Product Engineer

FirstElement Fuel; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

FirstElement Fuel is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and development of hydrogen fueling equipment. You will create 3D models, drawings, and CAD documentation while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive new product introductions.

The role involves supporting prototypes, testing, ECOs, and manufacturing collaboration from concept through production, ensuring reliability and manufacturability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Evaluate existing products and identify opportunities to improve performance, reliability, manufacturability, safety, and cost.

Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving

Excellent written and verbal comms

Hands-on prototype support

Collaborative team player

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

3D CAD software

Acumatica ERP

PDM systems

GD&T

DFM/ DFA knowledge

Job description

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.