Project Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer

ECHO Incorporated is an industry leader in developing and manufacturing high-performance, professional-grade, industrial products, robotics, and handheld outdoor power equipment. With distributors and thousands of dealers across North and South America, ECHO is constantly anticipating the future of the outdoor power equipment industry and the need for environmental sustainability. Working for ECHO means joining a team of people who are committed to collaboration, innovation, creativity, and high-quality products that make us a globally competitive brand.

The Project Engineer will play a key role in the design of outdoor power equipment using 3D CAD (Solid Works) in a team environment. The ideal candidate will have product design experience using various manufacturing methods and the ability to actively participate in the new product development process. ECHO offers a great opportunity to work with different manufacturing technologies, materials, and diverse resources.

The salary range for this position is $110,000 - $120,000 based on experience and qualifications.

This is an on-site position based at our Lake Zurich, IL location.

• 11 paid holidays
• Extremely affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Yearly bonus potential
• 5% 401(k) match
• Tuition reimbursement

• Represent Product Engineering on new product development teams for both manufactured and sourced products.
• Provide design recommendations and clarifications to development partners through presentations, design reviews, and sketches.
• Create complex, tooling‑ready Solid Works (and imported) 3D models and 2D drawings across manufacturing processes such as injection molding, die casting, sheet metal, electrical, and machining.
• Promote a collaborative team environment within Engineering and across cross‑functional groups (Manufacturing, Product Management, Procurement, etc.).
• Identify and propose improvements to reduce non‑value‑added work, improve procedures, and minimize errors.
• Partner with the testing team to define appropriate durability and performance test plans.
• Coach and mentor junior engineers and designers on product design and development best practices.
• Support the change management process, including ECRs, ECOs, and basic BOM development.
• Travel occasionally to suppliers and development partners (domestic and international), typically less than 10%.

• Demonstrate strong technical, planning, and organizational skills.
• Professional experience using Solid Works 3D CAD required, minimum 5 years’ experience.
• Experience with Adobe Photoshop, Solid Works, or other preferred tools to create and manipulate sketches to show design progression or alternative design options.
• Understanding of what design features represent visual brand language is a plus.
• Industrial design experience is also a plus.
• Ability to create and check 2D drawings that define the product geometry and requirements with attention to detail to prevent published errors.
• Communicate with vendors (written and verbally) the important features of a design and the quality expectations needed.
• Practical design knowledge of injection molding resins, ferrous and non‑ferrous metals, and other typical materials found in consumer products (specifically outdoor power equipment/power tools).
• Knowledge of tolerances for various manufacturing methods.
• Use of measurement tools (Calipers, micrometer, gage pins, comparator, etc.) to validate design features.
• Light fabrication skills using a variety of tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

A 4‑year college degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field of study is required and 7+ years of relevant professional experience.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.