Associate Product Engineer

Lanco Group of Companies•Hazel Crest, IL

About The Position

The Associate Product Engineer (Mechanical Engineer I) supports the design, development, analysis, testing, and documentation of mechanical components, assemblies, and equipment. Working under the guidance of senior engineering staff, this role develops technical skills while contributing to product development, sustaining engineering, cost reduction, manufacturing support, and continuous improvement. The position performs fundamental engineering tasks and builds proficiency in engineering principles, company standards, and product knowledge. The role works with manufacturing, sourcing, quality, service, and other cross-functional teams to support product development and production. It may require up to 20% travel for testing, product validation, supplier visits, or customer support. Visa sponsorship is not available. Lanco describes a collaborative team environment that values innovation and creative solutions. Compensation may vary based on experience, education, skills, and location. The company offers competitive pay, paid time off, and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and a 401(k) plan.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in an applicable engineering field from an accredited institution.
Basic understanding of mechanical engineering principles, machine design, manufacturing processes, and mechanical systems.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
Familiarity with engineering calculations and analysis methods.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Experience with 3D CAD software such as Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, Creo, or similar platforms.
Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to prioritize and organize tasks and assignments to meet project deadlines and manage workload efficiently.
Ability to make sound decisions within established procedures and seek guidance when required.
Ability to apply engineering fundamentals to solve routine technical problems and collect, organize, and evaluate technical data to support engineering decisions.
Accuracy and attention to detail in design and analysis, including identifying potential issues before they escalate.
Ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams.
Willingness to learn, accept increasing responsibility, take ownership of assigned tasks, and follow through to completion.

Nice To Haves

Internship, co-op, senior design project, or other practical engineering experience.
Experience using 3D CAD software.
Exposure to product development, manufacturing, or industrial equipment.
Familiarity with engineering documentation and drawing standards.
Basic understanding of mechanical systems, structures, hydraulics, or mobile equipment.
Familiarity with ERP, PDM, or PLM systems.

Responsibilities

Assist in the design and development of mechanical components, systems, and assemblies.
Create and revise engineering drawings, models, and documentation using CAD software.
Support engineering change notices (ECNs), design releases, and configuration management processes.
Perform basic engineering calculations and analyses to support product design and validation.
Assist with prototype development, testing, troubleshooting, and root cause investigations.
Participate in product improvement, cost reduction, quality improvement, and standardization initiatives.
Work with manufacturing, sourcing, quality, service, and other cross-functional teams to support product development and production activities.
Develop bills of material (BOMs) and maintain engineering documentation within company systems.
Support validation and verification activities, including test planning, execution, and reporting.
Ensure designs comply with applicable company standards, safety requirements, and engineering specifications.
Prepare technical reports, presentations, and project documentation as required.
Maintain confidentiality of proprietary information.
Comply with safety, health, and environmental regulations, policies, and procedures, with a goal of zero incidents and injuries.
Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.