Lead Product Engineer

Lead Product Engineer

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio


Reports to: Director of Engineering & Quality

The Position:

We are seeking highly motivated results driven Lead Product Engineer to shape the future of Richards' pressure regulators, control valves, and hygienic product platform through customer driven innovation and new product development. This is a unique opportunity to own the development of next-generation products serving high-growth markets including pharmaceutical, semiconductor, datacenter, food & beverage, and industrial applications. You will work directly with customers, influence product strategy, and drive new product development from concept through launch. This role focuses on new product development (NPD), innovation, application expansion, and delivers solutions that move our customers and business forward. If you enjoy solving complex engineering challenges, creating products that deliver real customer value, and making a visible impact on business growth, we want to hear from you.


The Lead Product Engineer will focus on:

• Drive concept to launch for next gen control valves, regulators, and hygienic solutions
• Lead fast cycle NPD focused on customer value creation, business growth, and improved product performance

• Build and deploy modern digital sizing & selection tools for regulators and control valves
• Lead value engineering upgrades to core platforms (e.g., Steriflow Clean Gas Regulators, Jordan Sliding Gate)

• Apply modern engineering tools including simulation, automation, AI-assisted engineering workflows, and digital product selection technologies to accelerate innovation and improve customer experience.
• Develop a structured troubleshooting and knowledge base for Value Stream teams, Inside / Outside Sales
• Elevate engineering standards, design control, and documentation quality

• Improve lab assets, data acquisition, and validation processes
• Strengthen test repeatability, automation, and reporting

• Customer visits to gather insights on developing innovative solutions for value creation

What Success Looks Like:

• Increased NPD vitality, successful commercialization of new products, and measurable revenue growth from customer-centered innovation.
• Modernized sizing tools that improve speed, accuracy, and user experience.

• Value Analysis and Value Engineering on legacy platforms delivering margin improvements.
• Expanded product capabilities.
• A more capable and efficient engineering lab.
• Visible presence and influence in industry standards organizations.
• Fast, accurate support that improved internal and external customer experience.

Qualifications Include:

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Industrial, Mechatronics, or Manufacturing Engineering
• 7 + years of valves, regulators, control valves, or related comparable industry experience from precision manufactured products
• Proven ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, customers, suppliers, research partners, and regulatory agencies
• Experience with fluid control products, process equipment, industrial automation, valves, regulators, or related engineered products is a plus but not required
• Experience developing products for regulated industrial applications.
• Experience in gas regulators, control valves, on off, and valve automation a plus
• Knowledge of ISO, ASME, API standards
• Proficiency in FMEA, CAD/CAE, Solidworks
• Demonstrated ability to lead and drive execution with cross functional teams on assigned New Product Development projects, and business growth initiatives

Why would this role be exciting for me?

• As a key member of our engineering team, you'll work closely with product and sales teams to identify market opportunities, collaborate directly with customers, and lead the development of innovative solutions that strengthen Richards' position as a leader in fluid control technology.
• Lead innovation for products serving fast-growing industries including semiconductor, pharmaceuticals, and data center markets.
• Enjoy significant visibility and influence product strategy and business growth.
• Build solutions that solve critical customer challenges around the world.
• Join a profitable, growing company that invests in engineering, NPD, and career development
• Work with a talented team committed to excellence and continuous improvement
• Being part of a company that gives back to the community through philanthropy and service

Company Profile:


Richards Industrials, founded in 1961, is a manufacturer of pressure regulators, control valves, and other fluid control products, known by our customers for high quality products, great customer service, and fast & reliable deliveries. Our products are marketed under a series of distinct brands, each of which is used in unique applications that require precise technical attributes. The company serves a range of end markets, including pharmaceutical, food & beverage, chemical, petrochemical, and various industrial segments.


The company has two locations, Cincinnati OH and Fletcher NC, and a global headcount approaching 200. Equipped with an experienced, passionate team, Richards focuses on driving profitable growth through operational excellence, opening new channels to market, and investing in new products.


Richards has four Core Values:

• Empowerment: Employees are our most valuable asset
• Collaboration: Together we achieve more
• Pioneering Spirit: Curiosity and innovation are our driving forces
• Service Mindset: Never stop advocating for the Customer

Our purpose is to solve tomorrow's demanding fluid control problems, today.


Richards Industrials firmly supports the principle and philosophy of equal opportunity for all individuals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.