Mechanical Product Engineer

Hengst Filtration | North America; Lincolnton (NC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Hengst Filtration North America is seeking a Mechanical Product Engineer to ensure design fit, form, and function of housings and filter elements. You will support development, validation, and lifecycle management of hydraulic filtration products and systems, collaborating across Engineering, Operations, Quality, Sales, Marketing, Purchasing, and international teams.

The role emphasizes mechanical design, operation, and optimization of equipment and fluid systems, with a focus on

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• 3–5 years in mechanical engineering for product development, validation, and engineering activities in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Strong understanding of fluid dynamics and fluid flow principles.
• Direct hydraulics experience preferred but not required for candidates with a strong foundation in fluid dynamics and mechanical engineering.
• Experience working with international teams and global product initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Be the primary information source in resolving hydraulic application questions, cross-referencing, and in-situ troubleshooting for customers.
• Support product development and engineering activities throughout the product lifecycle.
• Develop, maintain, and update product specifications, technical documentation, and engineering records.
• Coordinate product validation, testing, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide technical expertise related to hydraulic filtration products and hydraulic circuit functionality.
• Support prototype development and customer application evaluations.
• Collaborate with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, Sales, and Marketing teams to support product launches and ongoing production requirements.
• Analyze product performance, customer feedback, and market trends to support product improvements.
• Ensure products meet quality, regulatory, and customer requirements.

Skills

Fluid dynamics

Problem solving

Communication

Team collaboration

Time management

Mechanical engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Mechanical Product Engineer is responsible for assuring design fit, form, and function of Hengst-Rexroth housings, and Hengst-made filter elements that are destined for Hengst-Rexroth or competitive Hydraulic housings. This role is also responsible for supporting the development, optimization, validation, and lifecycle management of hydraulic filtration products and related systems. The role requires a strong mechanical engineering foundation with an understanding of fluid dynamics and how mechanical equipment and hydraulic systems function together.

This role focuses on the mechanical design, operation, and optimization of equipment and fluid systems, rather than traditional industrial engineering or production-line process optimization. This role works cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Sales, Marketing, Purchasing, and international teams to ensure products meet customer requirements, technical standards, quality expectations, and cost objectives.

The Mechanical Product Engineer contributes to successful product identifications and applications, as well as supports product launches, continuous improvement initiatives, and operational excellence while supporting the organization’s growth and customer-focused objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Functional Responsibilities

• Be the primary information source in resolving hydraulic application questions, cross-referencing, and in-situ troubleshooting for customers
• Support product development and engineering activities throughout the product lifecycle
• Develop, maintain, and update product specifications, technical documentation, and engineering records
• Coordinate product validation, testing, , and continuous improvement initiatives
• Provide technical expertise related to hydraulic filtration products and hydraulic circuit functionality
• Support prototype development and customer application evaluations
• Collaborate with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, Sales, and Marketing teams to support product launches and ongoing production requirements
• Analyze product performance, customer feedback, and market trends to support product improvements
• Ensure products meet quality, regulatory, and customer requirements

Operational / Process Responsibilities

• Lead engineering change management and product improvement processes
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, drawings, specifications, and validation records
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives related to product performance, manufacturability, quality, and cost reductionAnalyze and resolve technical and operational issues using structured problem-solving methods
• Support manufacturing teams in troubleshooting and process optimization activities
• Partner with cross-functional and international teams to support global product initiatives and projects
• Foster a collaborative, customer-focused, and solutions-oriented work environment
• Provide technical support and guidance to internal stakeholders and customers as needed
• Manage and support technical services employees, including prioritization of work, technical guidance, performance support, and development activities

Financial / Strategic Responsibilities (if applicable)

• Support strategic product initiatives and operational improvement efforts
• Assist with cost reduction and product optimization activities
• Support product decisions through technical analysis and market feedback

Core Competencies

• Problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Organizational and time-management skills
• Collaboration and cross-functional partnership
• Customer-focused mindset
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong initiative and accountability

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of product lifecycle management and engineering processes
• Understanding of hydraulic systems and hydraulic circuit functionality
• Experience with product testing, validation, and troubleshooting
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Familiarity with engineering documentation and change management processes

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline
• 3–5 years of relevant mechanical engineering experience supporting product development, validation, and engineering activities in a manufacturing or industrial environment
• Strong understanding of fluid dynamics and fluid flow principles required. Experience applying fluid dynamics concepts to equipment or industrial systems is highly preferred.
• Direct hydraulics experience is highly preferred but not required for candidates with a strong foundation in fluid dynamics and mechanical engineering.

Preferred

• Experience working with international teams and global product initiatives
• Experience with hydraulic systems or hydraulic equipment
• Additional technical expertise related to filtration systems, fluid-handling equipment, fluid dynamics, hydraulics, industrial equipment, or mechanical systems
• Experience in automotive, filtration, lubrication, air management, steel, pulp and paper, oil & gas, or other fluid-intensive industries

Success Metrics

• Successful execution of product development and improvement initiatives
• Product quality and reliability performance
• Timely completion of engineering projects and deliverables
• Customer satisfaction and responsiveness to technical support needs
• Contribution to cost reduction and operational improvement initiatives

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Office and manufacturing environment
• Exposure to manufacturing equipment and machinery as applicable
• Ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods
• Ability to communicate effectively in both office and manufacturing environments
• Ability to occasionally lift materials or equipment as needed

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Travel Requirements

• Estimated travel: <25%
• Domestic and occasional international travel may be required

Disclaimer

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work expected for this position and is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties may change at any time to meet business needs.

Hengst of North America is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.