Product Development Engineer

Douglas Dynamics; Milwaukee, Northern (WI, KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous 401(k) match

Profit sharing

Douglas Dynamics University (DDU)

Job summary

Douglas Dynamics is seeking a Product Development Engineer to design mechanical components and systems for our commercial snow and ice products. You will interpret drawings, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and contribute to cost and quality improvements.

You will prototype, test, and validate designs, producing CAD drawings and documentation while supporting production with tooling and process improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; DFMEA/PPAP/FEA/ SPC knowledge.
• 0-5 years’ experience in manufacturing with shop floor exposure.
• Proficient with MS Office; able to maintain maintenance programs and use virtual meeting tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems for commercial snow & ice products focusing on safety, quality, delivery and cost.
• Read and interpret electrical, hydraulic and mechanical drawings and government regs.
• Assist in design, testing and validation of prototypes (lab and field).
• Create product and fixture drawings and CAD layouts; check tolerances and produce detailed drawings.

Skills

Strong communication

Hands-on

Metal fabrication experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Microsoft Office

Job description

Career Opportunities with Douglas Dynamics

A great place to work.

Careers At Douglas Dynamics

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For more than 75 years, Douglas Dynamics has been North America’s premier manufacturer and upfitter of commercial work truck attachments and equipment. Our family of industry-leading brands — FISHER®, SnowEx®, WESTERN®, HENDERSON®, DEJANA®, and VENCO VENTURO® — is trusted for superior innovation, reliability, and performance.

Just as important as what we build is how we build it. We believe our people and culture are critical to our success. At Douglas Dynamics, you’ll be part of a team that values collaboration, continuous improvement, and empowered decision-making. We provide the tools, training, and support our employees need to thrive — because when our people succeed, so does our business.

When you join Douglas Dynamics, you become part of a tradition — and a future — where your ideas matter, your contributions are valued, and your growth is supported.

HOW WE DO IT

Our Core Values — Grow, Improve, and Engage — define who we are and guide how we work every day. We bring these values to life through our Winning Behaviors, which shape how we serve our customers, support one another, and succeed together:

• Be Customer & Results Driven – Consider the customer in everything you do and focus on meaningful outcomes.
• Anticipate the Possibilities – See around corners and embrace ideas that move our business forward.
• Collaborate & Care – Work together and support our customers, communities, and each other.
• Communicate Responsibly – Build trust through thoughtful listening and clear communication.
• Develop Self & Others – Take ownership of your growth while helping others do the same.
• Get Better Every Day – Continuous improvement is at the heart of how we work — every day.

THE ROLE

We are seeking a Product Development Engineer to join our team and help drive our continued success. This role plays an important part in supporting our customers, strengthening our business, and contributing to the long-term growth of Douglas Dynamics.

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE

This position is responsible for designing and developing mechanical components and systems for Commercial Snow & Ice related products focusing on Customer Requirements, Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost .

In this role, you will leverage your skills, experience, and perspective to make a meaningful impact. You’ll collaborate with teammates across the organization, contribute ideas, and help deliver results that matter for our customers and our business.

HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

• Task related guidance will be provided by senior level engineering personnel who are leading projects
• Read and interpret electrical, hydraulic and mechanical drawings, schematics, technical bulletins and government regulations
• Assist in the design, testing and performance validation of prototypes which includes internal lab testing as well as external field testing
• Produce product and fixture drawings, facility layouts on CAD, check product tolerances and clearances, complete detailed drawings following company standards without guidance
• Complete and maintain all required reports such as engineering reports, test reports and development plans
• Ensure new designs and processes meet or exceed company/customer standards for safety, quality, performance, reliability, manufacturability and cost
• Effectively engage with plant supervision to support production improvements, assist in the resolution of complex/unusual production problems, introduce new tooling, gauges, fixtures and equipment
• Create, maintain and complete BOMs and ECNs, write job instructions and standard work documents, coordinate changes and train affected departments
• Assist in creating product literature including owner’s manuals, parts lists, installation instructions and mechanics guides
• Provide engineering expertise in cross functional teams to ensure the ongoing improvement of product quality, error proofing of processes, and productivity improvements while reducing cost
• Utilize (3P, 5S, DFMEA, PFMEA, Kaizen events) tools to eliminate waste, improve processes, and launch new products
• Desire to grow professionally through continuing education

WHAT THIS ROLE NEEDS

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering. Experience with: DFMEA, PMFEA, PPAP, FEA, SPC, or Control Plans.

Experience and/or Training:

• 0-5 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment with exposure to shop floor processes.

Technology/Equipment:

• Knowledgeable with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, etc.).
• Establish and maintain machine and facility maintenance programs.
• Experience with virtual meeting technology.

Additional Skills:

• Strong oral and written communication skills, communicate effectively with other employees at all locations. Sound interpersonal and leadership skills, and the ability to communicate at all levels of the organization
• Metal fabrication, welding, hands‑on mechanical aptitude. Ability to safely and effectively operate common hand, power, and machine tools to produce prototype parts to specifications. Familiarity with manufacturing processes and materials including plastics. Diagnostics of electrical, mechanical, and hydraulics systems.
• Working knowledge of SolidWorks, Microsoft suite of products. TCM/PDC Enterprise program. Experience using data acquisition equipment desirable
• Understand and be able to use trigonometry, and complex concepts of algebra and geometry as required. Understanding of advanced math, calculus, advanced graphing and charting
• Solve practical problems and understand technical problems involving known variables in non‑standard situations .

Physical Demands:

• The employee will frequently sit, stand, walk, reach, and grasp. The employee must have the ability to perform required duties in the office, on the factory floor, and may be required to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Employee may spend a portion of the day on the shop floor and will be exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes, noise, and extreme heat. Employee must be comfortable in a fast paced, continuously changing environment. Occasional travel by plane or car to overnight locations; 5 - 10% travel.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

• A fulfilling career with the opportunity to contribute to an industry leader
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Generous 401(k) match
• Profit sharing for all full‑time employees
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities, including access to Douglas Dynamics University (DDU)

At Douglas Dynamics, we don’t just talk about improvement — we live it. We’re committed to creating an environment where people can grow, ideas are encouraged, and learning never stops. Your development matters here, and we are invested in helping you build a rewarding career.

Don’t meet every requirement? Studies show that women, people of color, and historically underrepresented talent are less likely to apply unless they meet every qualification. At Douglas Dynamics, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace — and we encourage you to apply.

Douglas Dynamics, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against qualified applicants based on race, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.