Product Development Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) match

Paid time off

Parental leave

Life and disability insurance

Employee assistance program

Job summary

ACCO Brands is seeking a Product Development Engineer to support creation, development, validation, and commercialization of new product platforms. This hands-on mechanical engineer role collaborates with internal teams, global manufacturing partners, suppliers, and customers to deliver innovative, reliable products for long-term growth.

The candidate will participate in design, prototyping, testing, and engineering validation activities, applying DFM/ DFA and FMEA best practices across

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field required.
• 3–5 years of engineering experience in electromechanical/mechanical design and product development.
• Proficient with 3D CAD, parametric modeling, assemblies, and engineering drawings; SolidWorks preferred.

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 solve issues during development and initial launch.
• Develop and execute test plans to verify product performance and reliability.
• Coordinate tests for safety and regulatory compliance; support pilot builds, production readiness, and manufacturing transfers.
• Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturing facilities to resolve technical issues and improve product quality.

Skills

3D CAD tools

SolidWorks

Prototype testing

Testing equipment

Cross-functional teamwork

Engineering principles

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

PLM systems

Job description

A company with a pioneering past and a purposeful future.

At ACCO Brands, we are united by a common purpose, to empower our consumers to feel good when they work, learn, and play. For more than a century we have developed and nurtured brands that enable people to work with more productivity, learn with more confidence, and play with more enjoyment. We are passionate about a winning culture where we grow together, driving business, professional growth, and success. We invite you to be part of a team that is grounded in a history of category-leading brands and products and focused on positioning our company for the 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

Product Development

• 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.

Design & Engineering

• 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.

More information about ACCO Brands can be found at www.accobrands.com .

ACCO Brands has developed and maintains a written Affinative 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.