Product Development Engineer III

Product Development Engineer III Daifuku Automotive America Corporation dental insurance, paid holidays, sick time, 401(k) United States, Indiana, Hobart May 21, 2026 Product Development Engineer III
Job Location US-IN-Hobart # of Openings 1 Company Division DNA Overview Daifuku Airport America Corporation is a subsidiary of Daifuku North America a group company of Daifuku in Japan - the largest material handling company in the world. Our advanced systems move everything from car bodies at auto plants to luggage at airports to packaged goods at warehouses. We are known as experts in engineering, manufacturing, and servicing innovative automated materials handling systems including conveyors, automatic guided vehicles, automated storage & retrieval systems, and integrated controls. The company is currently seeking an experienced Product Development Engineer. We are currently seeking an innovative Product Development Engineer to work with our talented team of engineers and designers. In this role, you will help design new products, assisting with proof-of-concept and prototype testing. You will also review existing designs, supporting the enhancement or revision of our current products. Applicants must have a bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering as well as experience with 3D design software, such as Inventor and other tools in the AutoDesk suite. You will use these skills to create technical drawings that aid in the design and production process. Responsibilities Major Areas of Responsibility Conceives, designs, develops, engineers, prototypes, tests, and revises mid-sized and large-scale, moderately complex, new fabricated products for conveyor systems and applications
Performs engineering calculations to ensure a robust design, including horsepower, stress, torque, deflection, torsion, overhung load, sortation rate, cycle rate, air consumption, and amperage draw
Works with other teams to troubleshoot and resolve development and design issues
Ensures that new products are safe, reliable, and easy to maintain
Selects appropriate and cost-effective purchased products
Analyzes data to identify trends in usage, cost, performance, and reliability
Develops and executes test plans for concepts and prototypes to establish operational parameters
Uses modeling and simulation tools to prove or disprove designs
Partners with the Design team, Manufacturing, Quality Control, Purchasing and Administration
Mentors less-senior team members
Travels up to 20% Skills & Abilities Experience in the design and development of conveyor-related products:
Conveyor equipment individually and on a system level
Competitor's products
Power transmission and automation components
Plastics, metals, alloys, and chemistry
Manufacturing considerations
Design cost, budgets, and expenditures
Proficient with AutoCAD, Solidworks, Solidworks Enterprise PDM, Microsoft Office and simulation modules
Ability to use Excel to sort large data tables and create calculation tables
Ability to use PowerPoint to create visual explanations and presentations
Ability to handle multiple projects and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced results-oriented environment
Organizational skills to meet project plans and deadlines
Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
Strategic and creative thinking and problem-solving skills
Team-oriented and collaborative
Ability to learn new skills and technologies Qualifications Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field
Master's degree a plus
Minimum 7 years of experience in the material handling industry
Experience in conveyor systems with carton handling or pallet handling
Experience with Motor Drive Roller (MDR), Sortation Technologies, installation, project management, electrical, or Solidworks Enterprise PDM administration Demonstrated Physical Abilities Remain stationary for 50% of the time; move/traverse throughout the office to access file cabinets and office equipment; operate a computer and other productivity machinery; inspect documents; communicate with others through talking/hearing; read/identify/assess forms and correspondence. Daifuku Airport America Corporation is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled, and federal sub/contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status or medical condition. If you'd like to view a copy of the company's affirmative action plan or policy statement, please call 248-553-1000. Daifuku Airport America Corporation offers an excellent compensation package including great benefits such as excellent medical, vision, and dental insurance, paid vacation time, paid sick time, and paid holidays, 401K, Flexible Spending Programs, and more. At this time our company only receives applications online. If you need assistance applying online to this position, please call 248-553-1000 and leave a message and your call will be returned.