally within automotive systems, industrial automation, electrical or power equipment, medical devices, or custom manufacturing environments.

·       Proficiency with 3D CAD modeling software for complex components and assemblies.

·       Strong ability to read, interpret, and apply design specifications, as well as electrical, electronic, and mechanical drawings, schematics, and technical documentation.

·       Demonstrated experience across the full product lifecycle, including prototyping, laboratory-based qualification testing, risk evaluation and mitigation, and formal or informal design analysis (e.g., FEA, functional modeling, mathematical simulations).

·       Solid foundation in mechanical systems design and validation processes, with basic understanding of electrical concepts (experience with contact systems or sliding interfaces is a plus).

·       Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

·       Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects while delivering high-quality results on schedule in a fast-paced environment.

What We Provide

·       Competitive starting compensation with opportunities for professional growth.

·       Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and life insurance; 401(k) plan; paid time off and holidays; profit-sharing program; and tuition assistance.

·       A drug-free, equal opportunity workplace.

This is a collaborative, hands-on engineering opportunity ideal for a proactive professional eager to contribute to cutting-edge solutions in industrial power and data transmission. Apply through our careers portal to be considered.