Product Development Engineer

About the role

Working at Freudenberg: We will wow your world!

Responsibilities

• Design product solutions within the approved framework and coordinate development activities
• Modify existing designs and components to meet evolving product performance and application requirements
• Manage assembly functionality and installation requirements while balancing project timelines and future product development needs
• Develop and evaluate product concepts considering functional, material, manufacturing, and cost requirements
• Conduct design investigations considering functionality, packaging, materials, manufacturability, and overall product performance
• Check drawings and data records for accuracy, completeness, and proper documentation
• Perform simulations and engineering calculations for strength, service life, wear, dimensions, weight, and other applicable design factors
• Evaluate benchmarking tests and apply findings to product concepts and development decisions
• Conduct design verification and analysis, validation testing, return investigations, and product and process improvement projects
• Apply analytical tools such as FEA, DFMEA, DFSS, and DFM/DFA to assess risk and optimize product designs
• Develop creative concepts, evaluate technical feasibility, and conduct risk assessments for new or modified products and processes
• Prepare product development design packages for new or modified products
• Design, prototype, and assemble new or modified mechanical components for development and testing activities
• Analyze test results against design specifications and test objectives, and document conclusions
• Support product launches through design, prototyping, testing, APQP, PPAP, and production readiness activities
• Provide technical leadership and support to customers, suppliers, commercial teams, and other internal functions
• Work directly with customer product development teams to address technical requirements and development priorities
• Analyze components returned by customers, identify the root causes of failures, and prepare technical reports for internal and external customers
• Support resolution of product and process quality concerns through structured problem-solving methods
• Participate in GROWTTH and Lean activities, including Kaizen events, 5S activities, value analysis and value engineering initiatives, and program management workshops
• Prepare and present technical presentations, proposals, and reports with supporting data for internal and external audiences
• Manage multiple projects and priorities while meeting agreed deadlines
• Travel to customers, suppliers, and other FNST facilities as required
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field required
• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or another technical field preferred
• Product design or product development experience required; automotive product development experience preferred
• Ability to conceptualize mechanical components, assemblies, and component interactions
• Knowledge of machine dynamics, strength requirements, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, materials, wear, dimensions, weight, and service life considerations
• Experience designing products with rubber, thermoplastics, thermosets, composites, or related polymer materials, including knowledge of associated manufacturing processes, preferred
• Ability to assess manufacturing feasibility based on process knowledge and economic considerations
• Ability to prepare and check engineering drawings and data records, including the application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
• Experience using 3D CAD software such as Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, Solid Edge, Siemens NX (UG), CATIA, or similar programs to create and modify product designs, assemblies, and engineering drawings preferred
• Knowledge of engineering tools such as finite element analysis (FEA), Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA), Design for Six Sigma (DFSS), and Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFM/DFA)
• Knowledge of automotive product development processes, including Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Design Verification (DV) testing, Product Validation (PV) processes, and customer-specific requirements preferred
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and technical communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, cross-functional team environment
• Ability to work independently, manage conflicting priorities, and meet deadlines
• Ability to make sound decisions, influence key stakeholders, and adapt to change and ambiguity
• Creative, organized, data-driven, and proactive approach to problem-solving
• Ability to work overtime as business needs require and travel to customers, suppliers, and other FNST facilities

Additional information

• Communication & Collaboration: Communicates clearly and concisely, while engaging proactively with colleagues at all levels of the organization.
• Value for Customers: Anticipates, understands and meets internal/external customers' needs and expectations. Develops solutions based on a customer centric approach.
• Innovation: Drives and supports innovative ideas, while taking informed risks to seek and develop new or improved solutions.
• Drive & Execution: Proactively identifies what needs to be done and takes action. Explores new ways and pursues new opportunities.
• Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership