KRNew Product Development Engineer
BS-level Process Engineering roles on Crosslinked list a median of $112k (561 that show pay).
Scale elastomeric component manufacturing from prototype to high-volume production, including mold design and process validation.
Worth knowing
Why it is interesting. Own the full NPD cycle for elastomeric components at an ISO 9001/AS9100 shop serving regulated industries.
Might not be for you. Requires 5+ years and a mechanical engineering degree; heavy shop-floor troubleshooting, less open-ended R&D.
Core polymer roleLead transition of elastomeric components, including EPDM, NBR, FKM, and Liquid Silicone Rubber, from prototype through commercialization
- Seniority
- Senior
- Work
- On-site
- Type
- Full-time
- Degree
- BS
- Experience
- 5+ yrs
- Industry
- General manufacturing
- Role
- Process Engineering
- Schedule
- Standard
Role details
Job Title: New Product Development Engineer
Location: Santa Fe Springs, CA | 100% Onsite
Employment Type: Direct Hire
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Compensation
$85,000–$100,000 annually
________________________________________
Company Overview:
An established manufacturer specializing in custom rubber molded components and engineered manufacturing solutions. The organization is committed to delivering high-quality products while driving continuous improvement and innovation through advanced manufacturing techniques. The company operates within ISO 9001 and AS9100 certified quality management systems and supports highly regulated industries.
________________________________________
Job Summary
The Product Development Engineer serves as a critical link between product design and manufacturing execution. This position is responsible for designing, scaling, and validating robust manufacturing processes that successfully transition prototype concepts into profitable, high-volume production. The role focuses heavily on new product development, tooling and process design, process optimization, manufacturing validation, and production support.
________________________________________
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the transition of elastomeric components, including EPDM, NBR, FKM, and Liquid Silicone Rubber, from prototype design through full commercialization
- Partner with toolmakers to design, procure, and validate injection and compression molds, ensuring optimal gating, venting, and cycle times
- Apply scientific molding principles and Design of Experiments (DOE) to resolve cure defects, flash, shrinkage, and dimensional variations
- Develop and maintain Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) documentation
- Develop control plans and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for manufacturing processes
- Develop and execute IQ/OQ/PQ validation protocols
- Troubleshoot shop-floor manufacturing issues and provide technical support to production teams
- Identify and implement opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency and process performance
- Lead Lean and Six Sigma initiatives focused on cost reduction and operational improvement
________________________________________
Qualifications
Required: • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering • More than 5 years of relevant engineering experience • Proficiency with 3D CAD modeling software, such as SolidWorks or Verisurf, for tool and fixture design • Strong understanding of manufacturing and fabrication processes, including injection molding, CNC machining, assembly, and/or 3D printing • Working knowledge of statistical software such as Minitab • Working knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC) techniques
Preferred: • Rubber and plastics industry experience
Related roles
JO Process Engineer - PlasticsJobot · Vandalia, IL $110k – $130k
MN Product EngineerMinth North America, Inc. · Wixom, MI
MO Lab Technician, Tire & RubberMomentive · Charlotte, NC $44k – $64k
- C( Added Value Production OperatorContinental (ContiTech) · Mount Pleasant, IA