Product Development Engineer, Helmets

The People Brand; Rigby (ID); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The People Brand is seeking a Product Development Engineer based in Rigby, Idaho. This role involves leading the development of innovative hard goods from concept through production, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance product performance and manufacturability.

You'll work on designing, prototyping, and testing mechanical products while managing multiple projects simultaneously. Relocation assistance is available, and the position offers a competitive salary range of $90,000 - $120,000 per year.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience developing mechanical products from concept through commercialization.
• Strong proficiency with 3D CAD software and engineering documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the engineering and mechanical design of hard goods from concept to production.
• Develop detailed CAD models, engineering drawings, and technical documentation.
• Plan and execute product validation testing, analyze performance data.

Skills

3D CAD software proficiency

Analytical abilities

Project management skills

Prototyping and testing experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

3D printing

CNC machining

Thermoforming

Job description

Confidential Opportunity Profile

Product Development Engineer – Hard Goods

Location: Rigby, Idaho (Relocation Available)

The Opportunity

Our client is seeking a hands‑on Product Development Engineer to lead the development of innovative hard goods and mechanical products from initial concept through commercial production. This is an opportunity to own the full engineering lifecycle, partnering closely with cross‑functional teams to bring premium, performance‑driven products to market.

This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys designing, prototyping, testing, and refining products that perform in demanding real‑world environments. You’ll have the opportunity to influence product performance, manufacturability, and quality while working alongside product management, industrial design, sourcing, and manufacturing teams.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the end‑to‑end engineering and mechanical design of hard goods from concept development through production launch.
• Develop detailed 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and technical documentation to support product design and manufacturing.
• Design and evaluate prototypes using rapid prototyping technologies including 3D printing, CNC machining, thermoforming, silicone molding, resin casting, and related fabrication methods.
• Plan and execute product validation testing, analyze performance data, and implement design improvements based on testing and field feedback.
• Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles to optimize quality, cost, and production efficiency.
• Partner closely with product management, industrial design, sourcing, suppliers, and manufacturing teams to ensure successful commercialization.
• Conduct engineering analysis including material selection, mechanical load evaluation, tolerance analysis, and lifecycle testing.
• Manage multiple development projects simultaneously while maintaining strong organization, documentation, and communication throughout the product lifecycle.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience developing mechanical products from concept through commercialization.
• Strong proficiency with 3D CAD software and engineering documentation.
• Experience with prototype fabrication and product validation testing.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes including machining, molding, fabrication, and assembly.
• Understanding of materials, mechanical systems, tolerances, and product performance requirements.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Effective communicator who enjoys collaborating across engineering, product, manufacturing, and supplier teams.

Why This Opportunity

• Own products from concept through production rather than supporting a single phase of development.
• Work on innovative, performance‑focused products used in demanding outdoor environments.
• Highly collaborative engineering culture with meaningful cross‑functional exposure.
• Opportunity to make a visible impact on product innovation, quality, and customer experience.
• Comprehensive relocation assistance available for qualified candidates.

$90,000 - $120,000 a year