Product Dev. Manager; Public Safety Technology

New Product Development Engineer (Public Safety Technology)

Location: Lake Forest, IL (Hybrid 3–4 days onsite)

Reports To: Vice President of Product Management

Compensation: Negotiable (Salary + Bonus + Benefits)

This role blends hands‑on mechanical engineering and applied product management
, ideal for an engineer who enjoys owning products from early concept through validation, manufacturing ramp, and field deployment. Beyond technical execution, this individual will serve as a change agent
, helping introduce greater structure, process discipline, and continuous improvement as the organization grows.

• Lead mechanical design from concept through production, ensuring performance, reliability, manufacturability, and validation readiness.
• Prototype and evaluate designs using 3D printing and rapid prototyping to assess form, fit, and function.
• Develop detailed CAD models, drawings, and engineering documentation.
• Collaborate with overseas contract manufacturers (including occasional international travel) to ensure cost‑effective, manufacturable designs aligned with design intent.
• Lead or participate in Design FMEA and Process FMEA activities to proactively identify and mitigate risk.
• Partner with Quality and Operations teams on product validation, durability testing, pilot builds, and manufacturing ramp‑up.
• Support structured root cause analysis and corrective action initiatives related to design, manufacturing, or field performance.

• Participate in user research and field testing with law enforcement and other end users.
• Translate user and customer feedback into actionable product requirements and performance targets.
• Work cross‑functionally with Marketing, Sales, Quality, Operations, and Engineering to align product design with market needs and launch timelines.
• Help introduce scalable processes, documentation standards, and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, or a related technical discipline
• 2–5 years of experience in product design and development
• Hands‑on experience with pneumatic or fluid power systems (e.g., valves, seals, regulators, pressure vessels, accumulators, impact mechanisms)
• Experience taking products through the full development lifecycle
  , from concept and prototyping through validation, manufacturing ramp, and market launch
• Experience with tolerance stack‑up analysis and application of DFM/DFA principles
• Proven root cause analysis and structured problem‑solving experience (5 Whys, Fishbone, fault tree, etc.)
• Experience supporting product validation, durability testing, pilot builds, and manufacturing scale‑up
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (Solid Works, Creo, Fusion 360, or similar)
• Hands‑on experience with 3D printing and rapid prototyping
• Working knowledge of Design and Process FMEA methodologies
• Experience collaborating with global contract manufacturers
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally as required
• Demonstrated ability to act as a change agent
  , introducing structure, process discipline, and continuous improvement
• Strong analytical, communication, and project management skills
• Passion for designing reliable, field‑ready products with real‑world impact
• Ability to safely lift and handle moderate‑weight items (up to 30–40 lbs.) for prototype testing

• Work on mission‑driven products that protect lives and reduce risk
• Own work across the full product lifecycle
  , from concept to field deployment
• Collaborate in a highly technical, cross‑functional environment
• Play a meaningful role in scaling engineering and product development capabilities
• Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and long‑term growth potential

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Production, Product Management, and Engineering

Public Safety, Law Enforcement, and Plastics and Rubber Product Manufacturing