Product Development Engineer

Burnett Specialists; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Burnett Specialists is seeking an experienced Product Development Engineer-Accessory to support the development and launch of automotive accessories and components. This hands-on role works cross-functionally with Quality, Operations, Sourcing, Supply Chain, and automotive suppliers in North Houston.

You will manage products through the Stage Gate process from concept to PPAP and production launch, develop DFMEAs and DVP&Rs, maintain BOMs, and apply VA/VE to improve cost, installation, quality,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Mechanical, Electrical, or Automotive Engineering.
• 5–7 years of related experience preferred.
• Strong automotive industry and hands-on product/component development experience.
• Experience with Stage Gate, PPAP, DFMEA, DVP&R, and VA/VE.
• CAD experience with CATIA, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar.
• Knowledge of automotive testing, validation, manufacturing processes, and vehicle systems.
• Strong problem-solving, root cause analysis, and technical diagnostic skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage automotive products/accessories through the Stage Gate development process, from concept through PPAP and production launch.
• Develop DFMEAs and DVP&Rs and support automotive testing and validation.
• Develop and maintain BOMs and product configuration throughout the product lifecycle.
• Utilize VA/VE methodologies to improve cost, installation, quality, and product performance.
• Support new vehicle and accessory launches.
• Perform root cause analysis and resolve product/design issues.
• Collaborate with suppliers on product development, readiness, quality, and performance.
• Support continuous improvement and review warranty/field performance data.

Skills

Stage Gate

PPAP

DFMEA

DVP&R

VA/VE

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Automotive Engineering

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

Job description

Product Development Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Product Development Engineer-Accessory to support the development and launch of automotive accessories and components. This is a hands-on engineering role working cross-functionally with Quality, Operations, Sourcing, Supply Chain, and automotive suppliers. Salary: $120K-$130K base + 15% bonus Schedule: Monday-Friday | 4 days onsite / 1 day remote Travel: Up to 10% Employment: Direct Hire Location: North Houston, TX Relocation: Local candidates preferred; relocation may be considered for the right candidate

What You'll Do

• Manage automotive products/accessories through the Stage Gate development process, from concept through PPAP and production launch.
• Develop DFMEAs and DVP&Rs and support automotive testing and validation.
• Develop and maintain BOMs and product configuration throughout the product lifecycle.
• Utilize VA/VE methodologies to improve cost, installation, quality, and product performance.
• Support new vehicle and accessory launches.
• Perform root cause analysis and resolve product/design issues.
• Collaborate with suppliers on product development, readiness, quality, and performance.
• Support continuous improvement and review warranty/field performance data.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree required; Mechanical, Electrical, or Automotive Engineering strongly preferred.
• 5-7 years of related experience preferred.
• Strong automotive industry and hands-on product/component development experience.
• Experience with Stage Gate, PPAP, DFMEA, DVP&R, and VA/VE.
• CAD experience with CATIA, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar.
• Knowledge of automotive testing, validation, manufacturing processes, and vehicle systems.
• Strong problem-solving, root cause analysis, and technical diagnostic skills.
• OEM, Tier 1/Tier 2, or automotive aftermarket experience considered.

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