Sr. Product Engineer

Job Title: Senior Product EngineerJob Description

The Senior Product Engineer leads the design, development, and enhancement of custom and engineered-to-order products from concept through full manufacturing release. This role oversees product engineering and project execution, directs the work of engineers and designers, and ensures that new and existing products meet performance, cost, and schedule requirements. The position combines hands-on work on the manufacturing floor with technical design and analysis, offering a dynamic environment with exposure to a wide range of industries.

Responsibilities

• Lead product design teams to deliver product enhancements, new product development, engineered-to-order solutions, and resolution of complex technical issues.

• Take ownership of assigned product lines and ensure their performance, reliability, and continuous improvement.

• Analyze, develop, test, and manage new product developments, including creating inputs for product specifications, functional performance requirements, estimated engineering hours, production cost estimates, and project milestone dates.

• Continuously improve and maintain existing products through established NPD (New Product Development), ECR (Engineering Change Request), and ECN (Engineering Change Notice) processes.

• Oversee, review, approve, and release final engineering documentation, including engineering drawings, calculations, bills of materials, routings, manuals, assembly instructions, cut sheets, and other associated technical documents.

• Configure existing "as sold" products and systems to meet specific customer requirements and applications.

• Specify components, assemblies, and materials based on design inputs, engineering analysis, and research into supplier offerings.

• Project manage both existing and new product initiatives by monitoring, reporting, and controlling labor and material costs within defined design constraints, while coordinating efforts with internal and external stakeholders.

• Perform engineering calculations and analyses, including fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, finite element analysis, and relevant code or regulatory considerations.

• Support customer service and project management teams in resolving post-shipment equipment performance issues and provide technical troubleshooting guidance.

• Collaborate effectively with Sales, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineering, Field Service, and Project Management to ensure successful product delivery and lifecycle support.

• Indirectly supervise and mentor other engineers and designers, driving project assignments to completion in alignment with priorities set by engineering leadership.

• Conduct on-site plant inspections, provide technical support and analysis, troubleshoot equipment issues, and participate in equipment rebuilds as needed.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 8 years of experience working with custom products and engineered-to-order solutions.

• Proven experience leading design teams and coordinating the work of engineers and designers.

• At least 5 years of hands-on experience using AutoCAD and SolidWorks for mechanical design and documentation.

• Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Engineering.

• Strong background in mechanical engineering and machine design.

• Proficiency in performing engineering calculations in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and finite element analysis.

• Ability to manage product development projects, including cost control, scheduling, and cross-functional coordination.

• Competence in creating, reviewing, and approving detailed engineering documentation such as drawings, bills of materials, and technical manuals.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working on engineered-to-order projects in diverse industries such as food processing, pulp and paper, and mining.

• Comfort working in both office and manufacturing environments, including labs and production floors.

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex equipment and system issues.

• Effective communication skills to interface with cross-functional teams, customers, and suppliers.

• Ability to balance multiple projects and responsibilities in a fast-paced, varied work environment.

• Interest in wearing multiple hats and contributing across product design, analysis, documentation, and on-site support.

Work Environment

This role operates in a mixed environment that includes engineering lab spaces, the manufacturing floor, and occasional on-site customer facilities. The position is not solely a desk job; you will regularly move between design work, hands-on interaction with equipment, and plant inspections or rebuilds. All products are manufactured on-site, providing direct visibility into production processes and close collaboration with manufacturing teams. The day-to-day work is varied and dynamic, with exposure to different industries such as food processing, pulp and paper, and mining. The culture encourages collaboration, flexibility, and taking on diverse responsibilities, offering opportunities to lead, contribute, and grow in a supportive engineering organization.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Waukesha, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.87 - $45.67/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Waukesha,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 16, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.