Job Description

About the Role

Pinnacle Partners is recruiting for a Product Development Engineer in Lafayette, IN. This position will lead automotive product development projects from initial concept through validation and production, serving as the technical point of contact between customers and internal engineering and manufacturing teams. The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of product or process engineering experience, preferably in an automotive manufacturing environment, with experience in APQP, DFMEA, product testing, and project management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead product development projects from initial concept through validation and production readiness.

• Translate customer requirements into technical specifications, testing plans, and validation activities.

• Lead Design Failure Mode and Effects Analyses (DFMEAs), identify potential risks, and develop mitigation strategies.

• Conduct internal design reviews and communicate technical findings and project progress to customers.

• Collaborate with laboratory and manufacturing teams to coordinate product testing, verification, and validation.

• Partner with plant APQP teams to support successful product launches and production readiness.

• Develop and improve production procedures and controls to achieve productivity and process capability targets.

• Apply Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to improve product development, testing, and manufacturing processes.

• Serve as a technical liaison between customers and internal engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams.

• Support strategic product development initiatives and new applications.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

• 3+ years of product or process engineering experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.

• Experience with automotive product development processes, including Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).

• Familiarity with DFMEA, product testing, verification, and validation activities.

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, process engineering, and continuous improvement.

• Experience with project planning, project management, and engineering problem-solving methodologies.

• Ability to work directly with customers and collaborate across engineering, laboratory, quality, and manufacturing teams.

• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 20–30% domestically and 10% internationally.

• Comfortable working onsite Monday–Friday.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in an engineering discipline.

• Six Sigma Green Belt certification.

• Experience in automotive or other high-volume manufacturing environments.

• Knowledge of magnet wire products and applications.

• Exposure to enamel, polymers, extrusion, motor winding, appliances, or related manufacturing processes.

• Project management experience and an interest in technical research and development.

• Experience applying Lean and Six Sigma principles to improve production efficiency and product quality.

Benefits Overview:

• Salary range of $90,000-$100,000 annually.
  
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Life, disability, and AD&D insurance.

• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching.

• Health Savings Account (HSA).

• Companywide bonus program with a potential payout ranging from 0–5%.

• Paid vacation, holidays, and additional time off based on tenure.

• Educational assistance and tuition reimbursement.

• Employee Assistance Program.

• Employee referral program.

Explore More Engineering Opportunities

Pinnacle Partners works with leading companies across manufacturing, engineering, and technical industries to connect professionals with opportunities that support their career goals.

Explore additional openings through Find Jobs or Manufacturing & Engineering Opportunities.

Not the right fit?

We're hiring across multiple divisions, including:

• Human Resources

• Administrative & Customer Service

• Information Technology

• Accounting & Finance
  
  #ID9515