Senior Project Engineer - Product Development
Overview
- Location: Burnsville, MN with occasional travel to Faribault, MN
- Salary: $120,000 - $135,000
- Type: Direct Hire (W2), no C2C, 1099, or 3rd parties
This role is responsible for leading new product development and continuous improvement initiatives from concept through production. The Senior Project Engineer will provide technical leadership across cross-functional teams, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with business objectives. This position requires strong engineering expertise, project management capability, and the ability to guide teams through structured product development processes.
The ideal candidate is hands-on, collaborative, and driven to deliver high-quality solutions while fostering a positive and productive team environment.
Key Responsibilities
Program & Project Leadership
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Lead multiple long-term product development programs, typically spanning several years, from initial concept through production launch.
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Develop and maintain detailed project timelines aligned with organizational goals.
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Manage program budgets, schedules, risks, and deliverables within a structured development framework.
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Prepare and present key documentation including design reviews, technical specifications, and project milestone reports.
Product Development & Engineering Execution
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Direct mechanical and electrical design efforts using structured engineering methodologies such as DFMEA, PFMEA, and design-for-manufacturing principles.
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Define, document, and ensure fulfillment of all product requirements.
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Collaborate on component design, material selection, supplier coordination, and manufacturing processes with a focus on quality, cost, and reliability.
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Analyze competitive products and industry trends to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.
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Coordinate prototyping, testing, validation, and production readiness activities.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
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Partner closely with teams across engineering, manufacturing, marketing, sales, and service to ensure alignment and execution.
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Provide technical guidance and support to internal stakeholders.
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Engage with external partners including suppliers and consultants when required.
Team Leadership & Development
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Lead and mentor engineers and designers, providing guidance, feedback, and performance oversight.
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Allocate resources effectively and work with functional leaders to resolve capacity or performance challenges.
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Facilitate design reviews to ensure strong technical input and decision-making.
Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving
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Investigate product and manufacturing issues, implementing corrective actions and improvements.
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Contribute technical expertise to support training materials, product documentation, and marketing assets.
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Stay informed on emerging technologies, tools, and best practices to enhance engineering capabilities.
Qualifications
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Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline required; advanced degree preferred.
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10+ years of experience in product design and development.
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Demonstrated experience leading engineering projects from concept through production in a structured development environment.
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Proficiency with CAD tools (Creo or similar preferred).
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Strong knowledge of engineering principles including FEA, GD&T, FMEA, and tolerance analysis.
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Experience with modern project management methodologies and tools.
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Excellent communication, leadership, and collaboration skills.
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Ability to influence decision-making across multiple teams.
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Proven track record of driving quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.
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Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with attention to detail.
Work Environment
This position is based in a hybrid work setting with occasional travel required to manufacturing or partner locations.
Compensation & Benefits
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Competitive base salary aligned to experience and qualifications.
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Flexible work arrangements supporting work-life balance.
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Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
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Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
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Paid time off and recognized holidays.
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Additional incentive opportunities based on performance.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.
