Senior Product Development Engineer

Senior Product Development Engineer Location: Rock Island, IL (On-Site)

Overview: Seeking a hands-on Senior Product Development Engineer to lead the technical direction and product roadmap for next-generation industrial automation and welding systems. This role combines advanced mechanical design, project leadership, and strategic planning, with opportunities to grow into an Engineering Manager role.

Responsibilities:

Own 3-5 year product roadmap and platform development

Lead cross-functional teams from concept → prototype → production

Drive structural design, FEA, hydraulic integration, and motion control systems

Implement design-for-manufacturing (DFM) improvements and smart features

Mentor junior engineers and set engineering standards

Qualifications:

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering (MS preferred)

8+ years in industrial machinery, capital equipment, or automation

Experience with structural weldments, motion systems, and power transmission

Proven project leadership and cross-functional collaboration

Preferred:

FEA, hydraulic design, servo motor/drive, PLC integration

Experience with robotics, welding automation, or lean product development

Why Join:

Lead product strategy with direct impact on growth and performance

Hands-on, high-visibility role in a fast-growing engineering-driven environment

Profit sharing targeted to 10-15K annually

Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Must be willing to relocate to the Rock Island area.

Apply directly:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.