Mechanical Design Engineer / Product Development Engineer

Project Engineer / Mechanical Design Engineer

Location: Oxford, NC

Job Type- Full Time

Job Summary

The Project Engineer is responsible for leading the design, development, validation, and launch of new products while managing cross-functional projects from concept through production. This role combines engineering design expertise with project management leadership to deliver innovative, high-quality products.

Product Design & Development

Lead design and development of products from concept through production launch.

Create and review engineering drawings, 3D models, specifications, test plans, and technical documentation.

Develop products including valves, fluid handling components, electromechanical devices, automotive components, and industrial equipment.

Apply engineering principles to solve challenges involving performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost.

Conduct engineering calculations and analyses to support design decisions.

Utilize FEA, CFD, tolerance stack-up analysis, thermal analysis, fatigue and stress analysis, DOE, root cause analysis, and statistical validation methods.

Lead prototype development, testing, validation, and design refinement.

Support manufacturing, quality, and supplier teams during product launch and production.

New Product Development

Lead projects through a structured New Product Development (NPD) process.

Facilitate design and technical reviews.

Develop DFMEA, DVP&R, risk assessments, DFM, DFA, and product validation plans.

Ensure compliance with customer, regulatory, and industry requirements.

Identify technical risks and develop mitigation plans.

Project Management

Lead cross-functional project teams from concept through production implementation.

Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, risk registers, and action item lists.

Utilize Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, or equivalent tools.

Facilitate project meetings and communicate project status.

Drive accountability and timely completion of deliverables.

Manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Cross-Functional Leadership

Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, Operations, Procurement, Suppliers, Customers, Sales & Marketing, and Executive Leadership.

Coordinate supplier development activities for product launches.

Support customer meetings, presentations, and demonstrations.

Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance.

Qualifications

Experience leading engineering projects from concept through production launch.

Strong CAD experience using SolidWorks or equivalent software.

Experience with FEA and tolerance analysis.

Knowledge of structured New Product Development processes.

Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.

Experience

Minimum 5 years of engineering experience in product design, product development, or manufacturing engineering.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.

5+ years of engineering experience In product design, product development, or manufacturing engineering

Led a product from concept through production launch-Must have been the lead, not a contributor. Ask for the product name, their role, and the launch date

Strong CAD experience using SolidWorks or equivalent 3D modeling software.

Experience with engineering analysis tools including FEA and tolerance analysis.

Experience with structured New Product Development processes.

Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.

Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.

NO Former employees, Please verify that they have never interviewed or worked for the company.

PMP Certification or formal Project Management training

Automotive or Industrial Product Development experience

FEA and CFD analysis experience

Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma background

Supplier Development and Product Launch experience