Product Engineer

FirstElement Fuel, Inc.; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

FirstElement Fuel, Inc. in Santa Ana, CA is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design hydrogen fueling equipment, assemblies, and components. You will create 3D models, drawings, and engineering documentation using CAD software and develop specifications and calculations for new products.

You will support prototype builds, testing, validation, and product release activities; participate in design reviews; and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and robust manufacturability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 3-7 years of product design in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
• Experience creating engineering drawings and Bills of Materials.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, GD&T.
• Experience supporting products from concept through production.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop hydrogen fueling equipment, assemblies, and components.
• Create 3D models, detailed drawings, and engineering documentation using CAD software.
• Develop specifications, calculations, and design documentation for new products.
• Support prototype builds, testing, validation, and product release activities.
• Participate in design reviews and cross-functional product development teams.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Service, and Project Management.

Skills

Product design

3D CAD (SolidWorks)

GD&T

Engineering drawings

Cross-functional collab

Prototype support

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Eng

Tools

SolidWorks

PDM

ERP (Acumatica)

Job description

• Design and develop new hydrogen fueling equipment, assemblies, and components.
• Create 3D models, detailed drawings, and engineering documentation using CAD software.
• Develop specifications, calculations, and design documentation for new products.
• Support prototype builds, testing, validation, and product release activities.
• Participate in design reviews and cross-functional product development teams.

Description

Product Development

• Design and develop new hydrogen fueling equipment, assemblies, and components.
• Create 3D models, detailed drawings, and engineering documentation using CAD software.
• Develop specifications, calculations, and design documentation for new products.
• Support prototype builds, testing, validation, and product release activities.
• Participate in design reviews and cross-functional product development teams.

Product Improvement

• Evaluate existing products and identify opportunities to improve performance, reliability, manufacturability, safety, and cost.
• Lead design changes through the Engineering Change Order (ECO) process.
• Investigate product failures and implement corrective design improvements.
• Analyze field performance data, warranty claims, and customer feedback to drive continuous product improvements.
• Support value engineering and cost reduction initiatives without compromising product quality or performance.

Manufacturing Support

• Work closely with Manufacturing Engineering to improve assembly processes and reduce production issues.
• Review manufacturing documentation and provide engineering support during production.
• Resolve engineering issues that arise during fabrication, assembly, and testing.
• Support first article builds and production ramp-up activities.

Technical Analysis & Validation

• Perform engineering calculations and tolerance analyses.
• Select components and materials based on application requirements.
• Support functional testing, pressure testing, and validation of new and modified designs.
• Develop test plans and evaluate test results to verify product performance.

Documentation & Configuration Management

• Create and maintain engineering drawings, Bills of Materials (BOMs), specifications, and design documentation.
• Ensure engineering documentation is accurately maintained within the Product Data Management (PDM) system.
• Support document releases and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs).
• Maintain compliance with company design standards and engineering practices.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Service, and Project Management throughout the product lifecycle.
• Support supplier selection and component qualification.
• Assist with root cause investigations and corrective actions.
• Provide technical support to customers, field service personnel, and internal teams as required.

Requirements

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• 3-7 years of product design experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
• Experience creating engineering drawings and Bills of Materials.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, GD&T, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience supporting products from concept through production.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred

• Experience designing industrial equipment, process equipment, energy systems, pressure vessels, pumps, or capital equipment.
• Familiarity with hydrogen systems, compressed gases, or fluid handling equipment.
• Experience with Product Data Management (PDM) systems.
• Experience with ERP systems such as Acumatica.
• Working knowledge of Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
• Knowledge of ASME, ANSI, or applicable industry standards.

Desired Attributes

• Curious and innovative with a passion for solving complex engineering challenges.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail.
• Hands-on approach with the ability to support prototype builds and production activities.
• Collaborative team player who works effectively across multiple disciplines.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Committed to continuous improvement and engineering excellence.