Product Development Engineer

Position Summary

The Product Development Engineer runs projects, develops, and maintains industrial processes, coordinates teams, and establishes schedules. This role oversees equipment requirements, supplier selection, procurement, and execution. Additionally, the Engineer drives testing, commissioning, and continuous improvement, supports sales, ensures safety compliance, and maintains process documentation and standards.

Our client is committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and an inclusive and equitable work environment. This includes all employment-related decisions and business dealings based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Serve as a Development & Application Engineer on assigned initiatives such as New Product Request (NPRs), Change Controls, and Equipment Validations.
• Draft project specifications and manage technical, financial, and documentation aspects throughout the project lifecycle.
• Establish and maintain project development schedules.
• Analyze project proposals and provide layout recommendations.
• Ensure smooth execution of projects in terms of deadlines, quality, and performance.
• Manage supplier relationships during the warranty period in case of production issues.

Process Development & Standardization

• Develop and maintain industrial processes aligned with operational needs.
• Contribute to the evolution and standardization of processes.
• Lead continuous improvement projects in collaboration with Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist.
• Manage and update procedures and Work Instructions related to Development & Application (D&A).

Equipment & Supplier Management

• Define equipment requirements in collaboration with relevant departments.
• Participate in supplier selection and evaluation with the Quality Department.
• Identify new suppliers and monitor emerging technological trends.
• Negotiate and manage procurement of production equipment.
• Ensure the plant has the necessary resources for production launch.

Implementation & Commissioning

• Act as the interface between industrialization and plant teams for project-related matters.
• Oversee testing and commissioning by coordinating resources and tools.
• Collaborate with technical services on mold and machine specifications during commissioning.
• Provide off-site support and coordination with global teams during implementation.

Sales & Client Support

• Provide technical support to the sales team during client interactions.
• Participate in client meetings and contribute to solution validation.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure the safety of people and assets in the context of new projects.
• Follow safety instructions and apply applicable regulations and standards.
• Adhere to GMPs (6S, Quality, Hygiene) and internal policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with Engineering major required.
• Minimum of 3 years of manufacturing engineering experience required with experience in industries such as plastics, pharmaceuticals, packaging, or medical-grade plastics strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies, including Stage-Gate processes.
• Project Manager certification (PMP) preferred.
• Familiarity with industrial manufacturing technologies such as fillers, cappers, conveyance systems, packers, packets, palletizers, control systems, and visual inspection systems.
• Experience with equipment qualification processes.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Total Productive Maintenance Systems (TPMS).
• Understanding of Quality Assurance systems, hygiene, cleanliness (GMP), and safety regulations.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel is necessary).
• Experience with project management software.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD.
• Familiarity with statistical tools like Minitab.
• Ability to comprehend detailed written instructions and procedures required; with fluency in English required.

Working Location

• This position is based on-site at Clients Belen, New Mexico Manufacturing Site.
• Up to 10% annual domestic and global travel may be required.