Product Development Engineer

Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom; Chula Vista (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading scientific instrumentation company seeks a Product Development Engineer in Chula Vista, CA. You will lead hardware product development from concept to production, integrating mechanical systems with electronics and supporting customers. Ideal candidates have over 5 years of experience in hardware development and a strong mechanical engineering background. The role offers a competitive salary of $135,000 to $165,000 and requires full-time onsite presence with some travel.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands‑on hardware product development experience.
• Strong mechanical engineering background.
• Working knowledge of electronics and embedded systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead new hardware product development from concept through production.
• Design and integrate mechanical systems with electronics.
• Troubleshoot products in the field and support customers when needed.

Skills

Hardware product development

Mechanical engineering

Electronics knowledge

Customer interaction

Job description

Kelly Engineering is partnering with a well-established, innovation-driven company in the scientific instrumentation space. This organization designs and manufactures specialized laboratory equipment used by major pharmaceutical companies and research institutions worldwide.

They are seeking a hands‑on Product Development Engineer who can take ownership of hardware products from concept through production and customer support.

This is not a narrow corporate role. It’s ideal for an engineer who enjoys making real design decisions, working across mechanical and electrical systems, and having visible impact inside a small, fast‑moving organization.

What You’ll Do

• Lead new hardware product development from concept through production
• Design and integrate mechanical systems with electronics
• Build and test prototypes, iterate quickly, and resolve technical challenges
• Evaluate design tradeoffs including cost, manufacturability, and performance
• Collaborate with contract manufacturers and external partners
• Troubleshoot products in the field and support customers when needed
• Improve reliability, manufacturability, and serviceability
• Work closely with leadership on product direction and long‑term planning

What They’re Looking For

• 5+ years of hands‑on hardware product development experience
• Strong mechanical engineering background
• Working knowledge of electronics and embedded systems
• Experience taking products from concept to production
• Comfortable interacting directly with customers
• Able to operate independently in a small‑company environment

Nice to have:

• Startup or small‑company experience
• Experience working with contract manufacturers
• Personal electronics projects (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, etc.)

Compensation

Base salary range: $135,000 – $165,000 depending on experience and scope of ownership.

Full‑time, onsite in Chula Vista, CA. Some travel required (including occasional international travel).

If you’re an engineer who prefers ownership over specialization and enjoys building real‑world products used globally, we’d love to connect.

Apply directly or message me for a confidential conversation.