Product Development Associate

Job Role: Product Development Associate

Job Summary: We are seeking a Product Development Manager to lead the design, development, and validation of new products. The ideal candidate is a hands-on professional with expertise in 3D CAD design, DFM, FEA simulation, tooling, costing, and cross-functional project management. You will be responsible for taking products from concept to mass production, ensuring they meet quality, cost, and timeline objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Product Planning & Strategy:

2. Develop short-term and long-term product plans, driving engineering improvements in cost, margin, and quality.

3. Conduct competitive benchmarking and conceptualization of new products, including feasibility studies and business case evaluations.

4. Design & Engineering:

5. Create detailed 3D CAD models and 2D drawings for components and assemblies using

SolidWorks/AutoCAD.

• Conduct comprehensive CAD data reviews for accuracy, manufacturability, and compliance.
• Select appropriate materials (CR sheet steel, plastics, silicone, rubber, etc.) for product

applications.

• Design jigs, fixtures, and locators to enhance manufacturing efficiency.
• Utilize Rapid Prototyping technologies (e.g., SLA 3D printing) for design validation.

• Conduct design reviews, CFT reviews, and release drawings & specifications.

• FEA & Simulation:

• Perform DFM reviews and simulate reliability tests (drop, compression, fatigue).

• Run mold flow, bending, and forming simulations to optimize product manufacturability.

• Product Costing & Value Engineering:

• Prepare cost estimates for NPD projects, covering components, processes, and tooling.

• Lead quote requests, supplier negotiations, and target price achievement.
• Apply VAVE methodologies to drive cost optimization without sacrificing quality.

• Generate and maintain BOMs and upload data into ERP (Odoo/SAP).

• Vendor & Stakeholder Management:

• Manage vendor relationships, including travel for approvals and sourcing.

• Coordinate with cross-functional teams (Sales, Quality, Supply Chain, Vendor Development).

• Support suppliers during tooling, process validation, and component release.

• Development, Validation & Launch:

• Drive prototype sample development and validation, ensuring timely approvals.

• Conduct functional tests, validation trials, ESO (Engineering Sign-Off), and PPAP.
• Define assembly sequence and release SOPs to manufacturing teams.
• Execute field testing, address field issues, and meet reliability targets.

• Ensure successful first bulk delivery and seamless product launch.

• Change Management & Compliance:

• Manage engineering change processes (ECN/ESO), ensuring integration into design and documentation.

• Maintain project documentation in PLM systems (SolidWorks, Odoo).

• Handle internal & external ISO audits, ensuring compliance with standards.

• Tool Design & Manufacturing Competence (Preferred):

• Experience in Injection Molds, Press Tools, Progressive Dies, and Precision Tooling.

• Strong understanding of molding, machining, press forming, plating, and polishing processes.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Product Design, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Diploma / B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering, Tool & Die, or related field.
• 6+ years experience in product development, mechanical design, and tooling.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, GD&T, and PLM systems.
• Strong experience in FEA simulation (SolidWorks Static, Ansys, or equivalent).
• Proven expertise in DFM, DFMEA, costing, and supplier negotiations.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in technical documentations like DFMEA, FMEA
• Expertise in various manufacturing processes such as injection molding, blow molding, press and punching.
• Knowledge of plant layout optimization, production line design.
• Background in Automotive and/or Whitegoods industry.
• Knowledge of ERP systems (Material Master, BOM, ECM).
• Proficiency in Minitab and MS Power BI for data analysis.

Industry-Specific Knowledge:

• Understanding of manufacturing processes relevant to plastic and white goods products, such as molding, pressing, extrusion, cutting, joining, and finishing techniques.
• Knowledge of quality assurance and control methodologies.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards and compliance requirements.
• Apply GD&T principles to ensure precise and accurate part design.

Candidates with experience in the Automotive and Whitegoods (Home Appliances) industries are highly preferred.

If interested, then reach out to .