Product Development Engineer

The role of New Product Development Engineer is responsible for the full lifecycle of new product design and development (NPD), from initial concept through production launch, with a focus on innovation, R&D, sustainability, and manufacturability. They will create CAD models, conduct FEA/testing, select materials, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure products meet design, cost, and regulatory requirements. The Product Development Engineer operates within the company's core values of Accountability, Collaboration, and Empowerment (ACE), working directly with the engineering teams' business units with PCG and Core Engineering.

• Product Design & Development: Performs product design/development for customer-funded programs and new product initiatives in alignment with site capabilities, engineering standards, systems, procedures, and policies.
• Technical Specifications & Documentation: Specifies and documents all materials, components, performance specifications, and detailed manufacturing assets (drawings, procedures, test specifications, BOMs).
• System Data Management: Documents and records all product data and design information accurately within CAD and PDM/ERP systems.
• Feasibility & Engineering Change Control: Conducts engineering research to determine design feasibility (FAE); initiates, reviews, and processes Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) for existing products and parts.
• Production & Tooling Definition: Identifies and specifies manufacturing step sequences, special equipment/tooling requirements, test plans, test procedures, special test equipment, and sources for new materials or processes.
• Continuous Improvement: Experiments with new areas of SolidWorks to improve departmental efficiency, capability, and technical knowledge.

• Cross-Functional & Enterprise Leadership: Collaborates across PCG by leading by example, holding team members accountable, and using data to drive informed decisions.
• End-to-End Design Ownership: Follows designs through production, actively solicits feedback from process engineering, and supports designs beyond initial engineering release.
• Sales & Applications Engineering Support: Reviews and provides technical content for proposal and quote responses (specification reviews, design concepts, performance limits) pre-award.
• Internal & External NPI Representation: Actively represents the Engineering team internally and externally across NPI projects, Quoting, Contract Review, Process Specifications, Design Release, MRBs, RMAs, CARs, production, and general customer inquiries.
• Quality & Process Optimization: Participates in and leads core engineering standards, including DFM, DFMEA, and PFMEA processes.
• Process Mastery & Systems Thinking: Learns all operational processes across the facility to understand how design choices impact overall manufacturing.
• Transparent Communication: Ensures project delays and critical information are proactively and effectively communicated across teams.

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering
• 3+ years experience in Product design, development or R&D
• .Proficiency in CAD design (Solidworks preferred), GD&T and Drafting 
• Experience in ERP workflow processes (BOM development, ECO, routing, etc.) 
• General understanding of drawings, Mil-Specs, Industry standards, and customer requirements
• Experience in connector design or similar electronics industry is a plus
• Experience in New product development and product life cycle
• Knowledge of injection molding, stamping and machined part design techniques to meet cost and manufacturability targets

• Excellent organization, communication, and presentation skills to act as a direct technical liaison with internal and external functions, specifically applications engineering, program management, and sales
• Creative and analytical problem solver with demonstrated technical and product design abilities who works well with a team

Winchester Interconnect is an Equal Opportunity Employer (Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities). We adhere to all federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination and strictly prohibit workplace harassment of any kind.