Product Development Engineer II

Daifuku; Hobart (IN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance

Paid vacation time

401(k) and Flexible Spending Programs

Job summary

Daifuku is seeking a Product Development Engineer to join its team in Hobart, Indiana. The role involves designing innovative conveyor systems, conducting engineering calculations, and collaborating across teams to solve design challenges.

Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, at least 7 years of experience in the material handling industry, and proficiency in 3D design software like AutoCAD and SolidWorks. Daifuku offers a competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in the material handling industry.
• Experience in conveyor systems with carton or pallet handling.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop new fabricated products for conveyor systems.
• Perform calculations to ensure robust design.
• Collaborate with teams to resolve design issues.

Skills

3D design software

Engineering calculations

Design of conveyor-related products

Proficient with AutoCAD and SolidWorks

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

Master's degree

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Microsoft Office

Job description

Daifuku Airport America Corporation is a subsidiary of Daifuku North America, a group company of Daifuku in Japan – the largest material handling company in the world. Our advanced systems move everything from car bodies at auto plants to luggage at airports to packaged goods at warehouses. We are known as experts in engineering, manufacturing, and servicing innovative automated materials handling systems including conveyors, automatic guided vehicles, automated storage & retrieval systems, and integrated controls.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Product Development Engineer to work with our talented team of engineers and designers. In this role you will help design new products, support proof‑of‑concept and prototype testing, and review existing designs to enhance or revise our current products. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering and have experience with 3D design software such as Inventor and other Autodesk tools.

Major Areas of Responsibility

• Conceive, design, develop, engineer, prototype, test, and revise mid‑sized and large‑scale, moderately complex, new fabricated products for conveyor systems and applications
• Perform engineering calculations to ensure a robust design, including horsepower, stress, torque, deflection, torsion, overhung load, sortation rate, cycle rate, air consumption, and amperage draw
• Collaborate with other teams to troubleshoot and resolve development and design issues
• Ensure new products are safe, reliable, and easy to maintain
• Select appropriate and cost‑effective purchased products
• Analyze data to identify trends in usage, cost, performance, and reliability
• Develop and execute test plans for concepts and prototypes to establish operational parameters
• Use modeling and simulation tools to prove or disprove designs
• Partner with the design team, manufacturing, quality control, purchasing, and administration
• Mentor less‑senior team members
• Travel up to 20%

Skills & Abilities

• Experience in the design and development of conveyor‑related products, including:
  • Conveyor equipment individually and on a system level
  • Competitor’s products
  • Power transmission and automation components
  • Plastics, metals, alloys, and chemistry
  • Manufacturing considerations
  • Design cost, budgets, and expenditures
  • Proficient with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, SolidWorks Enterprise PDM, Microsoft Office, and simulation modules
  • Ability to use Excel to sort large data tables and create calculation tables
  • Ability to use PowerPoint to create visual explanations and presentations
  • Ability to handle multiple projects and adapt to changing priorities in a fast‑paced results‑oriented environment
  • Organizational skills to meet project plans and deadlines
  • Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
  • Strategic and creative thinking and problem‑solving skills
  • Team‑oriented and collaborative
  • Ability to learn new skills and technologies

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field
• Master’s degree is a plus
• Minimum 7 years of experience in the material handling industry
• Experience in conveyor systems with carton handling or pallet handling
• Experience with Motor Drive Roller (MDR), Sortation Technologies, installation, project management, electrical, or SolidWorks Enterprise PDM administration

Demonstrated Physical Abilities

Remain stationary for 50% of the time; move/traverse throughout the office to access file cabinets and office equipment; operate a computer and other productivity machinery; inspect documents; communicate with others through talking/hearing; read/identify/assess forms and correspondence.

Compensation & Benefits

Daifuku Airport America Corporation offers an excellent compensation package including comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance, paid vacation time, paid sick time, paid holidays, 401(k), Flexible Spending Programs, and more.

EEO Statement

Daifuku Airport America Corporation is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, or medical condition.