Chief Engineer

Blue Bridge People; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Bridge People in Cincinnati is seeking a Senior Product Development Engineer to lead new product development for industrial machinery from concept to production. This hands-on role includes prototyping, testing, validation, and manufacturing readiness while mentoring engineers and shaping future products.

You will collaborate with manufacturing, quality, purchasing, field service and customers, travel 10–15%, and apply strong machine design and analytical skills to deliver robust engineered

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering is required.
• 15+ years of experience designing industrial machinery or complex mechanical systems.
• Proven experience leading products from concept through production.
• Strong background in machine design, product development, and mechanical engineering principles.
• Experience with welded fabrications, castings, gearboxes, rotating equipment, and strength of materials.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks (or another parametric 3D CAD platform).
• Experience using engineering analysis tools including FEA, FMEA, and Design for Manufacturing (DFM).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills; able to mentor while hands-on.

Responsibilities

• Lead new product development projects from concept through production, including research, design, prototyping, testing, validation, and manufacturing readiness.
• Design and improve complex industrial machinery and mechanical systems.
• Perform engineering analysis using tools such as FEA, FMEA, DFM/ DFA, and other design methodologies.
• Serve as a technical resource for engineering teams by providing guidance on complex machine design challenges.
• Mentor and review the work of less experienced engineers.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, purchasing, field service, and customers throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Support engineering change requests, design improvements, and continuous product innovation.
• Travel occasionally to customer and supplier sites to support product development, troubleshoot technical issues, and understand customer applications.

Skills

Mechanical design

Project leadership

Mentoring

Communication skills

FEA

FMEA

DFM

SolidWorks

3D CAD

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

NX

Inventor

ANSYS

Job description

Travel: 10–15%

Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Opportunity

We're seeking an experienced Senior Product Development Engineer to join a collaborative R&D team focused on designing and developing innovative industrial equipment. This is an outstanding opportunity for a seasoned mechanical engineer who enjoys solving complex engineering challenges, leading new product development efforts, and serving as a technical expert within a highly collaborative organization.

This is a hands‑on individual contributor role for someone who wants to remain deeply involved in engineering and product development while mentoring other engineers and helping shape the future of industrial machinery.

What You'll Do

• Lead new product development projects from concept through production, including research, design, prototyping, testing, validation, and manufacturing readiness.
• Design and improve complex industrial machinery and mechanical systems.
• Perform engineering analysis using tools such as FEA, FMEA, DFM/DFA, and other design methodologies.
• Serve as a technical resource for engineering teams by providing guidance on complex machine design challenges.
• Mentor and review the work of less experienced engineers.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, purchasing, field service, and customers throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Support engineering change requests, design improvements, and continuous product innovation.
• Travel occasionally to customer and supplier sites to support product development, troubleshoot technical issues, and understand customer applications.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (required).
• 15+ years of experience designing industrial machinery, capital equipment, or complex mechanical systems.
• Proven experience leading products from concept through production.
• Strong background in machine design, product development, and mechanical engineering principles.
• Experience with welded fabrications, castings, gearboxes, rotating equipment, and strength of materials.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks (or another parametric 3D CAD platform such as Creo, NX, or Inventor).
• Experience using engineering analysis tools including FEA, FMEA, and Design for Manufacturing (DFM).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to mentor engineers while remaining a hands‑on technical contributor.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience with ANSYS or other simulation software.
• Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) or ERP systems.
• Experience with IoT or connected products is a plus.

Ideal Background

Individuals from the following industries are encouraged to apply:

• Capital Equipment
• Process Equipment
• Packaging Machinery
• Food Processing Equipment
• Pulp & Paper
• Mining & Aggregate Equipment

Why You'll Enjoy This Role

• Work on innovative, custom‑engineered products from concept through launch.
• Be recognized as a technical leader without moving into people management.
• Mentor and influence a talented engineering team.
• Collaborate across R&D, manufacturing, and customer‑facing teams.
• Join a stable organization investing in long‑term product innovation and engineering excellence.