Product Development Engineer - Fasteners

A U.S.-based manufacturer of engineered fastening products backed by a global industrial organization, is seeking a Product Development Engineer - Fasteners to join their onsite team in Little Rock, Arkansas. This hands-on role offers significant ownership over new product development, tooling, manufacturing improvements, and product qualification in a lean environment with limited bureaucracy and direct access to decision-makers.

What You'll Do as the Product Development Engineer - Fasteners:

• Lead new product development projects from initial concept through production launch
• Design and modify fastening products using SolidWorks, CAD, CATIA, or similar 3D modeling software
• Create and revise engineering drawings, product specifications, and manufacturing documentation
• Develop tooling, fixtures, replacement components, and equipment improvements
• Support maintenance teams by designing machine parts and tooling needed to keep production running
• Manage private-label product launches, including tooling, packaging, labeling, testing, and production implementation
• Evaluate product designs for manufacturability, cost, quality, and production feasibility
• Develop testing procedures and oversee product validation and qualification
• Ensure products meet applicable ICC, FM, customer, and internal quality requirements
• Coordinate with domestic and international suppliers
• Work directly with customers on product specifications, technical requirements, and launch needs
• Partner with Manufacturing, Maintenance, Quality, Operations, and leadership teams
• Support continuous improvement projects across the facility
• Analyze manufacturing costs and recommend process or design improvements
• Manage multiple engineering projects while meeting deadlines, budgets, and quality expectations
• Troubleshoot product, tooling, and manufacturing issues
• Help shape future engineering processes, priorities, and department capabilities

Must-Haves as the Product Development Engineer - Fasteners:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related technical field
• Experience in metal manufacturing, steel products, fasteners, or a comparable industrial manufacturing environment
• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Experience managing engineering projects from concept through production
• Ability to read, create, and revise engineering drawings
• Experience with 3D CAD or product design software
• Strong problem-solving and project management skills
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision
• Ability to manage multiple technical priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Willingness to work onsite in Lonoke
• Ability to relocate to the area, with relocation assistance available

Nice-to-Haves as the Product Development Engineer - Fasteners:

• Fastener manufacturing experience
• Concrete anchor product experience
• Cold heading experience
• Metal forming experience
• Stamping experience
• CNC machining experience
• Tooling or fixture design experience
• SolidWorks experience
• CATIA experience
• Product validation and testing experience
• Quality systems experience
• ICC compliance knowledge
• FM compliance knowledge
• Vendor management experience
• Manufacturing process improvement experience
• New Product Introduction experience
• Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience
• Experience supporting private-label products
• Experience working with international suppliers or customers

The Company Offers:

• Base salary of $110,000-$150,000 or more, depending on experience
• Consideration above the stated range for exceptional candidates
• Relocation assistance
• Spot bonus opportunities
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Paid time off
• Flexible work environment
• Limited work-from-home flexibility when appropriate
• High level of engineering autonomy
• Significant decision-making responsibility
• Minimal corporate bureaucracy
• Direct impact on product strategy and manufacturing operations
• Small, collaborative engineering team
• Backing from a global industrial organization
• Strong company culture and employee tenure
• Long-term career growth opportunity