Senior Product Development Engineer in Walton Hills, Ohio at N P K Construction Equipment

Summary: The Senior Product Development Engineer leads the design, development, and improvement of products from concept through production. This role is responsible for applying advanced engineering principles to create innovative, reliable, and cost-effective products while ensuring compliance with technical specifications, regulatory requirements, and quality standards. This role will drive the discovery and investigation of new markets through communication with people from a variety of industries. The Senior Product Development Engineer collaborates cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, sales, quality, and supply chain teams to deliver products that meet customer and business objectives.

· Lead the design and development of new products, components, and systems from concept, prototype, and testing through production release.

· Develop engineering specifications, product requirements, and detailed design documentation.

· Conduct in-depth customer interviews to gather insights on product performance, usability, and unmet needs, translating feedback into actionable design improvements and new product development opportunities.

· Collect, compile, and analyze data from field testing to evaluate product performance in real-world conditions, identify improvement opportunities, and inform design refinements and development decisions.

· Perform engineering analysis, FEA simulations, and calculations to validate design performance, safety, and reliability.

· Create and review 3D models, technical drawings, and product documentation using CAD tools.

· Coordinate prototype development, product testing, and validation activities.

· Conduct design reviews and implement design improvements to enhance product functionality, manufacturability, and cost efficiency.

· Collaborate with manufacturing and quality teams to support product launches and resolve production issues.

· Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and company quality procedures.

· Manage engineering changes, risk assessments, and product lifecycle activities.

· Mentor other engineers and provide technical leadership within product development projects.

· Support continuous improvement initiatives and innovation efforts within the organization.

· Perform other duties as assigned.

· Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

· Typically, 7–10+ years of experience in product development, engineering design, or related roles.

· Strong knowledge of product development processes, including concept design, prototyping, testing, and production.

· Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, or similar design platforms.

· Experience with engineering analysis, testing methodologies, and design validation.

· Experience with simulation tools such as FEA.

· Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering projects.

· Familiarity with industry-specific standards and regulatory requirements.

· Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and design for manufacturability (DFM) principles.

· Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.

· Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

· Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn as required.

· Noise levels may vary from low to high depending on the work area.

· Work is performed in a well-lit, heated indoor office connected to the shop floor with adequate ventilation.

· Potential exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes, and airborne particles.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability and physical demands required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.