Product Development Engineer

ACCO Brands; Lake Zurich (IL); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

401(k) match

Parental leave

Life & disability insurance

Insurance options

Employee assistance programs

Job summary

ACCO Brands seeks a Product Development Engineer to support new product platforms from concept through commercialization. You’ll turn complex ideas into manufacturable products, collaborating with internal and external partners to drive growth and innovation.

The role emphasizes hands‑on mechanical design, prototyping, testing, and design for manufacturability, with a strong focus on reliable, scalable products.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 3–5 years’ electromechanical or mechanical design experience.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools; SolidWorks preferred.
• Experience with PLM and engineering change management.

Responsibilities

• Develop complex products from concept to commercialization.
• Design components, assemblies, and systems in 3D CAD.
• Create prototypes and test plans; analyze results.
• Coordinate tests for safety and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain CAD models, drawings, and product specs.
• Apply DFM, DFA and FMEA practices.
• Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturing partners.

Skills

3D CAD Proficiency

Cross-functional teamwork

Engineering analysis

Prototype testing

3D printing familiarity

Education

Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

PLM Systems

Engineering change mgmt

Job description

A company with a pioneering past and a purposeful future.

Job Summary

We are seeking a Product Development Engineer to support the creation, development, validation, and commercialization of new product platforms. This role is ideal for a hands‑on mechanical engineer who enjoys turning complex ideas into reliable, manufacturable products. The position works with internal cross‑functional teams, global manufacturing partners, suppliers, and customers to deliver innovative, reliable products that support long‑term business growth.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the development of complex products from concept through commercialization.
• Support product architecture design, subsystem design, and engineering analysis activities.
• Design mechanical components, assemblies, and systems using 3D CAD software.
• Create and fabricate prototype concepts in an engineering lab environment.
• Troubleshoot and problem solve issues during development and initial launch.
• Develop and execute test plans to verify product performance and reliability.
• Analyze test results and provide recommendations for design improvements.
• Create and maintain detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, engineering drawings, and product specifications.
• Perform design analysis, tolerance studies, prototype evaluations, and engineering validation activities.
• Apply Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and other engineering best practices.
• Coordinate tests for products to ensure compliance with applicable safety and regulatory requirements. Support pilot builds, production readiness reviews, manufacturing transfers, and launch activities.
• Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturing facilities to resolve technical issues and improve product quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design Engineering, or a related engineering discipline required
• 3–5 years of engineering experience in electromechanical or mechanical design and product development
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools, parametric modeling, assembly design, and engineering drawings. SolidWorks experience preferred.
• Familiarity with rapid prototyping, 3D printing, workshop tools, and hands‑on testing equipment
• Good understanding of mechanical engineering principles, materials, and manufacturing processes
• Experience with PLM systems, engineering change management, and controlled technical documentation
• Experience working in cross‑functional teams with engineering, design, manufacturing, marketing, supply chain, and project management

Salary Range: $75,000 - $85,000

#LI-Hybrid

About Us:

You know our brands. You love our brands. You just may not know they are ours.

If you have touched a PowerA® gaming controller, a Five Star® notebook, a Swingline® stapler, a Quartet® dry erase board, or a Kensington® computer mouse, you have touched part of ACCO Brands Corporation. With annual revenues of more than $1.5 Billion, ACCO Brands (NYSE: ACCO) designs, markets, manufactures, and sells branded academic, consumer, and business products globally. The power of our brands, our unmatched global customer reach, and our strategic market strengths put us in a position to achieve global leadership and growth. We're proud of our long history of industry leadership and innovation and are focused on delivering exceptional value to our customers by providing unique, cutting‑edge, branded products.

What we offer:

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans
• 4% 401(k) match with immediate eligibility and vesting
• Competitive time off, available from the first day of employment
• Parental leave
• Company-paid life and disability benefits
• Critical illness, accident, and long‑term care insurance options
• Employee and family assistance programs

Growing together is how we win.

With trusted brands, strong leadership, and a clear purpose, you’ll find opportunities to grow in your career, contribute to meaningful work, and be a part of a culture that values creativity and putting our consumers and customers first.

ACCO Brands has developed and maintains a written affirmative action program (“AAP”) for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. A copy can be requested from Human Resources. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants.

Equal Opportunity Employer

ACCO Brands is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The company strives to create a winning culture with a leadership promise to provide equal access and opportunity for all to grow, succeed, and contribute to their full potential.

AODA

Accommodation for applicants with disabilities will be provided in all parts of the recruiting process as required under the ACCO Brands Canada AODA policy. Applicants are asked to make their needs known in advance.