Product Engineer, Drive Systems

Purpose of the job:

This position is responsible for evaluating, sustaining, and developing current or new product drive systems (hydraulics, gear motors, and mechanical transmissions) to meet technical and market specifications. Working directly with factory and operational personnel, the engineer integrates materials, methods, components, and tools necessary to bring products to market while meeting safety, quality, reliability, and cost requirements.

Key accountabilities:

• Engineering Change & Product Care: Daily triage, assignment, filtering, review, and execution of Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and Quality Service Reports (QSRs) related to parental spreaders. Maintain and update product databases and parentals in Vault.
• Component Design & Release: Evaluate, approve, and release new component designs and replacement parts to drive product improvement, safety, functionality, manufacturability, cost reduction (VAVE), and stock availability.
• Drive System Testing & Diagnostics: Design, evaluate, and establish test procedures for quality assurance of hydraulic systems, gearboxes, and transmission assemblies. Troubleshoot root causes of field and line failures, predicting component wear, degradation, and dynamic performance.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Collaborate with Cross-Functional Sourcing, Supply Chain, After Sales, Product Support, Manufacturing Partners, and Operations to qualify alternative components, resolve technical issues, and ensure deliverable timelines.
• Technical Documentation & Standardization: Maintain technical documentation, revise CAD models/schematics, publish internal/external service bulletins regarding ECR changes, and establish product care workflows.
• Safety & Standards Compliance: Ensure all machinery designs meet European safety marks (CE Directives) and key industry standards.

Job Requirements:

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, or equivalent.

Experience

• At least 5 years of relevant engineering experience in machine design or product sustaining, preferably within container handling equipment (spreaders) or heavy industrial machinery.

Technical Skills:

• Proficient in 3D CAD modeling (preferably Autodesk Inventor) and PDM/Vault systems.
• Hydraulic system design, dynamic fluids, and components (pumps, valves, cylinders, actuators).
• Gear motor selection/sizing, gearbox kinematics, and mechanical standards.
• Electric motor drives, electrical drive safety standards (e.g., IEC/UL compliance).
• Knowledge of industrial safety directives, CE compliance, and hydraulic standards.
• Strong analytical reporting, testing, and systematic failure troubleshooting skills.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.

Competencies

• Strong problem-solving mindset, target-oriented, proactive, and capable of working collaboratively across multi-disciplinary technical domains.