Product Development Engineer

At Color Guard, we create innovative vinyl and aluminum railing systems and outdoor‑living solutions built for strength, style, and code‑compliant performance. As a fast‑growing brand, we’re expanding our team to continue delivering products homeowners trust and contractors prefer.

is responsible for driving the design, development and improvement of new and existing products from concept through production. You will collaborate cross‑functionally with manufacturing, quality, sales and marketing, and supply chain teams to ensure successful product launches that meet performance, cost, and timing goals.

• Lead and support product development projects from concept through launch, ensuring alignment with customer needs, performance targets, and cost objectives.
• Create and review detailed product designs, 3D models, and drawings using Solid Works software.
• Participate in or lead design reviews, DFMEAs, and other technical evaluations.
• Coordinate prototyping and testing of new products; analyze data and iterate designs as needed.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to design for manufacturability and support the transition to production.
• Interface with suppliers and vendors to source components and evaluate feasibility of design concepts as well as track costing of designs. Collaborate with procurement team to establish sources for purchased items of design.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation including BOMs, specifications, and test reports.
• Troubleshoot product issues in the field or in production and implement design improvements.
• Stay current with industry trends, competitor products, materials, and technologies relevant to product development.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in product development, preferably in a manufacturing or consumer product environment.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software (e.g., Solid Works, Creo, or similar) is required.
• Familiarity with engineering analysis tools and methods (e.g., FEA, tolerance stack‑ups).
• Understanding of product lifecycle management and stage‑gate development processes.
• Experience with prototyping, testing, and working with suppliers.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to assemble railing products, use hand and power tools safely, and perform physical tasks such as lifting materials, standing for extended periods, and working in a shop or testing environment.
• Proven ability to work with cross‑functional teams and manage small to mid‑sized projects.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Flexibility, persistence, resourcefulness, a drive to succeed, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work across departments.
• Strong communication, organization, and a collaborative mindset.
• Demonstrated ability to test, analyze, and solve technical problems independently.
• Curious, adaptable, and eager to learn new technologies and approaches.
• Experience with plastic, metal, or composite product design preferred.
• Knowledge of regulatory or industry standards (e.g., UL, ASTM, ISO, Building Codes) preferred.