Product Engineer / Special Projects

JOB TITLE               Product Engineer / Special Projects

The Product Engineer / Special Projects Engineer serves a dual-role function combining customer-focused product engineering responsibilities with strategic coordination of critical special projects. This position is responsible for collaborating directly with aerospace customers on bearing design, application support, qualification activities, and technical issue resolution while also leading cross-functional initiatives within the factory to address material obsolescence, process discontinuations, regulatory changes, and supply chain risks.

The ideal candidate possesses strong engineering fundamentals, project management capabilities, and the ability to effectively communicate with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to ensure product performance, regulatory compliance, and uninterrupted manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities

Product Engineering & Customer Support

• Serve as the primary technical interface for customers regarding plain bearing design, application requirements, and product performance.
• Collaborate with customers to develop bearing solutions that meet functional, environmental, regulatory, and manufacturing requirements.
• Review customer drawings, specifications, and technical requirements to ensure manufacturability and compliance.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) activities including design reviews, qualification testing, and first article approvals.
• Prepare technical documentation, engineering reports, specifications, and customer presentations.
• Investigate product performance issues and engage root cause analysis and corrective action activities.
• Provide engineering support to manufacturing, quality, sales, and supply chain teams.
• Participate in customer meetings, audits, and technical reviews as required.
• Evaluate design changes and process modifications for impact on product performance, qualification status, and customer approvals.

Special Projects Leadership

• Lead strategic projects involving material obsolescence, supplier discontinuations, process changes, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Identify and assess risks associated with discontinued raw materials, coatings, lubricants, chemicals, and manufacturing processes.
• Develop qualification plans and validation strategies for replacement materials and processes.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Regulatory Compliance, and Program Management.
• Manage project schedules, milestones, budgets, and customer communications to ensure successful implementation.
• Interface with suppliers to evaluate alternative materials, manufacturing technologies, and process capabilities.
• Drive qualification and certification activities necessary to maintain aerospace approvals and customer requirements.
• Monitor industry and regulatory developments that may impact materials, processes, or product compliance.
• Develop mitigation plans to minimize operational disruption and customer impact resulting from obsolescence events.

Job Skills & Abilities:

• Proficient with computer design systems (Solidworks, CAD) and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Ability to work independently to complete projects and assignments
• Excellent Attention to Detail
• Self-starter with team mentality
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with employees at all levels; Ability to interface and build professional and cooperative relationships with the customer and external partners on behalf of NHBB
• Creative problem-solver, with the ability to make timely decisions with consideration for both the customer and NHBB’s interests

Education and Experience:

• Bachelors’ Degree in Engineering
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in Design Engineering or closely related field

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.