Product Development Engineer

LeoForce; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

LeoForce seeks a mid-level Mechanical Engineer to develop and launch products, ensuring customer needs and technical specs drive design and process decisions. You will lead APQP-driven product launches, advance tooling and processes for efficiency and quality, and coordinate work across US-India teams.

The role requires a 3+ year background in mechanical design and product development, SolidWorks proficiency, and ERP familiarity, with strong analytical and collaboration skills across departments.

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 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.

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 BOMs, ECNs, and 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 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.

Skills

Mechanical design

Product development

DOE principles

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication skills

Problem solving

ERP systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Job Description

Experience: Mid Level

Salary: $75,000 - $95,000 per year

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 #tier2