Product Design Engineer I Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Product Design Engineer

Job Description

The Product Design Engineer leads end‑to‑end design of connector and high‑speed interconnect products, taking concepts from initial idea through production release. This role focuses on designing injection‑molded and progressive die‑stamped components for high‑speed, high‑volume manufacturing while balancing performance, yield, and cost. You will act as a technical authority on connector architecture, materials, tooling, and production constraints, partnering closely with cross‑functional teams to deliver robust, scalable product solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end product design for connector and high‑speed interconnect products from concept through production release.
• Design injection‑molded components with a strong focus on manufacturability, mechanical design, tolerance stack‑ups, and GD&T to optimize performance, yield, and cost.
• Design progressive die‑stamped components suitable for high‑speed, high‑volume manufacturing environments.
• Develop designs that are fully compatible with reel‑to‑reel processes, plating, forming, and final assembly operations.
• Serve as a technical authority on connector architecture, materials selection, tooling considerations, and production constraints.
• Provide engineering input for product scoping, feasibility assessments, and cost modeling to support business and technical decisions.
• Partner cross‑functionally with manufacturing, tooling, plating, process, quality, test, suppliers, sales, and marketing to ensure successful product development and launch.
• Troubleshoot and resolve design and manufacturing issues during new product development, pilot builds, and production ramp‑up.
• Ensure compliance with engineering standards, including documentation practices, CAD models, file management, and release processes.
• Create and interpret detailed engineering drawings and GD&T to clearly communicate design intent.
• Mentor and influence design direction, helping guide teams toward robust, scalable product solutions.
• Collaborate across multiple engineering teams and disciplines in an engineering‑driven environment focused on long‑term product success.
• Work in a hands‑on capacity, engaging directly with product designs, tooling, and manufacturing considerations rather than operating in a purely managerial or conceptual role.

Essential Skills

• 10+ years of experience in connector design, interconnect systems, or closely related electromechanical products.
• Proven experience designing products that combine injection‑molded and progressive die‑stamped components.
• High‑speed, high‑volume manufacturing environments.
• Experience designing connectors that go through plating processes and are compatible with reel‑to‑reel manufacturing.
• Experience with board‑to‑board connector design.
• Experience working with 224G or 112G high‑speed products.
• Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar CAD platforms.
• Strong understanding of plastic materials and molding constraints.
• Strong understanding of metal stamping design principles.
• Strong understanding of tooling limitations and capabilities in both molding and stamping.
• Ability to interpret and create detailed engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Experience working within corporate engineering standards for documentation, file management, and release processes.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across manufacturing, tooling, plating, process, quality, test, suppliers, sales, and marketing teams.
• Comfort working in an engineering‑driven environment focused on long‑term product success.
• Willingness to work in a hands‑on engineering role rather than a purely managerial or conceptual position.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior experience in industries such as connectors, electronic interconnects, automotive, aerospace, industrial electronics, or communications.
• Current or previous experience in connector manufacturing or connector design is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with simulation tools such as FEA and thermal modeling is a plus, but not mandatory.
• Ability to provide engineering input for product scoping, feasibility, and cost modeling.
• Ability to mentor others and positively influence design direction.
• Values engineering rigor, accountability, and high‑quality execution.

Work Environment

The role is based onsite in either Harrisburg, PA or New Albany, IN, with only a small possibility for remote work. You will work in an automated, clean facility that supports high‑speed, high‑volume manufacturing of advanced connector and interconnect products. The environment is stable and engineering‑driven, with a strong focus on long‑term product success and technical excellence. The company is privately owned and debt‑free, with no external shareholders and active day‑to‑day leadership involvement, which supports fast decision‑making and a high level of organizational stability. Employee retention is very high, with an average tenure of approximately 15 to 16 years, and there are clear opportunities for growth within the organization supported by a strong design roadmap. The culture encourages cross‑functional collaboration, hands‑on engineering, and broad exposure to projects, rather than siloed work, with most projects falling within a consistent technical domain.

This is a Permanent position based out of New Albany, IN.

The pay range for this position is $150000.00 - $170000.00/yr.

Health, Dental, and Vision HSA and FSA Group basic life, short term and long term disability Vacation- after 90 days you get 3 weeks prorated per year, after 5 years 4 weeks, and 10 years 5 weeks 9 Paid holidays Personal days

This is a fully onsite position in New Albany,IN.

This position is anticipated to close on May 29, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.