Career Transitions, LLC
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Product Development Engineer

Full-Time

Lafayette, IN

Compensation DOE: up to $100K

Meet your Talent Advisor Kelly Maxwell

We’re seeking a Product Development Engineer to lead technical development activities for automotive engineering projects in Lafayette, IN. This is a hands-on engineering position ideal for someone who enjoys innovation, cross-functional collaboration, and driving product development from concept through production.

What You’ll Do as a Product Development Engineer:

As a Product Development Engineer, you’ll lead technical activities for assigned automotive projects—taking concepts from design to launch through structured product development phases. You’ll play a key role in translating customer requirements into engineering specifications, coordinating testing and validation, and ensuring smooth transition to production.

Product Development Engineer Responsibilities Include:

  • Leading automotive product development projects from initial concept through production launch.

  • Translating customer requirements into design specifications and test activities.

  • Planning and organizing engineering deliverables across all phases of development.

  • Conducting DFMEAs, identifying risks, and developing mitigation strategies.

  • Leading internal and customer design reviews and presenting technical progress updates.

  • Collaborating with lab teams to perform validation and verification testing.

  • Partnering with manufacturing and APQP teams to ensure successful production implementation.

  • Supporting lean design, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives.

  • Providing technical interface and communication with key customers and internal teams.

  • Traveling as needed (20–30% domestic, ~10% international) to support projects and customers.

What We’re Looking For in a Product Development Engineer:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering (Master’s preferred).

  • 5–8 years of product or process engineering experience—automotive background highly preferred.

  • Strong understanding of APQP, DFMEA, validation testing, and design control practices.

  • Experience with process engineering and hands-on production or lab equipment.

  • Six Sigma Greenbelt certification preferred.

  • Ability to problem-solve using engineering fundamentals and first principles.

  • Excellent communication and leadership skills within cross-functional environments.

  • Continuous improvement mindset with attention to detail and design efficiency.

Perks & Benefits:

  • Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

  • 401(k) with company match.

  • Paid time off and holidays.

  • Collaborative, innovation-driven engineering culture.

  • Opportunities for global exposure and career development.

Send your resume to Kelly Maxwell

 

Career Transitions: Find Your Dream Job or Hire the Best Talent
 
Career Transitions, a Morale Group Company, is a leading recruiting agency that specializes in helping employers find their next critical hire and job seekers find their dream job. Our team of experienced recruiters are dedicated to finding you the perfect match for your open position or helping you find the right job for your skills and interests. We offer a variety of services, including:
 
Recruitment: We match talent with open jobs.
Contract staffing: We place technical and exempt professionals in temporary or contract assignments that can become full-time positions.
Outplacement: We provide terminated or laid off employees with tools to be competitive in the job market.
Career management: We help you develop your career and reach your goals to be the next leader.
 
Career Transitions is committed to providing you with a high-quality talent acquisition experience. Our diverse candidate database and extensive recruiting experience reflects our commitment to match qualified candidates to employers' open positions. We work diligently to ensure that you receive efficient and effective services. We specialize in connecting employers with qualified technical and exempt professionals in many fields, ranging from accounting and finance to engineering and technology, and human resources to sales and marketing.
 
We are support equal opportunity employers who provide support for veterans and people with disabilities. Choose Career Transitions contingency, retained, or contract talent acquisition services to find your next hire or dream job.
 
Visit our website today to learn more about how we can help you. 
 
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