Product Development Engineer: Prototyping, Costing & Manufacturing

Vanguard-Id-Systems; East Caln Township (PA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanguard ID Systems seeks a Product Development Engineer to translate customer requirements into product specifications, prototypes, and scalable manufacturing plans. You’ll work with Sales, Operations, and leadership to develop costed quotes and reliable production methods, shaping our future capabilities and expanding manufacturable product offerings.

This hands-on role combines commercial problem-solving with technical R&D, including testing materials, evaluating suppliers, and guiding

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3+ years in product development, manufacturing, materials, packaging, printing, converting, or technical engineering support.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills to evaluate technical problems, compare options, and estimate costs.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and coordinate with suppliers and internal teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication to document findings and collaborate across functions.
• Degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Experience developing or testing prototypes and evaluating materials for manufacturability.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop new products and configurations to support commercial opportunities.
• Collaborate with Sales to understand customer requirements, performance needs, and target pricing.
• Develop product specifications including dimensions, materials, printing, encoding, and durability.
• Research and source adhesives, films, facestocks, laminates, RFID inlays, and related materials.
• Provide cost estimates and manufacturing assumptions to support quotes and proposals.
• Evaluate production methods and determine appropriate equipment or process changes.

Skills

Experience

Analytical skills

Project management

Clear communication

Education

Materials Science / Chemical Engineering / Polymer Science / Packaging Engineering / Mechanical Eng

Job description

Vanguard ID Systems seeks a Product Development Engineer to translate customer requirements into product specifications, prototypes, and scalable manufacturing plans. You’ll work with Sales, Operations, and leadership to develop costed quotes and reliable production methods, shaping our future capabilities and expanding manufacturable product offerings.

This hands-on role combines commercial problem-solving with technical R&D, including testing materials, evaluating suppliers, and guiding