Product Development Engineer

Job description

Overview

The Product Development Engineer will work within QES's Research & Development and Systems Engineering function, reporting to the Product Development Manager. This role is responsible for executing hands-on product development work throughout the entire product lifecycle, from concept development through prototyping, testing, validation, certification, and production release. The position also applies structured systems engineering methodologies, including requirements capture, architectural documentation, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), and design traceability to ensure successful product development.

Working closely with the Product Development Manager and cross-functional stakeholders, the Product Development Engineer serves as a technical contributor on new product initiatives spanning electrical, mechanical, and HVAC disciplines. This role helps ensure projects are properly defined, documented, and executed in accordance with QES's structured product development and systems engineering framework before detailed design activities begin.

Key Responsibilities
Product Development Execution
Support new product development activities across the complete product lifecycle, including concept development, feasibility analysis, design, prototyping, testing, certification, and production release.
Contribute engineering analysis, product design, and technical documentation for QES proprietary product lines, including custom HVAC systems, electrical enclosures, and next-generation E-House configurations.
Build, assemble, and evaluate engineering prototypes while documenting test results and implementing design improvements based on performance data and stakeholder feedback.
Assist with regulatory certification activities, including UL certification, AHRI performance testing, and other industry compliance requirements for new product releases.
Develop and maintain engineering documentation, including requirements documents, design specifications, test plans, bills of materials (BOMs), and technical records within SolidWorks PDM or SharePoint.
Systems Engineering
Apply SPICE-based or equivalent systems engineering methodologies across assigned engineering projects, including E-Houses, switchgear, motor control centers (MCCs), variable frequency drive (VFD) panels, and power distribution center (PDC) structures.
Develop and maintain systems engineering documentation throughout the project lifecycle, including:
SYS 1 - Stakeholder Requirements
SYS 2 - System Requirements
SYS 3 - System Architecture
SYS 4 - Integration and Validation
Develop and maintain Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) models using SysML v2.0, including requirement, structural, and behavioral models that support system architecture and design traceability.
Capture, organize, baseline, and maintain system-level requirements prior to detailed engineering design to ensure project scope is clearly defined.
Maintain requirements traceability matrices connecting customer requirements to design artifacts, validation activities, testing, and final deliverables.
Organize and maintain project documentation within SharePoint using established document management, version control, and file organization standards.
Requirements Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration
Participate in pre-purchase order and early project planning activities alongside the Product Development Manager to capture customer, market, and stakeholder requirements.
Translate customer requests, RFIs, proposals, and ambiguous requirements into structured engineering specifications, including SysML-based requirement diagrams where applicable.
Support front-end project gate reviews to reduce scope ambiguity before engineering resources are committed.
Coordinate with Sales, Project Management, Manufacturing, and Engineering teams to align documented requirements with project milestones and production schedules.
Process Improvement & Documentation
Identify process gaps contributing to engineering rework, schedule delays, or quality issues within product development and systems engineering activities.
Support continuous improvement of QES engineering standards, including product architecture templates, reusable design patterns, standard requirement categories, and SysML modeling conventions.
Maintain an active engineering task backlog while supporting sprint planning, reporting progress, and communicating project blockers to the Product Development Manager.
Document lessons learned, engineering decisions, best practices, and technical knowledge to support continuous organizational improvement.
Knowledge & Experience Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
New graduates are encouraged to apply.
Foundational knowledge of systems engineering methodologies such as SPICE, Automotive SPICE (A-SPICE), INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook, or equivalent structured product development frameworks.
Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) concepts and exposure to SysML v2.0 or the ability to quickly develop proficiency.
Ability to gather, organize, and document customer and market requirements into structured, traceable engineering specifications.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Operations teams.
Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail in technical documentation, version control, and engineering deliverables.
Preferred Qualifications
Working knowledge of SysML v2.0 for requirements, structural, and behavioral modeling.
Experience with industrial electrical systems, switchgear, custom enclosures, HVAC equipment, or Engineer-to-Order (ETO) manufacturing environments.
Familiarity with UL, NEMA, and AHRI certification processes and regulatory submission requirements.
Experience using SolidWorks PDM, SharePoint, or similar engineering document management platforms.
Exposure to prototype development, engineering testing methodologies, product validation, or new product introduction (NPI) activities.
Core Competencies & Skills
Product development and new product introduction (NPI)
Systems engineering methodologies (SPICE, A-SPICE, INCOSE)
Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
SysML v2.0 modeling and systems architecture
Requirements capture, documentation, and traceability
Engineering analysis and technical problem-solving
Prototype development, testing, and validation
Product certification support (UL, NEMA, AHRI)
Technical documentation and version control
SolidWorks PDM and SharePoint document management
Cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Manufacturing, Sales, and Project Management
Project planning and sprint-based engineering execution
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Process improvement and continuous improvement mindset
Analytical thinking with exceptional attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced engineering environment
Why Join QES?

At Quality Electrical Systems, you'll gain hands-on experience across the full product development lifecycle-from early concept development and requirements capture through certified, production-ready designs-while utilizing modern Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools such as SysML v2.0. This role provides the opportunity to collaborate with Electrical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, and Quality teams on innovative projects that directly shape QES's growing product portfolio.

QES offers a collaborative engineering environment focused on innovation, continuous improvement, and professional development, providing engineers the opportunity to build foundational product development and systems engineering expertise while contributing to meaningful, customer-focused solutions.