Product Development Assistant Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Catania Product Development is seeking an Engineering Specialist – Electro-Mechanical Build & Integration to support the hands-on execution of first-of-kind product development efforts. This role is intended for someone who is equally comfortable working with both mechanical and electrical aspects of hardware and can help turn early product designs into functioning prototypes and integrated assemblies.

This position supports a fast-moving environment where formal work instructions may not exist and the 3D model, drawings, and engineering intent are often the primary inputs. The right candidate can think through assembly and integration challenges, work across mechanical and electrical build tasks with confidence, and communicate issues clearly when additional engineering input is needed.

This role is best suited for individuals who prefer autonomy and are comfortable being accountable for their outcomes.

This role requires US Citizenship.

Core Responsibilities

Electro-Mechanical Prototype Build

• Build first-of-kind electro-mechanical products and subassemblies directly from 3D CAD models, drawings, and engineering guidance
• Determine practical assembly and integration approaches when formal work instructions or established processes do not exist
• Perform hands-on mechanical assembly, alignment, fastening, packaging, and fit-up activities
• Perform hands-on electrical build work including soldering, wiring, connector installation, cable routing, harness support, and basic electronic assembly
• Move fluidly between mechanical and electrical build tasks as product needs require

Integration & Product Realization

• Integrate mechanical and electrical elements into cohesive working assemblies and prototypes
• Identify and work through issues involving fit, access, sequence, interfaces, wiring paths, packaging constraints, and assembly practicality
• Support the physical realization of designs where build sequence, integration approach, and hardware interaction are not always obvious from the model alone
• Help ensure assemblies are built in a way that supports function, serviceability, and test readiness

Troubleshooting & Issue Resolution

• Troubleshoot issues encountered during build, integration, checkout, and test support activities
• Use sound judgment to try practical solutions independently before escalating
• Communicate issues, blockers, and risks early and clearly, including what was attempted and where support is needed
• Help identify mismatches between design intent and physical implementation and provide useful feedback to engineers

Test & Requirements Support

• Support engineers in testing products against requirements
• Assist with hardware setup, configuration changes, instrumentation support, and hands-on test execution as needed
• Observe product behavior during checkout and test activities and communicate issues that may affect performance or requirements compliance
• Help improve prototype readiness by identifying build, integration, and test support needs early

Team Contribution & Accountability

• Work closely with engineers and other team members to keep product execution moving
• Maintain strong attention to detail, organization, and follow-through across both mechanical and electrical tasks
• Support multiple active efforts as priorities shift
• Contribute positively in a fast-paced, hands-on development environment where ambiguity is common

Required Qualifications

Electro-Mechanical Build Capability

• Experience using or interpreting SolidWorks models with or without engineering drawings
• Demonstrated experience building directly from 3D CAD models (SolidWorks)
• Strong hands-on experience with soldering, wiring, connector work, cable routing, and electronic assembly
• ·Strong hands-on experience with mechanical assembly, integration, fit-up, and prototype hardware builds
• Experience supporting electro-mechanical assemblies and integrated hardware

Prototype & Integration Experience

• Experience with prototype, first article, or first-of-kind hardware builds
• Ability to determine practical build and integration paths when formal work instructions do not exist
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical and electrical integration issues in real time
• Ability to support products through assembly, integration, checkout, and test support
• Practical understanding of how mechanical and electrical elements interact in real hardware builds

Work Style & Communication

• Mechanically and electrically aware, with strong practical judgment
• Resourceful and comfortable working through ambiguity
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Communicates issues clearly and promptly without letting problems stall progress
• Able to make thoughtful attempts independently before escalating for engineering support
• Dependable, self-directed, and comfortable in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting engineers during prototype checkout, verification, or test activities
• Experience with cable management, connectorized systems, enclosure packaging, or integrated hardware layouts
• Experience with shop tools, fixtures, jigs, or prototype support equipment
• Experience in product development, aerospace, aviation, defense, robotics, or other technically demanding hardware environments
• Familiarity with requirement-driven testing or structured development processes

Work Environment & Expectations

Catania operates on trust, autonomy, and accountability. Team members and contractors alike are expected to communicate clearly, work proactively, and help move products from design intent to working hardware.

This role supports first-of-kind electro-mechanical product execution, where ambiguity is normal and the best build path is not always obvious at the start. Success in this role depends on practical judgment, persistence, clear communication, and the ability to work confidently across both mechanical and electrical aspects of a product without waiting for perfect instructions.

On-site support may be needed for builds, integration, troubleshooting, and testing activities.

Additional Information

• This role may be structured as either a full-time employee (W-2) position or an independent contractor (1099) to hire, depending on candidate fit and business needs.
• Compensation structure, scope, and engagement terms will be defined in the offer or contract agreement, as applicable.
• This description outlines general responsibilities and does not constitute a contract of employment or guarantee of ongoing employment or engagement.
• Responsibilities may evolve based on project needs.
• Position requires US Citizenship
• Relocation not provided.

Catania Product Development is an innovative product design and engineering services company operating in a fast-paced, high-tech, and creative environment. We offer a family-friendly atmosphere, flexible work structure, and the opportunity to take real ownership of challenging projects from concept through build, integration, and test. Our culture is built on trust, autonomy, reliability, and shared success, making it a strong fit for people who want meaningful responsibility and the ability to directly influence outcomes. Our work is especially rewarding for those who value accountability, enjoy solving hard problems, and find fulfillment in seeing products come to life from start to finish. Many of our efforts support start-ups and small-to-medium businesses, giving team members the chance to help turn ideas into real, working products across a diverse range of applications.