Product Development Engineer

Position: New Product Development Engineer (66354)
JOB SUMMARY

As a key member of the Design Engineering team, the Product Development Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and launching next‑generation products across the Waukesha Cherry‑Burrell (WCB) portfolio, including pumps, valves, scraped surface heat exchangers (SSHE), and other fluid‑handling components, which are manufactured at our Delavan, WI factory and sold globally. This role directly contributes to new product development (NPD) growth, profitability, and vitality orders by converting customer insights, engineering analysis, and market needs into high‑performance sanitary processing equipment.

The role will lead projects spanning early‑stage ideation, concept development, prototyping, testing, and commercialization, delivering on time, within budget, and in accordance with performance specifications. WCB products support critical applications in food, beverage, dairy, personal care, chemical, and other processing industries, offering opportunities to innovate in both established and emerging markets.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Product Design & Development

* Design and develop new products using advanced 3D CAD (Inventor/Autodesk), engineering principles, and modern analysis tools to deliver best‑in‑class processing equipment.

* Conduct feasibility studies, tolerance stack‑ups, and interpret FEA and CFD results to ensure designs meet performance, durability, and hygienic standards.

* Create prototypes, coordinate lab testing, analyze results, and refine designs through iterative development cycles.

* Evaluate new materials, technologies, and manufacturing processes to improve performance, reliability, and product cost.

Project Execution & Technical Leadership

* Lead projects through the Stage‑Gate NPD process, ensuring technical rigor, on‑time delivery, and adherence to performance requirements.

* Prepare cost estimates, risk assessments, design reports, and technical documentation.

* Track project milestones and provide timely updates to key stakeholders.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

* Partner closely with manufacturing engineers, machinists, contract manufacturers, and the Delavan operations team to optimize designs for manufacturability and assembly (DFMA).

* Work directly with Product Management, Applications Engineering, Sales, Quality, Sourcing, and Supply Chain through all phases of development.

* Coordinate with global engineering teams to ensure consistent standards, shared learnings, and seamless project execution according to business priorities.

* Perform other product development related duties as requested, directed, or assigned.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

* Identify and drive continuous improvement opportunities across design processes, materials selection, and product lifecycle management.

* Apply creativity and structured problem-solving to overcome technical challenges and develop novel product concepts.

* Support value‑engineering (VAVE) and product vitality initiatives to strengthen competitiveness and broaden market applicability.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

* Strong understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals, including mechanics, thermal sciences, and fluid dynamics, with applicable experience in rotating equipment or hygienic components.

* Working knowledge of manufacturing methods and sanitary design requirements and industry guidelines such as 3‑A and EHEDG.

* Proven track record of meeting commitments with the highest level of standards, ethics, and integrity.

* Proficiency with CAD tools (Inventor/Autodesk) and MS Office applications.

* Demonstrated ability to think analytically and creatively, experiment quickly, iterate solutions, and make data‑driven recommendations.

* Strong communication and collaboration skills with ability to work effectively across teams and interact confidently with customers, suppliers, and senior leadership.

* Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize according to business needs, and work both independently and collaboratively.

* Experience working with global teams, including Engineering, Sourcing, and manufacturing partners.

* Positive, energetic attitude with a clear sense of…