About the Role Pinnacle Partners is recruiting for a Product Development Engineer in Berne, IN. This position will focus on designing and developing hydraulic rotary actuator products from concept through production while providing hands-on support on the manufacturing floor. The ideal candidate will have 3D design experience, preferably with Inventor, a working knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and the ability to move between computer-based design work and hands-on troubleshooting with machinists and engineers.

Key Responsibilities:

Independently design and develop hydraulic actuator products from concept through production. Own product designs and manage technical aspects of customer-driven projects. Create 3D layouts, detail drawings, and bills of material for new and modified hydraulic rotary actuators and specialized machines/devices. Perform structural and performance analysis of hydraulic and pneumatic actuator designs. Select materials and components based on performance, manufacturability, and cost. Create and maintain detailed drawings of standard and modified actuator components. Review archived blueprints and existing product documentation when developing or modifying actuator components. Create and maintain BOMs within the ERP system. Interface directly with sales, customers, and suppliers to support component quality and application performance. Develop R&D testing protocols for effective product evaluations. Create fixture designs and test setups for actuator testing. Perform and document tests on actuator products. Develop quotes for customer service and sales. Develop and maintain project plans with detailed timelines to meet Quality, Cost, and Delivery targets. Review drawings, sketches, and product specifications to determine design requirements. Work closely with machinists and engineering personnel to troubleshoot product and manufacturing issues. Spend approximately 50% of the role on the manufacturing floor troubleshooting, researching part/quality issues, and supporting production. Spend approximately 50% of the role in the office/computer developing designs, generating quotes, reviewing drawings, and completing engineering documentation. Travel to customer sites as necessary, with or without sales, to evaluate application requirements. Support manufacturing as needed throughout product development and production. Work closely with a small engineering team and hourly manufacturing personnel. Maintain existing actuator product lines while identifying opportunities for product improvements and modifications. Take ownership of assigned projects and independently plan, prioritize, and manage daily engineering tasks. Support R&D activities from initial product concepts through production implementation.

Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or another related engineering discipline. Approximately 4+ years of engineering experience preferred. Entry-level candidates with strong mechanical or farm/mechanical backgrounds may be considered. Hands-on experience with 3D design software; Inventor strongly preferred. Ability to read and interpret engineering blueprints and sketches. Knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems or products. Ability to work hands-on in a machine-shop/manufacturing environment. Ability to troubleshoot product and manufacturing issues alongside machinists and engineers. Strong understanding of PPAP, capability analysis, GD&T, and DFMEA. Experience with material evaluation and design for manufacturing. Experience designing fixtures and test setups. Ability to perform and document product testing. Ability to work effectively with both salaried engineering personnel and hourly manufacturing employees. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills. Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple engineering responsibilities independently. Strong communication and teamwork skills. Willingness to spend significant time on the manufacturing floor rather than working exclusively behind a computer.

Preferred:

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) experience. AutoCAD 2D experience. Machining or machine-shop background. Experience with hydraulic rotary actuators or fluid power products. Experience with electrical testing equipment and data acquisition hardware. Experience with BOM management within an ERP system. R&D experience taking products from concept through production. Experience communicating directly with customers regarding product requirements or design changes. Experience developing quotes and supporting sales/customer service. Experience with fixture design and product testing. Experience in a low-volume or custom manufacturing environment. Experience modifying and improving existing product lines. Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on troubleshooting experience.

Benefits Overview:

Up to $100K base salary. Benefits eligible from day one. 401(k) with 4% company match. Flexible start time, generally between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM. Hands-on training and development within a small engineering team. Opportunity to work directly with experienced engineers, machinists, and manufacturing personnel. Opportunity to develop products from concept through production. Long-term growth opportunity within a stable manufacturing environment. Explore More Engineering Opportunities This role falls within our Engineering/Manufacturing division , where we specialize in placing professionals in areas such as: Mechanical/Electrical Engineering Manufacturing/Process Engineering Controls Engineering Project Engineering Technical Sales Operations / Plant Engineering Explore additional Engineering roles and learn more about how we support Engineering professionals: or Manufacturing & Engineering Opportunities #ENG123 About Pinnacle Partners For more than two decades, Pinnacle Partners has been connecting top talent with leading employers across Indianapolis, Louisville, Cincinnati, and other cities throughout the Midwest. We specialize in Information Technology, Accounting & Finance, Administrative, Human Resources, and Engineering/Manufacturing, offering contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire placements. Job Details Berne, IN Onsite Up to $100000 per Year Direct Hire