Development Engineering Tech II

We are people powered — by makers, problem-solvers, and leaders who elevate everything they do. Guided by our core values and a relentless pursuit of better, we continue to set the bar for premium.Start your Benchmade career today!Job SummaryThe Development Engineering Tech II – Product Development is a key contributor within the Advanced Prototyping Team, supporting product-class-focused Category Managers, Design Engineers, Development Engineers, and Industrial Designers. This role operates within the company’s Ambidextrous Organization Model, enabling the rapid creation, validation, and optimization of bold, manufacturable product concepts that support 50%+ net-new innovation across the portfolio.Reporting to the Advanced Prototyping Manager, the Engineering Development Technician plays a critical role in accelerating time to market by transforming early-stage designs into physical, testable prototypes. This role is responsible for machining precision components, validating fixtures and tooling, supporting manufacturability feedback, and collaborating cross-functionally to refine both product and process.This technician is also expected to mentor junior development technicians, contribute to cross-team learning, and embody a culture of bold experimentation, continuous learning, and technical excellence.Essential Job FunctionsPrototype Fabrication & ValidationSet up and operate CNC machines for early-phase product development; inspect parts, make offsets, and apply program updates to meet cosmetic and dimensional specifications.Operate Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) to validate tolerances and dimensional accuracy; collaborate with IQA and programmers to interpret results and inform standards.Fabricate fixtures, components, and test samples in collaboration with Design and Manufacturing Engineers.Provide iterative feedback during prototyping cycles to improve manufacturability and reduce time to validation.Process & Fixture DevelopmentValidate prototype and production tooling, providing feedback for standardization and repeatability.Write standard work instructions and contribute to structured documentation of new processes.Maintain tooling and fixture inventories and coordinate ordering within areas of ownership.Participate in DFM (Design for Manufacturability) reviews and help identify opportunities for design improvement.Collaboration & Innovation SupportWork closely with category-aligned engineering teams to support New Product Introduction (NPI) goals, rapid prototyping, and early-stage feasibility.Support the development and execution of concept builds, SMUs, and channel-specific solutions.Share technical learnings, prototype results, and process improvements across broader technical teams.Assist in troubleshooting product development and pre-production builds, balancing quality, cost, and timing constraints.Mentorship & Team CultureMentor and coach junior development technicians to build skill depth and support team performance.Support continuous improvement efforts across the prototyping and NPI pipeline.Promote a mindset of curiosity, resilience, and accountability—embracing failure as a path to learning.Creative thinking approach to finding solutions that fit product form fit and functionMaintain a service-oriented approach to enabling product team success through fast, high-quality technical execution.Key Innovation Metrics Supported in this roleTime to Prototype: Cycle time from concept brief to validated prototypeInnovation Output: % of net-new concepts advancing to Phase Gate / Concept ReviewLearning Velocity: Number of concepts iterated through fast-fail cyclesPrototype Quality: Cosmetic, dimensional, and functional validation performanceSpeed to market: Drive speed, clarity, and accountability in early-phase product developmentQualifications3-4 years of CNC machining experience in a prototyping or product development environmentFull capability to read and interpret G-codeHigh School Diploma or GED equivalent requiredProficient in CAM software (MasterCAM preferred) and working knowledge of precision machining of aluminum, steels, and compositesExperience with CMM programming and dimensional analysis preferredStrong understanding of machine shop equipment, tooling setups, and process troubleshootingExperience with interpreting technical drawings, GD&T, and using precision inspection instrumentsAbility to manage multiple tasks and adjust priorities in a fast-paced environmentProficient in Microsoft Office; experience w/standard manufacturing documentation tools preferredExcellent mechanical aptitude with a ‘hands on’ approach to resolving challengesStrong communication, problem-solving, and mentorship skillsSelf-motivated, highly collaborative, and service-minded with a “get it done” attitudeWorking ConditionsWorking Environment: Office PositionPhysical Demands:-Lifting up to 25 lbs.-Sitting and talking on the phone for long periods of time.-Data entry for long periods of time.Travel Requirements: As needed, less than 5% of the time. #J-18808-Ljbffr Benchmade Knife Company