Product Design Engineer - Advanced Plastics

Product Design Engineer – Advanced Plastics & Automotive Applications

Ravenna, OH | Full-Time | On-Site | Direct Hire

About the Opportunity

A leading global materials manufacturer is seeking a Product Design Engineer to join its advanced R&D team in Ravenna, OH. This role is ideal for an experienced engineer with a mechanical or materials background who enjoys technical problem-solving, design optimization, and collaborating directly with customers in automotive, consumer products, or home appliances.

Youll serve as the critical link between innovation and application—conducting advanced material testing, CAE simulations, failure analysis, and customer-facing technical support. This is a hands-on role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, engineering-driven environment with global collaboration and high-impact projects.

What Youll Do

• Lead product design optimization projects using advanced engineering analysis tools (FEA/CAE)
• Collaborate with customers to solve application challenges in plastics and polymer-based systems
• Conduct failure analysis, material testing, life cycle assessments, and reverse engineering
• Utilize tools like ABAQUS, ANSYS, LS-Dyna, CATIA, and Hypermesh to simulate and evaluate structural, thermal, and deformation properties
• Support testing methods and experimental design for customer applications
• Prepare technical reports, support internal and customer training, and assist with setting up SOPs
• Collaborate with headquarters R&D team to align technical roadmaps and project priorities

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• 5+ years of product design, CAE simulation, or mechanical/materials testing experience—preferably in OEM or Tier 1 environments
• Hands-on experience with FEA tools (e.g., ABAQUS, LS-Dyna, ANSYS)
• Proficiency with CAD/CAE tools such as CATIA, HyperWorks, SolidWorks, or ProE
• Strong knowledge of thermoplastics and mechanical failure modes (fatigue, creep, high strain rate)
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, comfortable interfacing with customers
• U.S. Work Authorization (citizens or green card holders only; no sponsorship available)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with automotive or high-performance plastics design
• Background in precision engineering, aerospace, naval architecture, or materials science
• Familiarity with UTM testing, vibration welding, and other evaluation techniques
• Proactive problem-solving mindset and high attention to detail
• Comfortable managing cross-functional technical projects

Why Join

• Work on the cutting edge of materials R&D for top automotive and consumer product brands
• Competitive base salary + bonus potential
• Full medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, and PTO
• Be part of a collaborative, global engineering team
• Opportunity to grow into a technical lead or customer-facing SME role