Product Development Engineer

The Pond Guy•Armada, MI

33d•Onsite

About The Position

The Pond Guy / Airmax, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of pond, lake, and water garden products, including aeration systems, fountains, and water treatments. The Pond Guy sells nationwide to both end-users and a network of Airmax distributors. As a Product Development Engineer, you will lead new products from concept through production launch while identifying opportunities to improve existing products. You'll turn customer needs, product opportunities, and engineering challenges into practical solutions that can be built, tested, manufactured, and scaled. This is a hands-on role where you'll work across mechanical design, prototyping, testing, validation, supplier collaboration, DFMA, and production readiness. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to balance performance, quality, manufacturability, reliability, cost, and customer needs.

Requirements

Engineering bachelor’s degree; mechanical engineering preferred
Minimum of 5+ years of experience in developing physical/mechanical products within an engineering discipline
Proven experience applying mechanical engineering principles, knowledge of materials science, manufacturing processes, and tools in product engineering
Demonstrated experience taking physical products from concept through prototype, testing, validation, and production launch
Experience developing products involving pumps, motors, fluid handling, rotating equipment, electromechanical systems, outdoor power equipment, appliances, industrial equipment, or similar mechanical systems is strongly preferred
Inquisitive mindset with a passion for exploring new ideas and approaches
Demonstrated ability to build strong connections by seeking input and fostering open dialogue
Creative thinking and persistence in finding solutions to complex problems
Experience with various manufacturing processes such as machining, casting, metal forming, injection molding, welding/joining, extrusion, etc.
Proficiency in SolidWorks and/or similar 3D-modeling software
Solid understanding of GD&T
Manual dexterity for typing, sitting at a desk, and looking at a computer screen for long periods.
Ability to swim
Perform repetitive motions for extended periods
Demonstrate manual dexterity when working with small components
Frequently bend, stoop, and stand for long durations
Lift, lower, and carry packages typically weighing 25–50 lbs
Handle packages up to 150 lbs with assistance
Extensive use of a computer system
High degree of interaction with engineers, technicians, managers, leads, and other departments (Purchasing, Production, Customer Service, etc.)
Organization, follow-up, and communication skills are essential factors in the daily administration of this position.
Approaches challenges with curiosity, resourcefulness, and a solutions-focused mindset.
Willingness to dig in, understand why, and find a better solution when something doesn't work.
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Don’t know about ponds? That’s ok! You’ll be trained to be proficient in your job. We utilize an interactive combination of hands-on and visual training to ensure everyone has a complete understanding of The Pond Guy’s proactive approach to pond management.

Responsibilities

Own multiple product development projects, leading products from concept through prototype, testing, validation, and production launch
Work directly with suppliers, contract manufacturers, and external engineering partners to support product development, validation, manufacturability, and production launch
Serve as technical lead for assigned projects, ensuring strong design execution, manufacturability (DFMA), and production readiness
Design mechanical components and assemblies in SolidWorks, ensuring performance, quality, manufacturability, and cost targets are met
Lead and facilitate design reviews, ensuring design alignment with performance, quality, and product requirements
Build and iterate prototypes using in-house equipment, including a full machine shop and multiple 3D printing machines, performing testing and validation through structured plans and real-world evaluation
Improve existing products by using structured problem-solving, root cause analysis, testing, and competitive benchmarking to improve performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost
Provide engineering and technical support across multiple business entities and intercompany operations as needed
Demonstrate ownership, curiosity, and persistence while identifying opportunities for product and process innovation