Product Design Engineer

Job Title:

Product Design Engineer

Job Description

The Product Design Engineer leads end‑to‑end design of connector and high‑speed interconnect products, taking concepts from initial idea through production release. This role focuses on designing injection‑molded and progressive die‑stamped components for high‑speed, high‑volume manufacturing while balancing performance, yield, and cost. You will act as a technical authority on connector architecture, materials, tooling, and production constraints, partnering closely with cross‑functional teams to deliver robust, scalable product solutions.

Responsibilities

+ Lead end‑to‑end product design for connector and high‑speed interconnect products from concept through production release.

+ Design injection‑molded components with a strong focus on manufacturability, mechanical design, tolerance stack‑ups, and GD&T to optimize performance, yield, and cost.

+ Design progressive die‑stamped components suitable for high‑speed, high‑volume manufacturing environments.

+ Develop designs that are fully compatible with reel‑to‑reel processes, plating, forming, and final assembly operations.

+ Serve as a technical authority on connector architecture, materials selection, tooling considerations, and production constraints.

+ Provide engineering input for product scoping, feasibility assessments, and cost modeling to support business and technical decisions.

+ Partner cross‑functionally with manufacturing, tooling, plating, process, quality, test, suppliers, sales, and marketing to ensure successful product development and launch.

+ Troubleshoot and resolve design and manufacturing issues during new product development, pilot builds, and production ramp‑up.

+ Ensure compliance with engineering standards, including documentation practices, CAD models, file management, and release processes.

+ Create and interpret detailed engineering drawings and GD&T to clearly communicate design intent.

+ Mentor and influence design direction, helping guide teams toward robust, scalable product solutions.

+ Collaborate across multiple engineering teams and disciplines in an engineering‑driven environment focused on long‑term product success.

+ Work in a hands‑on capacity, engaging directly with product designs, tooling, and manufacturing considerations rather than operating in a purely managerial or conceptual role.

Essential Skills

+ 10+ years of experience in connector design, interconnect systems, or closely related electromechanical products.

+ Proven experience designing products that combine injection‑molded and progressive die‑stamped components.

+ High‑speed, high‑volume manufacturing environments.

+ Experience designing connectors that go through plating processes and are compatible with reel‑to‑reel manufacturing.

+

Experience with board‑to‑board connector design.

+ Experience working with 224G or 112G high‑speed products.

+ Advanced proficiency in Solid Works, AutoCAD, or similar CAD platforms.

+ Strong understanding of plastic materials and molding constraints.

+ Strong understanding of metal stamping design principles.

+ Strong understanding of tooling limitations and capabilities in both molding and stamping.

+ Ability to interpret and create detailed engineering drawings and GD&T.

+ Experience working within corporate engineering standards for documentation, file management, and release processes.

+ Ability to collaborate effectively across manufacturing, tooling, plating, process, quality, test, suppliers, sales, and marketing teams.

+ Comfort working in an engineering‑driven environment focused on long‑term product success.

+ Willingness to work in a hands‑on engineering role rather than a purely managerial or conceptual position.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Prior experience in industries such as connectors, electronic interconnects, automotive, aerospace, industrial electronics, or communications.

+ Current or previous experience in connector manufacturing or connector design is strongly preferred.

+ Familiarity with simulation tools such as FEA and thermal modeling is a plus, but not mandatory.

+ Ability to provide engineering input for product scoping, feasibility, and cost…