Product Development Engineer - Advanced Materials

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive salary

Health and retirement benefits

Access to advanced lab facilities

Job summary

Placements24 in Canada is seeking a Product Development Engineer for a cutting-edge materials firm in Kimberley, BC. The role blends on-site lab work with remote collaboration with a global R&D team to translate discoveries into commercial products.

You will design, prototype, test, and scale new materials and composites, working cross-functionally with chemists, material scientists, and manufacturing engineers, in a fast-paced, innovative environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years in product development or R&D focusing on materials or advanced composites.
• Proficiency in CAD software and basic understanding of CAE/FEA tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead the product development process for new materials and composites from concept to commercialization.
• Design and develop prototypes and test fixtures using CAD software.
• Plan and execute laboratory experiments for material characterization and validation.
• Analyze test data and make design recommendations.
• Collaborate with material scientists and chemists on material properties and processing requirements.
• Coordinate with manufacturing engineers to develop scalable production processes.
• Prepare technical documentation including design reports and test plans.
• Conduct feasibility studies and market assessments for new concepts.
• Evaluate new technologies and materials relevant to product development.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Cross-functional communication

Project management

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Materials Science

Tools

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

Microscopy

Tensile testing

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge research and development firm focused on advanced materials and their applications, is seeking a talented Product Development Engineer for their facility in Kimberley, Northern Cape . This hybrid role requires a blend of on-site laboratory work and remote collaboration with a global R&D team. You will be instrumental in translating novel material science discoveries into commercially viable products. This involves conceptualizing, designing, prototyping, testing, and scaling up new products. The ideal candidate possesses a strong mechanical engineering foundation, hands-on experience with material characterization and processing, and a passion for innovation. You will work with cross-functional teams, including material scientists, chemists, and manufacturing specialists, to bring new products from concept to market. This position offers an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of material innovation and contribute to groundbreaking technologies in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy. Your role will involve significant problem-solving and creative design challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the product development process for new materials and composite structures, from concept ideation through to commercialization.
• Design and develop prototypes and test fixtures using CAD software and rapid prototyping techniques.
• Plan and execute laboratory experiments for material characterization, performance testing, and validation.
• Analyze test data, interpret results, and make informed design recommendations.
• Collaborate closely with material scientists and chemists to understand material properties and processing requirements.
• Work with manufacturing engineers to develop scalable production processes for new products.
• Prepare technical documentation, including design reports, test plans, and manufacturing procedures.
• Conduct feasibility studies and market assessments for new product concepts.
• Identify and evaluate new technologies and materials relevant to product development.
• Ensure product designs meet performance, cost, and quality targets.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in product development or R&D, with a focus on materials or advanced composites.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360) and basic understanding of CAE/FEA tools.
• Hands-on experience with material testing equipment and techniques (e.g., tensile testing, microscopy).
• Knowledge of material processing techniques (e.g., injection molding, composite layup, additive manufacturing).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data analysis skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities, with experience working in cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced R&D environment.
• Experience with stage-gate product development processes is a plus.
• Passion for innovation and a creative approach to problem-solving.

Benefits

• Hybrid work model providing flexibility.
• Competitive salary and potential for R&D performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Access to advanced laboratory facilities and cutting-edge technology.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending industry conferences.
• Engaging work on transformative material technologies in Kimberley . Collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment.