🌟 Product Engineer – Mechanical

Department: Engineering
Reports to: Engineering Manager
FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt

Join Our Team of Innovators

At Great Plains Industries (GPI), we thrive on engineering creativity, product excellence, and designing solutions that truly make a difference. We’re looking for a driven and detail‑oriented Product Engineer – Mechanical to help us develop new products, improve existing designs, and integrate emerging technologies that elevate customer experience.

This is an opportunity to work alongside talented engineers, product managers, and manufacturing professionals to bring high‑quality, industry‑leading mechanical products to life.

Job Summary

The Product Engineer – Mechanical is responsible for sustaining existing products and driving new product design and development. This role involves working with metal castings, molded plastics, and stamped components while focusing on performance, quality, user experience, and manufacturability. Collaboration with internal cross‑functional teams and external contractors is essential to creating cost‑effective, market‑ready solutions.

What You’ll Do

• Coordinate with engineering team members to align designs and meet project timing and budgets
• Lead design and development of components and assemblies for new products
• Conduct root‑cause analysis to support manufacturing and resolve technical issues
• Partner with manufacturing teams on cost‑reduction efforts for existing products
• Support Product Support and Customer Service teams with warranty-related matters
• Apply strong mechanical design skills to conceptualize and implement new ideas
• Produce and maintain technical documentation and engineering reports
• Apply mechanical codes such as FM, CE, and IECEx
• Perform prototype testing and coordinate field testing when necessary
• Prepare bills of materials and support production launch planning
• Schedule and conduct design reviews with internal and external stakeholders
• Collaborate with management, production, and marketing to evaluate feasibility, cost, and customer demand
• Manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively
• Maintain a high degree of organization, motivation, and accountability
• Follow all company safety, policy, and ethical standards

This job description is not designed to cover all activities or responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Minimum 2 years of mechanical design experience, including 3D CAD
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes: machining, casting, plastics, assembly
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel formulas
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with GD&T, CFD, and FEA
• Project management experience
• Experience with Autodesk Inventor
• Experience with ERP systems
• Familiarity with Lean and Six Sigma methodologies

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand on concrete factory floors as needed
• Ability to reach, stretch, bend, and lift parts and products
• Must be able to wear PPE including steel‑toe shoes and safety glasses

Tools & Equipment

• Use of powered and hand tools required to perform job functions

Working Conditions

• First‑shift schedule
• Office and temperature‑controlled factory environment

🌟 Benefits

GPI offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Group Health Insurance (Shared Cost)
• Group Dental Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company-Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• 401(k)
• Profit-Sharing Bonus
• Paid Parental Leave

🌟 Why You’ll Love Working Here

At GPI, you’re more than an engineer — you’re part of a legacy of craftsmanship, innovation, and teamwork. Here’s what makes GPI a great place to grow your career:

• Innovation is encouraged. We value creative thinking and want your ideas, big or small, to help shape the future of our products.
• Your work makes an impact. You’ll see your designs move from concept to production and into the hands of customers who rely on our products every day.
• A collaborative, supportive culture. You’ll work closely with talented engineers, product managers, and manufacturing teams who genuinely want to help each other succeed.
• Growth and development matter. We believe in developing our people through mentorship, cross‑functional projects, and real opportunities to stretch your skills.
• Stable, long‑standing company values. GPI is built on Midwestern work ethic, integrity, respect, and doing the right thing — values that show up in how we operate every day.
• You’re part of something bigger. With a history of engineering excellence and a focus on continuous improvement, GPI is committed to the long-term success of our team members and our community.