New Product Development Engineer

Company Overview
Ideal Clamp Products, globally known as Ideal Tridon, is the North American leader in designing, manufacturing, and distributing engineered clamps and No Hub Couplings for Aftermarket Industrial, Plumbing & Hardware Markets, as well as Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM). Visit us at www.IdealTridon.com.

Headquartered in Smyrna, TN (a suburb of Nashville, TN), Ideal Tridon supports manufacturing and distribution facilities in Smyrna, TN; Matamoros, MX; Weilerswist, Germany; Mumbai, India; Kudowa, Poland; and Suzhou, China. Our company is poised for global market expansion with a product line consisting of engineered and patented products designed to meet industry needs.

With a history dating back to the early 20th century, Ideal Tridon is one of the most respected manufacturers in its industry. Our commitment to premium quality has enabled us to grow with customers who demand reliability and performance in their products. Currently, we maintain market dominance in North America and leverage strong engineering resources at our headquarters and manufacturing sites to support sales and application engineering efforts.

The Product (Development) Engineer will engage directly with customers, translate their needs into engineering solutions, and oversee the product lifecycle from concept to production. This position requires a strong background in mechanical design, manufacturing processes, and project management.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Engagement

• Serve as the primary engineering contact for customers, providing tailored solutions and ongoing support.
• Collaborate with the Sales team to identify and drive new business opportunities.
• Attend customer visits as a technical expert to discuss product applications and new developments.

Product Design & Development

• Utilize SolidWorks and FEA simulations to develop cost-effective and manufacturable products.
• Lead the Engineering Change Notice (ECN) process to ensure seamless product modifications.
• Apply Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) methodologies to optimize designs for manufacturability.
• Conduct Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and oversee Design Verification Plan & Report (DVP&R) processes.
• Develop and interpret test plans, data, and reports for internal and external stakeholders.

Manufacturing & Process Knowledge

• Expertise in die casting, forging, and metal stamping processes (100–300 Ton or Roll Mill Processes).
• Understanding of V-profile (V-insert clamp) production is a plus.

Project Management

• Support internal teams and APQP coordinators for seamless project execution.
• Maintain communication with customers’ engineering teams to drive design decisions and project success.

Compliance & Quality Control

• Design and manufacture components in compliance with North American, European, Chinese, and Indian quality standards.
• Ensure adherence to international safety and performance regulations.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement technological advancements to enhance product performance.
• Interpret and analyze technical data to support continuous improvement initiatives.

Professional Development

• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and technological advancements.
• Share knowledge and best practices with the engineering team.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (Master’s degree preferred).
• 10 years of experience in product design and development, preferably in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, or industrial sectors.
• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, NX, Creo) and FEA tools for product testing and optimization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to create and interpret technical documentation, design specifications, and testing protocols.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with experience in technical sales or product launch environments.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Metal Forming & FEA expertise

Preferred Qualifications

• Mechanical Systems Design Experience in automotive, aerospace, or mobility-related industries.
• Knowledge of patent development and intellectual property considerations.
• Expertise in forgings and castings manufacturing and material performance.
• Experience with turbochargers, exhaust systems, and air management technologies.
• Strong understanding of material properties at elevated temperatures and non-linear material simulations (FEA).

Physical & Travel Requirements

• Regular standing, sitting, and walking required.
• Ability to climb stairs, kneel, and occasionally lift/move up to 25 lbs.
• Adequate vision to read fine print, component, and assembly drawings.
• Frequent domestic and international travel required.
• Proficiency in English (verbal and written).

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to work with a leading global manufacturer.
• Be at the forefront of innovative product development.
• Collaborate with a dynamic and experienced engineering team.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

If you are a passionate engineer looking to make an impact in product development and manufacturing, we encourage you to apply!

Ideal Tridon is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.