Product Development Engineer

Location: On-site in Rock Island, IL (Relocation Available)

Our client is an innovative manufacturer of highly engineered industrial equipment that is investing in the next generation of its product portfolio. They are seeking a Product Development Engineer who enjoys solving complex mechanical design challenges while leading the development of innovative equipment from concept through production. This is an outstanding opportunity for an engineer who wants to influence future product strategy, collaborate across multiple disciplines, and make a lasting impact within a growing engineering organization. Relocation assistance is available for candidates interested in joining the engineering team onsite in the Quad Cities area.

This Role Offers

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
• Opportunity to lead development of innovative industrial equipment.
• High visibility with executive leadership and engineering decision makers.
• Collaborative culture focused on innovation, continuous improvement, and professional growth.
• Long term career advancement into technical or engineering leadership opportunities.

What You'll Do

• Lead the mechanical design and development of new industrial equipment and product enhancements from concept through production release.
• Create robust 3D models, assemblies, and detailed manufacturing drawings using Creo or a comparable CAD platform.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, sourcing, quality, and operations teams to ensure designs are manufacturable, reliable, and cost effective.
• Guide engineering projects by establishing technical priorities, coordinating design activities, and driving milestone completion.
• Perform structural design activities, engineering calculations, and validation efforts to support product performance and durability.
• Evaluate existing products and recommend design improvements that increase reliability, simplify manufacturing, and reduce overall cost.
• Support prototype development, product testing, and implementation of engineering changes.
• Participate in design reviews while mentoring less experienced engineers and promoting engineering best practices.
• Stay informed on emerging technologies and recommend innovative solutions that strengthen future product offerings.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Master's degree is a plus.
• Approximately 4 to 8 or more years of experience designing capital equipment, industrial machinery, or other engineered mechanical systems.
• Strong product development experience supporting projects from concept through production.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD design software, preferably Creo.
• Experience designing structural weldments, fabricated equipment, or heavy mechanical assemblies.
• Demonstrated ability to lead engineering projects while working across multiple functional teams.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience performing structural analysis or finite element analysis.
• Background designing large mechanical equipment or automated manufacturing systems.
• Knowledge of hydraulic systems, motion control, or industrial automation.
• Familiarity with Design for Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience supporting new product introduction within a manufacturing environment.

About Blue Signal:  

Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in various specialties. Our recruiters have a proven track record of placing top-tier talent across industry verticals, with deep expertise in numerous professional services. Learn more at bit.ly/46Gs4yS