Product Development Technician

Timberline Manufacturing; Marion (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Timberline Manufacturing is seeking a Product Development Technician to support engineers in developing and validating new products. You will assist with prototype builds, testing, documentation, and CAD/drawing updates, ensuring accurate BOMs and engineering records.

The role requires hands-on manufacturing experience, keen attention to detail, and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. A technical degree or diploma is preferred, with opportunities to grow within a 100% employee-owned environment.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical diploma in engineering technology or related field preferred.
• Hands-on experience in manufacturing, prototyping, testing, or a technical production environment preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, BOMs, and work instructions.
• Basic CAD experience or ability to learn CAD and drawing/documentation systems; experience with 3D CAD is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail with practical problem-solving skills and the ability to follow technical direction.
• Must be able to lift 50lbs and stand/sit for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Support Product Development Engineers with new product development, product changes, and lifecycle activities.
• Coordinate with FAI build to collect information on build improvements, documentation changes, and fixture requirements.
• Assist with product validation and qualification testing; document results and communicate issues.
• Perform dimensional inspections, measurements, and basic technical evaluations using appropriate measuring and test equipment.
• Revise engineering drawings, build documents, BOMs, work instructions, and other engineering records as assigned.
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation, including revision control and test records.
• Design and create 3D printed fixtures, assembly aids, and tools to support production.
• Assist engineers with engineering change implementation and coordination with affected functions.
• Support investigations of product-related quality issues by gathering data and conducting root-cause analyses.
• Provide manufacturability feedback to improve quality, cost, and ease of assembly.

Skills

Reading drawings

Prototyping & testing

Attention to detail

Communication

Teamwork

Microsoft Office

Problem solving

Education

Associate degree / technical diploma

Tools

CAD software

Measurement tools

3D CAD experience

Job description

BECOME AN OWNER, MAKE A DIFFERENCE, AND BUILD FRIENDSHIPS

Who We Are

Founded in 1993, Timberline Manufacturing provides electrical contract manufacturing with a specialization in wire harness assembly, control panels, and electronic assembly. Timberline is 100% employee-owned since 2012. Along with employee ownership, we provide opportunities for advancement, professional growth and financial rewards. From the moment you enter the building, we greet you as a person, not a number.

What We Value

We're not the first to say it, but we certainly mean it - our employees are what makes Timberline so great. That's why we're an employee-owned company.

Product Development Technician

Description: The Product Development Technician supports Product Development Engineers in the development, release, validation, and maintenance of products. This hands-on role assists with prototype builds, testing, measurements, documentation, CAD/drawing updates, BOM maintenance, and engineering change activities. The technician works under the direction of Product Development Engineering and helps convert engineering requirements into accurate, manufacturable, and well-documented products.

Responsibilities

• Support Product Development Engineers with new product development, product changes, and lifecycle activities.
• Coordinate with FAI build to collect information on build improvements, documentation changes, and fixture requirements.
• Assist with product validation and qualification testing; validating testing requirements, collect data, document results, and communicate issues or unexpected results.
• Perform dimensional inspections, measurements, and basic technical evaluations using appropriate measuring and test equipment.
• Revise engineering drawings, build documents, BOMs, work instructions, test documentation, and other engineering records as assigned.
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation, including revision control, test records, photographs, build notes, and supporting data.
• Design and create 3D printed fixtures, assembly aids, and tools to support production.
• Assist engineers with engineering change implementation, including part/BOM updates, documentation changes, prototype verification, and coordination with affected functions.
• Support investigations of product-related quality issues by gathering data, inspecting product, reproducing conditions, and assisting with root-cause and corrective-action activities including detailed deconstruction of potential failures.
• Provide manufacturability feedback based on prototype, FAI, and production observations and identify opportunities to improve quality, cost, and ease of assembly.
• Utilize engineering maintenance facilities for product analysis and coordinate with external companies for more advanced requirements.
• Follow applicable safety, quality, document-control, and configuration-control requirements.
• Assist with tickets involving dimensional changes, material changes, product performance, new part creation, BOM updates, design corrective actions, prototype work, and validation activities.
• Gather information, complete assigned technical work, and document results so the Product Development Engineer can make and approve design decisions.
• Escalate conditions that may affect product form, fit, function, safety, compliance, or customer requirements to the responsible engineer.
• Additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate degree, technical diploma, or equivalent experience in engineering technology, manufacturing, mechanical/electrical technology, or a related technical field preferred.
• Hands-on experience in manufacturing, engineering support, prototyping, testing, or a technical production environment preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, BOMs, and work instructions.
• Basic CAD experience or ability to learn CAD and drawing/documentation systems; experience with 3D CAD is preferred.
• Working knowledge of measurement tools and basic test equipment; ability to record and organize test and inspection data accurately.
• Strong attention to detail with practical problem-solving skills and the ability to follow technical direction.
• Basic math and computer skills, including proficiency with common Microsoft Office applications.
• Must have a positive attitude with a customer appreciation mentality
• Must have strong communication skills to communicate with other team members
• Must have a positive attitude with a customer appreciation mentality
• Ability to lift 50lbs as needed and to stand, sit, and perform repetitive or hands-on work for extended periods
• Ability to stand, sit, and perform repetitive work for long periods of time
• Operate with a sense of teamwork

Timberline Manufacturing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.