Lead Product Engineer

Goodwin Recruiting; Gastonia (NC); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary $100,000–$120,000

Annual bonus up to 200% of target

Paid time off

Job summary

Goodwin Recruiting is seeking a Lead Product Engineer to own fluid filtration product development from concept to production release. You will lead cross-functional teams and set engineering direction to meet performance, manufacturability, and cost targets across market segments.

This hands-on role requires 3+ years of mechanical design experience with fluid-handling systems, CAD proficiency (CATIA/NX/Creo), and DFMEA/DFM knowledge.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of mechanical product design and development experience.
• Hands-on design of fluid-handling or filtration systems.
• 3D CAD modeling proficiency in CATIA, NX, or Creo.
• Experience with BOMs and engineering changes in ERP.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of air and liquid filtration system products from concept through production.
• Coordinate CAE activities and optimize performance, reliability, manufacturability and cost.
• Collaborate with Operations, Testing, and global teams for DFM alignment.
• Create and release drawing sets, BOMs, and change documentation.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues and implement engineering solutions.
• Participate in Kaizen and continuous improvement workshops.
• Deliver stage-gate design validation and production release artifacts.
• Manage multiple projects with cross-functional teams and customers.

Skills

Ownership mindset

Independent problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

DFMEA knowledge

DFM knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA

NX

Creo

ERP systems

Job description

Join our team as the Lead Product Engineer and take full ownership of fluid filtration system product development. Reporting directly to the R&D Business Unit Manager, you will lead complex mechanical designs from concept through production release and set the engineering direction that drives product performance, manufacturability, and cost targets across multiple market segments.

This role is ideal for a hands-on mechanical engineer with direct experience designing and developing fluid-handling or filtration system products who wants meaningful product ownership in a growing industrial R&D environment. You'll have the opportunity to help shape a newly established business unit, work across multiple industries, and make a direct impact on product innovation and manufacturing performance.

Lead Product Engineer | What You Will Do

• Lead the design and development of air and liquid filtration system products from concept through production release, including components, assemblies, and engineering documentation.
• Coordinate computer-aided engineering (CAE) activities for product design validation, using results to optimize performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost.
• Collaborate with Operations, Testing, and global engineering teams to ensure effective design for manufacturability (DFM) and alignment with production capabilities.
• Develop and release engineering drawings, Bills of Material (BOMs), and design documentation to support accurate product launches and engineering changes.
• Work directly with manufacturing teams at production locations to troubleshoot component and process issues and implement practical engineering solutions.
• Participate in Kaizen and continuous improvement workshops to enhance product development and manufacturing processes.
• Complete engineering deliverables throughout the stage-gate development process, including design validation and production release documentation.
• Take ownership of multiple product development projects while supporting customers and cross-functional teams across industrial market segments.

Lead Product Engineer | What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of mechanical product design and development experience, including demonstrated ownership from concept through production release.
• Hands-on experience designing fluid-handling systems or components involving oil, fuel, air, water, or related filtration applications.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling, including CATIA, NX, Creo, or a comparable platform.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5), tolerance stack-up analysis, and mechanical engineering design principles.
• Experience creating and managing Bills of Material and engineering changes within an engineering or ERP environment.
• Working knowledge of Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) and its application throughout product development.
• Experience with at least one relevant manufacturing process, such as injection molding, metal stamping, or casting.
• Ability to work independently, solve complex engineering problems, and collaborate with global engineering and manufacturing teams.
• Availability for 10–20% domestic travel.

Lead Product Engineer | The Perks

• Competitive base salary of $100,000–$120,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Annual performance-based bonus targeted at one month's salary, with the potential to earn up to 200% of the target bonus based on company performance.
• Paid time off with flexibility based on experience and individual circumstances.
• Opportunity to join a newly established industrial R&D team and make a meaningful impact on the direction and growth of the business unit.
• Full ownership of engineering projects from initial concept through design validation, manufacturing, and production release.
• Exposure to multiple industries, including aviation and defense, manufacturing, mobility, home appliances, and energy.
• Opportunity to work with experienced engineering professionals and collaborate with global technical and manufacturing teams.
• Hands-on engineering environment with direct involvement in product development, testing, continuous improvement, and manufacturing problem-solving.
• Professional growth opportunities as the industrial business unit continues to develop and expand.
• Collaborative, technically focused work environment where initiative, creative problem-solving, and independent ownership are valued.

JOB ID: 182942#post

Brett Hume