Product Engineer

The Product Engineer drives the technical development and scaling of next-generation RFID label solutions. This role bridges the gap between initial design concepts and high-volume manufacturing, taking full ownership of the New Product Introduction (NPI) pipeline. The Product Engineer is responsible for defining product architecture, building complex Bills of Materials (BOMs), establishing robust validation plans, and executing technical deliverables. The ideal candidate blends experience in RFID technology with a strong understanding of web conversion and label manufacturing processes to deliver high-performing tracking solutions for healthcare, retail, and industrial applications

Core Responsibilities

• Commercialization: Collaborate with Sales, Manufacturing, Quality, and Clients to define the specific materials, processes controls, and other project elements to be able to scale the product too commercial standards of practice, cost and reproducibility.
• Product Assessment and Continuous Improvement: Establish and maintain robust technical documentation, including accurate data structures and compliance frameworks, to support the entire lifecycle of the product.
• Quality & Performance Assurance: Define the verification strategies and testing protocols required to assure that RFID inlays and finished label conversions meet performance benchmarks and industry standards.
• Project Management: Lead the execution of technical deliverables, collaborating closely with R&D, operations, and procurement to hit product launch timelines and margin targets.

Duties & Functions

Bill of Materials (BOM) & Data Management

• Configure, write, and audit complex multi-level Bills of Materials (BOMs) within the ERP system, specifying exact face stocks, adhesives, liners, and RFID chip/inlay models.
• Calculate material yields, component scaling, and manufacturing tolerances to minimize waste during production and improve throughput of the manufacturing processes.
• Communicate with vendors on product availability, technical specifications, and costing during the material selection processes.
• Issue formal Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) to update BOMs or routing steps when sourcing alternative raw materials or optimizing line speeds.

Test Planning & Performance Verification

• Draft comprehensive engineering test plans that outline specific frequency sweeps, read-range requirements, and environmental stress conditions for new tags.
• Define tag performance testing using specialized RF anechoic chambers and oversee physical reliability testing, including shear/peel adhesion testing, mandrel wraps, and thermal cycling to ensure label integrity in harsh environments.

Prototype Execution & Deliverables

• Coordinate and oversee prototype pilot runs on manufacturing lines, documenting machine parameters, tension settings, and inlay placement accuracy.
• Analyze test data arrays and generate formal engineering verification reports to prove the product meets customer specifications and performance grades.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing defects during early-stage runs and implement immediate corrective actions.

Minimum requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or related)
• Experience: 3+ years of direct experience in product engineering in the label industry or similar.
• Systems and Technology: Proven experience building complex bills of materials and navigating ERP systems for complex products.

Location: 1880 Turner Ave NW Street A, Grand Rapids MI
Salary Range $70,000- $80,000

Benefits:401 (k)
Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Time Off
Flexible Spending Account
Health Savings Account

Abilities Required

Demonstrated leadership skill; Strong technical, mechanical and interpersonal skills with an excellent work ethic/self-motivating; Superior problem-solving skills, data analysis, and attention to detail are a must; Detailed knowledge of computer systems: Windows, Linux, Microsoft Word and Excel; Experience with Quality Control, Six Sigma, Process Improvement is preferred

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.