Product Design Engineer

Hotstart; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Hotstart is seeking a Product Engineer in Spokane, WA to own product lines through their lifecycle—from release to obsolescence. You will lead cross-functional engineering projects from concept through validation and implementation, driving improvements in performance, reliability, quality, manufacturability, and cost.

The role requires 2+ years in product/design/sustaining/manufacturing engineering with strong 3D CAD skills (SolidWorks preferred), RCA, and project leadership.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• 2+ years in product, design, sustaining, or manufacturing engineering.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD and engineering documentation; SolidWorks preferred.
• Knowledge of change management, BOMs, ERP/PDM systems, root cause analysis, and design validation.
• Project management experience with planning and cross-functional coordination.
• Knowledge of circuits, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics.
• Experience with industrial equipment, electromechanical products, manufacturing processes, DFM/DFA, supplier changes, or regulatory compliance.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Self-starter with strong technical judgment, project leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Own assigned product lines throughout their lifecycle from release to obsolescence.
• Manage and lead cross-functional engineering projects from concept through validation, release, and implementation.
• Identify and implement product improvements for performance, reliability, quality, manufacturability, safety, and cost competitiveness.
• Define and communicate engineering requirements through specs, redlines, design reviews, testing, and documentation.
• Investigate production, supplier, customer, and field issues; perform RCA and implement actions.
• Support Sales and customers with product selection, testing, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, IT, suppliers, and other stakeholders to improve products and processes.
• Participate in prototype builds, laboratory and field testing, regulatory activities, and travel.

Skills

3D CAD

SolidWorks

Root cause analysis

Change management

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Excel

Education

Bachelor/Master in Engineering

Job description

Hotstart designs, manufactures, and delivers thermal management solutions to customers in a variety of industrial equipment markets. We are seeking a Product Engineer for our Design Engineering team in Spokane, Washington. This role serves as the technical owner for assigned product lines, leading cross-functional projects and initiatives that improve product performance, reliability, manufacturability, compliance, cost, and customer value.

Primary Position Responsibilities:

• Own assigned product lines throughout their lifecycle, including initial release, improvements, engineering changes, reactivations, new or custom configurations, and obsolescence.
• Manage and lead cross-functional engineering projects from concept through validation, release, and implementation, managing scope, priorities, and action items.
• Identify and implement product improvements that enhance product performance, reliability, quality, manufacturability, safety, and cost competitiveness.
• Define and communicate engineering requirements through specifications, redlines, design reviews, testing, and technical guidance while supporting product documentation and engineering data management.
• Investigate production, supplier, customer, and field issues; perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Support Sales and customers with product selection, application, testing, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, IT, suppliers, and other stakeholders to improve products and processes.
• Participate in prototype builds, laboratory and field testing, regulatory activities, and occasional travel.

Desired Qualifications, Skills, and Attributes:

• BS or MS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 2+ years of relevant product, design, sustaining, or manufacturing engineering experience.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software and engineering documentation practices; SolidWorks experience preferred.
• Knowledge of change management, BOMs, ERP/PDM systems, root cause analysis, and design validation.
• Project management experience, including planning, prioritization, and cross-functional coordination.
• Knowledge of circuits, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics preferred.
• Experience with industrial equipment, electromechanical products, manufacturing processes, DFM/DFA principles, supplier changes, or regulatory compliance and standards preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Self-starter with strong technical judgment, project leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Reasonable accommodations available for disabled individuals to foster success in essential functions.

Hotstart Inc. is a world leading manufacturer of industrial engine preheating systems and thermal management products.. Established in 1942 and ISO 9001:2015 certified, we have grown to over 250 employees in a modern manufacturing facility. The company provides a 100% premium-free benefits package highlighted by medical, dental, vision and life insurance; 401(k) with contribution matching and profit sharing, and educational assistance. Hotstart is a drug-free, equal opportunity employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability.

Employment Type

Employment Type Full-Time

Pay Type

Starting Pay

Starting Pay $83,000–$95,000 per year

Date Posted

Date Posted September 30, 2026

Valid Through

Valid Through October 21, 2026

Location

Location Corporate & Manufacturing Headquarters
5723 E. Alki Ave., Spokane, WA 99212 USA