Entry Level Product Development Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Product Engineer

Who we are:

Atkore is forging a future where our employees, customers, suppliers, shareholders, and communities are building better together – a future focused on serving the customer and powering and protecting the world.

With a global network of manufacturing and distribution facilities, Atkore is a leading provider of electrical, safety and infrastructure solutions.

Who we are looking for:

We are currently searching for Product Engineer to be based out of Harvey, IL or Hobart, IN. Reporting to the Senior Manager – Product Engineering (Conduit & Fittings). This role supports CAD design, drawing creation, BOM development, engineering documentation, product data accuracy, technical analysis, and project execution for new and existing products. The ideal candidate is an early-career engineer who is detail-oriented, self-driven, collaborative, and interested in product design, manufacturing support, data governance, cost reduction, and new product development. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States continuously for the duration of employment without requiring employer sponsorship now or in the future.

What you'll do: 

• Work closely with the Sr. Product Engineer to support CAD design, 3D modeling, drawing creation, drawing updates, specification maintenance, and line art for conduit and fittings product families. 
• Create and maintain accurate engineering documentation for new and existing products, including drawings, specifications, product data, and supporting technical records. 
• Assist with BOM creation, validation, cleanup in JD Edwards
• Support Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) by preparing documentation, evaluating technical impacts, coordinating approvals, and assisting with implementation follow-up. 
• Assist Senior Product Engineers with new product development activities through concept evaluation, prototype support, design refinement, validation planning, and launch readiness. 
• Participate in robust design review processes utilizing dFMEA and pFMEA activities by gathering product information, documenting risks, tracking actions, and helping align engineering, manufacturing, and quality inputs. 
• Perform competitor benchmarking, product comparisons, material cross-referencing, and technical research to support Product Management, Sales, and engineering decisions. 
• Collaborate with Product Management to answer technical questions and support product questions. 
• Collaborate with supply chain/procurement on sourcing requests and new vendor qualification
• Maintain organized project files, product records, drawing packages, BOM inputs, and action trackers to support product data integrity and engineering governance. 
• Support prototypes, sample builds, testing requests, fixture or tooling needs, and technical troubleshooting for assigned projects or product lines. 
• Contribute to continuous improvement of engineering standards, design practices, data accuracy, and repeatable product engineering processes. 

What you bring:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
• 1–3 years of experience in product engineering, design engineering, manufacturing support, technical sales support, or related internship/co-op experience preferred. 
• CAD aptitude and willingness to develop strong skills in Autodesk tools, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Vault, Fusion, or similar design/PDM platforms. 
• Foundational understanding of BOMs, engineering drawings, product specifications, manufacturing processes, and technical documentation. 
• Interest in new product development, Stage Gate processes, FMEA, CTQ, design validation, DFM, DFC, and cost reduction practices.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate product data, drawing quality, and documentation control.
• Self-starter who is organized, analytical, curious, accountable, and comfortable learning new systems and product lines. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Must embrace and foster an environment that supports Atkore’s core values of Integrity, Respect, Excellence, Teamwork, and Accountability. 

Within 3 months, you’ll:

• Complete the Atkore immersion program. Learning about the Atkore business system and how we use LEAN principles in running our business.
• Become proficient with engineering systems, drawing standards, CAD tools, product documentation requirements, and BOM management processes.
• Learn established engineering workflows for product changes, documentation control, NPD projects, and product support activities.
• Build effective working relationships with Product Engineering, Product Management, Manufacturing, Quality, and other key stakeholders.
• Demonstrate the ability to accurately complete engineering assignments, documentation tasks, and technical analysis activities with minimal supervision

Within 6-months, you’ll:

• Independently create and maintain drawings, CAD models, specifications, and engineering documentation for related products.
• Actively support New Product Development projects through design, prototyping, validation, documentation, and launch preparation activities.
• Contribute to BOM creation, cleanup, verification, and standardization initiatives while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
• Perform competitor benchmarking, technical research, product evaluations, and engineering analyses to support business decisions.
• Successfully execute assigned project tasks while maintaining schedule commitments and quality expectations

 Within 12-months, you’ll:

• Demonstrate ownership and accountability for related products, engineering documentation, and technical support responsibilities.
• Consistently deliver high-quality drawings, specifications, BOMs, and engineering records with minimal oversight.
• Become a dependable contributor to product development, value engineering, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Develop a solid understanding of product performance requirements, regulatory standards, manufacturing methods, and customer needs.
• Be recognized as a reliable engineering partner who effectively collaborates across functional teams to achieve business objectives.

Atkore is a six-time Great Place to Work© certified company and a four-time Top Workplaces USA award winner! We’re committed to creating an engaged, aligned workforce driven by a collaborative culture. Our team strives for breakthrough results and stays focused on being standout leaders. We consistently live the Atkore mission, strategic priorities, and behaviors consistent with our core values. 

Join our team and align yourself with an industry leader! 

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay for this position is $65,440 - $89,980.  Placement in the range depends on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, relevant experience, skills, seniority, performance, shift, travel requirements, and business or organizational needs and may change over time.  Other compensation may include, but not limited to, overtime, shift differentials, bonuses, commissions, stock, and other incentives.

Benefits available include:

•  Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• 401k
• Paid Time Off
• Paid holidays
• Any leave required under federal, state, or local law

Benefits are subject to vesting and eligibility requirements.

Applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis.  

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