Product Engineer

Acara Solutions, Inc.; Fremont (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Acara Solutions seeks an experienced Product Engineer IV to lead product development, supplier qualification, and technical problem solving for advanced engineered products. You will partner with global suppliers and cross-functional teams to drive new product introductions and validate manufacturing processes from development to deployment.

This role blends product engineering, materials science, supplier development and advanced failure analysis, offering a unique chance to drive technical

Qualifications

• 8+ years in product engineering, materials engineering, process development, supplier/ manufacturing engineering with a Master's; or 5+ years with a Ph.D.
• 5+ years leading new product introduction (NPI), product qualification, supplier development, or PLM initiatives.
• 5+ years designing experiments, engineering studies, and validation testing.
• 3+ years performing failure analysis and root cause investigations using materials characterization techniques.
• 3+ years collaborating with suppliers, manufacturing teams, quality organizations, and engineering stakeholders.
• Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optics, Physics, Chemistry, or related field; or Ph.D. with applicable industry exp.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development initiatives with global supplier and engineering teams.
• Drive NPI, product qualification, supplier development, and lifecycle management initiatives.
• Conduct experiments and validation testing to support product releases.
• Collaborate with suppliers, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure product quality from development to deployment.
• Provide advanced materials science and failure analysis to resolve complex technical challenges.
• Influence stakeholders across teams, cultures, and regions.

Skills

Product engineering

Materials engineering

Process development

Supplier engineering

Manufacturing engineering

NPI leadership

Failure analysis

Cross-functional leadership

Analytical problem solving

Technical communication

Education

Master's or PhD in related field

Tools

JMP

Minitab

DOE

Gage R&R

Job description

We're seeking an experienced Product Engineer IV to lead product development, supplier qualification, and technical problem-solving initiatives for advanced engineered products. In this highly visible role, you'll partner with global suppliers and cross-functional teams to drive new product introductions, validate manufacturing processes, resolve complex technical challenges, and ensure product quality from development through field deployment.

Why You'll Love Working Here:

• Lead high-impact product development initiatives with global supplier and engineering teams.
• Work on cutting-edge technologies in a collaborative and innovation-driven environment.
• Influence product design, manufacturing processes, quality systems, and supplier performance.
• Apply advanced materials science, engineering, and failure analysis expertise to solve complex technical challenges.

Why This Opportunity is Exciting:

This role offers a rare opportunity to combine product engineering, materials science, supplier development, and advanced failure analysis in one position. You'll play a critical role in bringing new products from concept to deployment while driving technical excellence across a global supplier network.

About Acara Solutions

Acara is a premier recruiting and workforce solutions provider-we help companies compete for talent. With a legacy of experience in various industries worldwide, we partner with clients, listen to their needs, and customize visionary talent solutions that drive desired business outcomes. We leverage decades of experience to deliver contingent staffing, direct placement, executive search, and workforce services worldwide.

Job Requirements

What You'll Bring:

• 8+ years of experience in product engineering, materials engineering, process development, supplier engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related technical field with a Master's degree; or 5+ years of experience with a Ph.D.
• 5+ years of experience leading new product introduction (NPI), product qualification, supplier development, or product lifecycle management initiatives.
• 5+ years of experience designing and conducting experiments, engineering studies, and technical validation testing.
• 3+ years of experience performing failure analysis and root cause investigations using materials characterization techniques.
• 3+ years of experience collaborating with suppliers, manufacturing teams, quality organizations, and engineering stakeholders.
• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optics, Physics, Chemistry, or a related field; or Ph.D. with applicable industry experience.

What Sets You Apart:

• Experience using advanced materials characterization tools and techniques including:
  • Microscopy
  • Spectroscopy
  • Thermal analysis
  • Mechanical testing and analysis
  • Surface characterization methods
• Experience in plastics fabrication and manufacturing processes such as:
  • Injection molding
  • Machining
  • Welding
  • Thermoforming
  • Additive manufacturing
• Knowledge of statistical methods and quality tools including:
  • Design of Experiments (DOE)
  • Gage R&R
  • Process Capability Analysis (Cpk/Ppk)
  • JMP
  • Minitab
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams consisting of product engineering, manufacturing, supplier quality, field support, and supplier partners.
• Exceptional analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong technical communication and executive presentation skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders across multiple teams, cultures, and geographic regions.
• Creative thinker with a resilient, solution-oriented approach to complex engineering challenges.

Additional Information:

• Upon offer of employment, the individual will be subject to a background check.
• Overtime: May be required based on project milestones, supplier support needs, and business objectives.
• Schedule: Hybrid/Flexible schedule with approximately 3 days per week onsite, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM PST.
• Work Environment: Engineering, laboratory, supplier, and manufacturing support environment.
• Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.

Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.