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Product Engineer Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Product Engineer The Product Engineer maintains and improves manufacturing equipment and processes, validates and optimizes new and existing product processes, and manages technical communication to ...

Product Engineer

Neenah, WI · On-site

$70K - $105K/yr

At Plexus, our vision is to help create the products that build a better world. Driven by a passion for excellence, we partner with leading Aerospace/Defense, Healthcare/Life Sciences and Industrial ...

Product Engineer

Neenah, WI · On-site

$70K - $105K/yr

At Plexus, our vision is to help create the products that build a better world. Driven by a passion for excellence, we partner with leading Aerospace/Defense, Healthcare/Life Sciences and Industrial ...

More than 10,000 consumers worldwide encounter our products every second and rely on us for safe ... Collaborate with areas such as Engineering, Operations and Quality to resolve technical challenges ...

More than 10,000 consumers worldwide encounter our products every second and rely on us for safe ... Collaborate with areas such as Engineering, Operations and Quality to resolve technical challenges ...

More than 10,000 consumers worldwide encounter our products every second and rely on us for safe ... Collaborate with areas such as Engineering, Operations and Quality to resolve technical challenges ...

More than 10,000 consumers worldwide encounter our products every second and rely on us for safe ... Collaborate with areas such as Engineering, Operations and Quality to resolve technical challenges ...

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Showing results 1-20

Product Engineer information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$51.7K

$140.6K

$200K

How much do product engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for product engineer in Appleton, WI is $140,575.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,900.00 and $200,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Product Engineer do?

A Product Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and improving products by collaborating with cross-functional teams such as design, manufacturing, and quality assurance. They work on creating prototypes, testing products for functionality and safety, and refining designs based on feedback and data. Product Engineers also help ensure that products meet industry standards and customer requirements, often overseeing the manufacturing process and troubleshooting any issues that arise. Their role is crucial in bringing innovative and high-quality products to market efficiently.

Is 40 too late to be an engineer?

Product engineering is a field open to individuals of various ages, and starting a career at 40 is possible with relevant skills, such as proficiency in CAD, programming, or project management. Many engineers successfully transition into the field later in life by gaining certifications or additional training, making age less of a barrier than experience and skills. Continuous learning and adapting to new technologies are key factors for career progression regardless of age.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Product Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Product Engineer, you need strong problem-solving abilities, expertise in product design and development, and typically a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, prototyping tools, and project management systems like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or Jira is common. Excellent teamwork, communication, and adaptability help Product Engineers collaborate across departments and respond to changing requirements. These skills and qualities are crucial for driving product innovation, ensuring manufacturability, and meeting customer and business needs efficiently.

What Is a Product Engineer?

A product engineer designs and creates products and related manufacturing processes for a company. As a product engineer, your job duties involve designing prototypes, developing manufacturing processes, and overseeing production. You also perform product tests to ensure quality and work with sales and marketing departments to solve customer service questions and issues. A product engineer typically needs a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. You must have proficient technical skills, knowledge of the product development cycle, and familiarity with relevant computer software.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior software engineers, especially those with expertise in areas like machine learning, cloud computing, or cybersecurity, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level roles often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or specialized certifications.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior software engineers, especially those in high-demand fields like machine learning, cloud computing, or fintech, can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and working at large tech companies or startups with significant funding.

What is the difference between Product Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectProduct EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, often in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial EngineeringBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and improve products; collaborate with cross-functional teamsDesign, analyze, and test mechanical systems and components
Industry UsageTechnology, manufacturing, consumer electronics, automotiveManufacturing, aerospace, automotive, robotics

Product Engineers focus on developing and improving products throughout their lifecycle, often working closely with design and manufacturing teams. Mechanical Engineers primarily design and analyze mechanical systems and components. While both roles require engineering degrees, Product Engineers tend to have a broader focus on product development and integration, whereas Mechanical Engineers concentrate on mechanical design and analysis.

What are some common challenges Product Engineers face when balancing technical requirements with user needs?

Product Engineers often encounter the challenge of reconciling technical constraints with user expectations. This means they must work closely with design, marketing, and user experience teams to ensure the final product is both feasible to manufacture and meets customer needs. Navigating trade-offs between cost, manufacturability, and performance is a regular part of the job. Effective communication and flexibility are crucial, as priorities can shift rapidly based on feedback or market changes.

What is the work of a product engineer?

A product engineer designs, develops, and tests products to ensure they meet quality, functionality, and safety standards. They collaborate with cross-functional teams, use engineering tools, and often work on improving manufacturing processes or product features throughout the development cycle.
What cities near Appleton, WI are hiring for Product Engineer jobs? Cities near Appleton, WI with the most Product Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Product Engineer job openings in Appleton, WI as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 88% In-person, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,575 per year, or $67.6 per hour.
Product Engineer

Product Engineer

Actalent

Neenah, WI

$30 - $45/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Product Engineer
Job Description

The Product Engineer maintains and improves manufacturing equipment and processes, validates and optimizes new and existing product processes, and manages technical communication to ensure products meet quality, delivery, and cost targets. This role designs and refines manufacturing solutions, supports process integration for new products, and provides technical guidance within their area of specialty.

Responsibilities

  • Maintain and oversee assigned manufacturing equipment and processes to meet quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
  • Develop and implement manufacturing solutions and services that are high-quality, cost-appropriate, and aligned with customer requirements.
  • Establish and deepen an area of technical specialty and mentor other team members within that discipline.
  • Utilize appropriate tools, lab equipment, and measurement devices to create, analyze, and verify manufacturing processes and product performance.
  • Demonstrate expertise across multiple phases or processes of the full product and process requirements and specifications as they relate to the role.
  • Work independently within at least one phase or process of the manufacturing process or product lifecycle without direction from mentors or functional management.
  • Design, optimize, and validate new product processes to support efficient and reliable manufacturing.
  • Produce comprehensive project documentation in accordance with established quality and change management procedures and guidelines.
  • Drive process improvement activities to enhance product integration, throughput, and overall manufacturing performance.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve technical issues and support continuous improvement in manufacturing operations.
Essential Skills
  • Experience with product integration and manufacturing processes.
  • Demonstrated ability to design, analyze, and optimize manufacturing processes and product-related workflows.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.
  • Strong statistical analysis skills, including experience with Statistical Process Control (SPC) and related software tools.
  • Ability to create, analyze, and verify processes using appropriate tools and test or measurement equipment.
  • Proven capability to work independently within at least one phase of the manufacturing process or product lifecycle.
  • Ability to produce clear, comprehensive technical and project documentation in line with quality and change management procedures.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree with 3 or more years of related experience is preferred; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
  • Experience in a medical device manufacturing environment is highly beneficial.
  • Hands-on experience with lab tools, test systems, and measurement equipment is preferred.
  • Familiarity with process improvement methodologies and continuous improvement practices.
  • Strong communication skills to manage technical information and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
  • Ability to mentor and support colleagues in developing technical skills within the manufacturing discipline.
Work Environment

The Product Engineer works in a manufacturing and lab-based environment that focuses on product and process development, validation, and improvement, including medical device applications. The role involves regular use of lab tools, test systems, and measurement equipment, as well as statistical process control software and other analytical tools. Work typically takes place in a structured production and engineering setting that follows defined quality and change management procedures, with close collaboration across engineering, production, and quality teams.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Neenah, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $45.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Neenah,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 19, 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.


Actalent logo

About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

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