Product Development Engineer

Freudenberg Group•Cleveland, GA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This role is responsible for designing product solutions within an approved framework, coordinating development activities, and managing assembly functionality and installation requirements. The engineer will develop and evaluate product concepts, conduct design investigations, and perform simulations and engineering calculations. Key activities include design verification, analysis, validation testing, and product/process improvement projects. The position also involves providing technical leadership, supporting product launches, and working directly with customer product development teams. Analysis of returned components, root cause identification, and participation in quality improvement initiatives are also core functions. The role requires managing multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and occasional travel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field required
Product design or product development experience required
Ability to conceptualize mechanical components, assemblies, and component interactions
Knowledge of machine dynamics, strength requirements, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, materials, wear, dimensions, weight, and service life considerations
Ability to assess manufacturing feasibility based on process knowledge and economic considerations
Ability to prepare and check engineering drawings and data records, including the application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
Strong written, verbal, presentation, and technical communication skills
Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, cross-functional team environment
Ability to work independently, manage conflicting priorities, and meet deadlines
Ability to make sound decisions, influence key stakeholders, and adapt to change and ambiguity
Creative, organized, data-driven, and proactive approach to problem-solving
Ability to work overtime as business needs require

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or another technical field preferred
Automotive product development experience preferred
Experience designing products with rubber, thermoplastics, thermosets, composites, or related polymer materials, including knowledge of associated manufacturing processes, preferred
Experience using 3D CAD software such as Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, Solid Edge, Siemens NX (UG), CATIA, or similar programs to create and modify product designs, assemblies, and engineering drawings preferred
Knowledge of engineering tools such as finite element analysis (FEA), Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA), Design for Six Sigma (DFSS), and Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFM/DFA)
Knowledge of automotive product development processes, including Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Design Verification (DV) testing, Product Validation (PV) processes, and customer-specific requirements preferred

Responsibilities

Design product solutions within the approved framework and coordinate development activities
Modify existing designs and components to meet evolving product performance and application requirements
Manage assembly functionality and installation requirements while balancing project timelines and future product development needs
Develop and evaluate product concepts considering functional, material, manufacturing, and cost requirements
Conduct design investigations considering functionality, packaging, materials, manufacturability, and overall product performance
Check drawings and data records for accuracy, completeness, and proper documentation
Perform simulations and engineering calculations for strength, service life, wear, dimensions, weight, and other applicable design factors
Evaluate benchmarking tests and apply findings to product concepts and development decisions
Conduct design verification and analysis, validation testing, return investigations, and product and process improvement projects
Apply analytical tools such as FEA, DFMEA, DFSS, and DFM/DFA to assess risk and optimize product designs
Develop creative concepts, evaluate technical feasibility, and conduct risk assessments for new or modified products and processes
Prepare product development design packages for new or modified products
Design, prototype, and assemble new or modified mechanical components for development and testing activities
Analyze test results against design specifications and test objectives, and document conclusions
Support product launches through design, prototyping, testing, APQP, PPAP, and production readiness activities
Provide technical leadership and support to customers, suppliers, commercial teams, and other internal functions
Work directly with customer product development teams to address technical requirements and development priorities
Analyze components returned by customers, identify the root causes of failures, and prepare technical reports for internal and external customers
Support resolution of product and process quality concerns through structured problem-solving methods
Participate in GROWTTH and Lean activities, including Kaizen events, 5S activities, value analysis and value engineering initiatives, and program management workshops
Prepare and present technical presentations, proposals, and reports with supporting data for internal and external audiences
Manage multiple projects and priorities while meeting agreed deadlines
Travel to customers, suppliers, and other FNST facilities as required
Perform other duties as assigned