Product Development Engineer - GTN Technical Staffing

Product Development Engineer

Location: Chicago and Milwaukee are 40 minutes apart. This position is onsite, as remote work is not an option.

Reporting to: General Manager

Role Summary: As a Product Development Engineer, you will be responsible for new product development and product enhancement work, including design, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing process development. You will also develop drawings and models, guide detailed design and drawing packet development, and occasionally perform field testing and support of new products. Coordination with the supply chain on new products and processes is also required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in developing detailed project scope of work documents.
• Project planning and management to ensure timely completion.
• Stay updated on competitive products and technical developments to recommend product improvements.
• Develop concepts for new product designs or improvements.
• Hold design review meetings for prototyping and testing execution.
• Select appropriate materials and develop material specifications.
• Work with FEA models, and conduct internal and external testing of materials and assemblies.
• Perform engineering calculations on material stress and performance metrics such as inertial loading, speed, and fatigue life.
• Develop control systems and parameters.
• Hands-on prototype building, assembly, and testing.
• Develop and execute test plans.
• Assist with manufacturing process development and training, including workstation development, process flow planning, line balancing, capacity planning, and quality control planning.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Strong internal communication skills and collaborative teamwork approach.
• Scientific mindset and methodology in developing test protocols.
• Skilled in hands-on prototyping and comfortable with hand tools and basic wood and metal fabrication.
• Good understanding of industrial electrical systems up to 480V three phase.
• Experience with PLC and microprocessor control systems.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strong technical writing abilities.
• Proficient in computer-aided design software, specifically SolidWorks.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
• Knowledge of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles to reduce manufacturing cost and complexity.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret engineering documents such as drawings, schedules, and routings.
• Ability to create, read, and modify electrical schematics and ladder diagrams for control logic.
• Ability to create presentations and effectively argue engineering topics to management.

Preferred Experience:

• Mid-career with a Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in science, engineering, or a related technical field.
• Eight or more years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in a low-volume/high-mix manufacturing environment.
• Background in injection molding, dynamic systems, sheet metal, and gear movements.
• Slight lead or management experience is a plus.

Additional Information:

• 20% bonus program based on sales performance.
• Hands-on role with a slight leadership component.
• Involves building and testing doors with forklifts.