Product Development Engineer

Leoforce; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Leoforce is seeking a Product Development Engineer to drive new product development, manufacturing innovation, and process improvements across our US and India operations. The role requires a strong mechanical design and manufacturing engineering background with APQP and product launch expertise.

The ideal candidate will lead product launches, optimize tooling and processes, and coordinate cross-functional activities to deliver high-quality, cost-effective manufacturing solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum 3 years of mechanical design, product development, and launch experience.
• Proficiency in APQP and quality planning methodologies.
• DOE knowledge and ability to apply DOE principles.

Responsibilities

• Develop new products based on customer requirements and specifications.
• Collaborate with customers and internal stakeholders to align on technical requirements.
• Lead product launch activities from concept through production using APQP.
• Design and optimize tooling, processes, and methods for efficiency and quality.
• Drive continuous improvement to enhance manufacturing performance.
• Coordinate requirements and projects between US and India teams.
• Perform product testing, verification, and validation to meet specs.
• Create and maintain BOMs, ECNs, and DCNs per ISO/TS standards.
• Execute FMEA and PPAP as needed for quality and readiness.
• Support equipment installation, qualification, and validation (IQ/OQ/PQ).
• Implement SPC and process capability monitoring.
• Train technicians and production staff on new equipment and processes.
• Identify automation opportunities and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve manufacturing challenges.
• Travel as needed to support requirements.

Skills

APQP methodologies

Design of Experiments (DOE)

Project management

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

ERP systems

MS Excel

MS Word

MS Outlook

Job description

Experience: Mid Level

Salary: $100,000 - $125,000 per year

Job Details

We are seeking a Product Development Engineer to drive new product development, manufacturing innovation, and process improvement initiatives across our operations in the United States and India. This position partners closely with customers, engineering, production, and leadership teams to develop reliable, cost-effective, and high-quality manufacturing solutions.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mechanical design, manufacturing engineering, APQP methodologies, and product launch management within a manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop new products based on customer requirements, technical specifications, and application needs.
• Collaborate with customers and internal stakeholders to review, communicate, and align on technical requirements.
• Lead product launch activities from concept through production using APQP methodologies.
• Design, optimize, and improve tooling, manufacturing processes, and production methods to enhance efficiency, quality, and consistency.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve manufacturing performance and operational excellence.
• Coordinate customer requirements and project activities between production teams in the U.S. and India.
• Conduct product testing, verification, and validation to ensure compliance with specifications and performance requirements.
• Create and maintain engineering documentation, including Bills of Materials (BOMs), Engineering Change Notices (ECNs), and Document Change Notices (DCNs), in accordance with ISO/TS standards.
• Perform FMEA and PPAP activities as required to support product quality and launch readiness.
• Support equipment installation, commissioning, qualification, and validation activities, including IQ/OQ/PQ protocols.
• Implement Statistical Process Control (SPC) and process capability (Cpk) monitoring to improve product quality and process stability.
• Train technicians and production personnel on new equipment, manufacturing processes, and operating procedures.
• Identify and evaluate automation opportunities, manufacturing enhancements, and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve complex manufacturing and production challenges.
• Travel as needed to support customer requirements and operational objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in mechanical design, product development, and product launch activities.
• Working knowledge of APQP processes and quality planning methodologies.
• Strong understanding of Design of Experiments (DOE) principles and applications.
• Proficiency in CAD software, preferably SolidWorks.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Ability to learn and effectively utilize ERP systems.
• Excellent analytical, communication, project management, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with hose product design and development.
• Experience in rubber manufacturing or polymer-based product manufacturing.
• Knowledge of SPC implementation and process capability improvement techniques.
• Experience supporting automation projects, lean manufacturing initiatives, or continuous improvement programs.

A bit about us:

We are a family-owned organization dedicated to supporting manufacturing and logistics operations through integrated IT, HR, and accounting services. Our team operates in a collaborative, hands-on environment where leaders are empowered to make decisions, drive improvements, and directly influence business outcomes.

Why join us?

You will have the opportunity to shape strategy, streamline operations, and build scalable systems in a company that values agility over bureaucracy. We offer a setting where your impact is visible, your ideas are heard, and your leadership helps guide long-term growth - making it an ideal place for those seeking both responsibility and meaningful influence in a stable, essential-services business.

#manufacturing #solidworks #apqp #ppap #tier4