Entry-Level Product Development Engineer – CAD & Prototyping

Wanzl; Newton (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

WNA seeks an entry-level Product Development Engineer I to support the design, development, testing, and release of Retail, Digital, Access, and Material Handling products under guidance. You will collaborate across Product Management, Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Quality to deliver manufacturable, cost-effective solutions that meet customer needs.

The role offers exposure to the full product lifecycle, hands-on prototyping, validation, and data-driven decision making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field.
• 0-2 years of product development or engineering experience.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD; SolidWorks preferred.
• Familiarity with PDM systems and revision control.
• Ability to create and interpret drawings, BOMs, specs.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes and DFMA.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; DOE/FEA preferred.
• Hands-on with fabrication, prototyping, testing.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration.
• Willingness to travel up to 20%, including international travel.

Responsibilities

• Complete assigned design deliverables from concept to production release.
• Maintain product data and documentation in CAD/PDM systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet requirements.
• Own defined engineering tasks and support PGR processes.
• Plan and execute validation tests; document results and make recommendations.
• Design, build, and refine prototypes and test fixtures.
• Support engineering projects including ETO and standard products.
• Create assembly procedures and engineering change documents.
• Evaluate materials and manufacturing processes with suppliers.
• Incorporate customer feedback and field data into improvements.
• Consider sustainability in design and material selection.

Skills

3D CAD

SolidWorks

PDM systems

Engineering drawings

DFMA

DOE

FMEA

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

PDM systems

Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

WNA seeks an entry-level Product Development Engineer I to support the design, development, testing, and release of Retail, Digital, Access, and Material Handling products under guidance. You will collaborate across Product Management, Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Quality to deliver manufacturable, cost-effective solutions that meet customer needs.

The role offers exposure to the full product lifecycle, hands-on prototyping, validation, and data-driven decision making.