Product Development Engr. I

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview

The Product Development Engineer I is a dynamic role within the D&D’s New Product Development (NPD) team, focusing on the creation and refinement of Material Handling products. This entry-level position is designed for a motivated individual who is eager to take on the challenges of technical leadership and contribute to the full lifecycle of product development, from initial concept through to production and market release. The successful candidate will collaborate with international cross-functional teams, including project management, sales, marketing, and product management, to deliver innovative solutions that meet customer needs.

Company and Opportunity Overview

WNA’s vision is to be a leading entrepreneurial player in terms of market share, agility, and game-changing solutions. WNA is a solution provider, creating value along the supply chain of our customers, from online purchase to their customers.

WNA is headquartered in the Charlotte Metro Area, North Carolina. With around 500 employees and ~$200M of sales, WNA focuses on the retail and distribution market segments with marquee customers such as Walmart, Amazon, and the majority of large grocers and retailers.

In addition to being the largest manufacturer of shopping carts in North America, WNA has three additional main product segments as well as a Service business, providing turnkey solutions for customer guidance (Access Systems), Shelving & Fixtures, and Material Handling products.

Access Solutions provides sophisticated customer guidance and loss prevention systems for major retailers. With German-engineered products and a strong installed base, this segment focuses on protecting existing market share while expanding into adjacent opportunities in smart retail, autonomous store technology, and digital integration.

Additionally, WNA offers a range of digital solutions integrated into our products, including advanced shopping cart containment systems, smart exit gate technology, and innovations for autonomous and semi-autonomous retail stores. We are continuously expanding and enhancing our digital offerings to meet evolving customer needs and drive industry advancement.

WNA is part of the Wanzl Group, headquartered in Germany, and has 12 plants in 8 countries, providing comprehensive, solutions-driven service and expert knowledge of local markets for customers across the globe through their 360&degree; service.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develops 3D models, 2D drawings, and BOMs.
• Ensure the reliability and functionality of products being designed by carefully selecting parts, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Validate concepts through thorough analysis and testing, including the design of specialized test fixtures and instrumentation as needed.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to meet project objectives efficiently.
• Participate in value analysis, cost analysis, and quality improvement efforts.
• Rapid development, fabrication and iteration of full-scale prototypes to validate requirements.
• Evaluate new technologies and perform competitive product analysis.

Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 0-2 years of experience in product development or engineering (internships or co-op experience considered).
• Proficiency in CAD software (Solidworks preferred) and strong skills in creating detailed engineering drawings and other documentation.
• Experience with data analysis, DOE, and statistical analysis tools.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and quality control principles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven recommendations.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities.
• A proactive approach to project management and a commitment to meeting deadlines.
• Up to 20% travel required, including international travel.