Product Development Engineer

freudenberg; Cleveland (GA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Freudenberg is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design and develop product solutions within the approved framework, coordinating development activities and modifying designs to meet performance and application needs. You will analyze test data and perform simulations while supporting product launches and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities include performing design verification, applying FEA/DFMEA/DFSS/DFM-DFA tools, and traveling to customers and suppliers as required to ensure

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Product design or development experience; automotive focus preferred.
• Conceptualize mechanical components, assemblies, and interactions.
• Knowledge: machine dynamics, strength, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, materials, wear, dimensions.
• Experience with rubber/thermoplastics/thermosets/composites and related processes.
• GD&T knowledge and engineering drawings/data records.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools to create/modify designs.
• Experience with FEA/DFMEA/DFSS/DFM- DFA.
• APQP/PPAP/DV/PV processes; strong communication and teamwork.
• Ability to work in cross-functional teams; willing to travel.

Responsibilities

• Design product solutions within the approved framework and coordinate development activities.
• Modify existing designs and components to meet evolving requirements.
• Manage assembly functionality and installation while balancing timelines.
• Develop and evaluate concepts considering function, materials, manufacturing, and cost.
• Conduct design investigations on functionality, packaging, materials, and life.
• Check drawings and data records for accuracy and documentation.
• Perform simulations and engineering calculations for strength, life, wear, and size.
• Evaluate benchmarking tests and apply findings to concepts and decisions.
• Apply tools like FEA, DFMEA, DFSS, DFM/DFA to optimize designs.
• Develop creative concepts, assess feasibility, and perform risk assessments.
• Prepare development design packages for new/modified products.
• Design, prototype, and assemble components for testing.
• Analyze test results against specs and objectives; document conclusions.
• Support product launches via design, prototyping, testing, APQP, PPAP, readiness.
• Provide technical leadership to customers, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Collaborate with customer teams on requirements and priorities.
• Investigate root causes of failures and prepare technical reports.
• Support resolution of product/process quality through structured problem solving.
• Participate in GROWTTH and Lean activities (Kaizen, 5S, VAVE, PM workshops).
• Prepare and present technical proposals and data reports.
• Manage multiple projects and meet deadlines; travel as required.

Skills

Strong communication

Cross-functional teamwork

Decision making

Independent with deadlines

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Autodesk Inventor

SolidWorks

Solid Edge

Siemens NX (UG)

CATIA

GD&T

Job description

Working at Freudenberg: We will wow your world!

Responsibilities:

• Design product solutions within the approved framework and coordinate development activities
• Modify existing designs and components to meet evolving product performance and application requirements
• Manage assembly functionality and installation requirements while balancing project timelines and future product development needs
• Develop and evaluate product concepts considering functional, material, manufacturing, and cost requirements
• Conduct design investigations considering functionality, packaging, materials, manufacturability, and overall product performance
• Check drawings and data records for accuracy, completeness, and proper documentation
• Perform simulations and engineering calculations for strength, service life, wear, dimensions, weight, and other applicable design factors
• Evaluate benchmarking tests and apply findings to product concepts and development decisions
• Conduct design verification and analysis, validation testing, return investigations, and product and process improvement projects
• Apply analytical tools such as FEA, DFMEA, DFSS, and DFM/DFA to assess risk and optimize product designs
• Develop creative concepts, evaluate technical feasibility, and conduct risk assessments for new or modified products and processes
• Prepare product development design packages for new or modified products
• Design, prototype, and assemble new or modified mechanical components for development and testing activities
• Analyze test results against design specifications and test objectives, and document conclusions
• Support product launches through design, prototyping, testing, APQP, PPAP, and production readiness activities
• Provide technical leadership and support to customers, suppliers, commercial teams, and other internal functions
• Work directly with customer product development teams to address technical requirements and development priorities
• Analyze components returned by customers, identify the root causes of failures, and prepare technical reports for internal and external customers
• Support resolution of product and process quality concerns through structured problem‑solving methods
• Participate in GROWTTH and Lean activities, including Kaizen events, 5S activities, value analysis and value engineering initiatives, and program management workshops
• Prepare and present technical presentations, proposals, and reports with supporting data for internal and external audiences
• Manage multiple projects and priorities while meeting agreed deadlines
• Travel to customers, suppliers, and other FNST facilities as required
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field required
• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or another technical field preferred
• Product design or product development experience required; automotive product development experience preferred
• Ability to conceptualize mechanical components, assemblies, and component interactions
• Knowledge of machine dynamics, strength requirements, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, materials, wear, dimensions, weight, and service life considerations
• Experience designing products with rubber, thermoplastics, thermosets, composites, or related polymer materials, including knowledge of associated manufacturing processes, preferred
• Ability to assess manufacturing feasibility based on process knowledge and economic considerations
• Ability to prepare and check engineering drawings and data records, including the application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
• Experience using 3D CAD software such as Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, Solid Edge, Siemens NX (UG), CATIA, or similar programs to create and modify product designs, assemblies, and engineering drawings preferred
• Knowledge of engineering tools such as finite element analysis (FEA), Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA), Design for Six Sigma (DFSS), and Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFM/DFA)
• Knowledge of automotive product development processes, including Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Design Verification (DV) testing, Product Validation (PV) processes, and customer-specific requirements preferred
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and technical communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, cross‑functional team environment
• Ability to work independently, manage conflicting priorities, and meet deadlines
• Ability to make sound decisions, influence key stakeholders, and adapt to change and ambiguity
• Creative, organized, data‑driven, and proactive approach to problem‑solving
• Ability to work overtime as business needs require and travel to customers, suppliers, and other FNST facilities

Communication & Collaboration: Communicates clearly and concisely, while engaging proactively with colleagues at all levels of the organization.

Value for Customers: