SR. PROD DEVEL TECH - Paul Mueller Company - Springfield MO

Summary

The Senior Product Development Technician position is responsible for leading the product development team through hands-on guidance on prototype creation, testing, gathering data and ensuring new products meet quality standards throughout the development process. This position is an ever-present resource to the operations team once the new product is launched into full production. The Senior Product Development Technician collaborates with engineers and designers to translate product concepts into tangible items while identifying areas for improvement and optimizing production methods. This position is also responsible for the guidance and training of Product Development Technicians.

Essential Job Functions

• Collaborate with the research and development team to achieve product goals and ensure products successfully launch.
• Follow and continuously improve the new product development processes and procedures consistently.
• Maintain detailed records of product development activities, including test results, design changes and specifications.
• Manage and lead smaller product development projects, tracking timelines and ensuring deliverables meet deadlines.
• Build and assemble prototypes using hand tools and welding equipment to the design specifications, including mechanical components, electrical systems and software functionalities.
• Conduct comprehensive testing on prototypes to assess performance, functionality, durability and compliance with product scope and requirements.
• Collect data from testing procedures, analyze results, identify areas for improvement and suggest recommended modifications.
• Provide technical feedback and request modifications to the design team on drawings, product specifications, manufacturability and required product documentation.
• Create and maintain specific product certification files such as CSA, UL and ETL.
• Perform calibration on testing equipment as required to ensure testing results are accurate.
• Collaborate with the operations team to ensure there is a smooth transition of the new product into full scale manufacturing accompanied by complete and usable work instructions.
• Collaborate with the sales and service teams post product launch to work through any field or warranty issues as well as provide customer support and solutions as required.
• Contact third party vendors as required and needed to ensure product support.
• Leverage knowledge of others within the Product Development team in regards to methodologies, skills and equipment.
• Collaborate regularly with the Product Development, sales, and service teams on observed industry trends and emerging technologies.
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned.
• Ensures lessons learned applied to future efforts.
• Travel to customer locations including international travel and to the Iowa facility will occur 25% of the time.
• Must have valid drivers license.
• Regular, in-person attendance due to necessary teamwork and personal interactive nature of this position.
• Overtime is a mandatory condition of employment and may be required at times to fulfill responsibilities and timelines.
• The ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (Competencies)

• Advanced knowledge of new product development processes and procedures.
• Advanced knowledge and experience with calibration tools, equipment and testing procedures.
• Advanced knowledge of drawings, design principles and product specifications.
• Ability to analyze complex technical issues, identify root cause and develop effective solutions.
• Ability to use hand tools, calibration diagnostic tools and equipment, electrical, brazing, welding and grinding equipment.
• Ability to efficiently utilize Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a mechanical aptitude that allows for effective communication of the product to our customers.
• Excellent communication skills both orally and written.
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage time effectively, in a constantly changing environment.
• Ability to take initiative and implement outside-the-box ideas.
• Ability to work independently or in a team.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with individuals at all levels and customers.
• Self-starter and goal oriented.
• Obtain and maintain OSHA 30 certification.

Education and Experience

• Seven or more (7+) years of practical experience in new product development, equipment testing and manufacturing required.

Base Compensation Range: $33.71 - $50.56 per a hour

Variable Compensation Range: Incentive bonus eligibility up to 12% of gross annual salary base on company performance (as of 2026).

Health and Ancillary Benefit Overview:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance with low employee premiums
• Free off-site medical clinic
• Company paid Life Insurance & Short-Term Disability
• 401k - Employer match of up to 4.0% for coworker contributions of 8.0% or more
• Company covers tuition costs up to $5,250.00 annually, contingent on course completion and grades
• Paid Time Off and Sick, Family & Parental Paid Time Off
• Ten (10) Paid Holidays
• Four-day work weeks, varied shifts, and flexible remote work options depending on position
• Career progression program for advancement
• Free in-house welding, grinding & machine operation school
• In-house training program

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Professional office environment with some time spent in the manufacturing area. Exposure to conditions, such as: dust, fumes, noise and high-degree varying seasonal temperatures. Machinery with energy sources including electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, or other energy.

Apply Now

Applicants for Paul Mueller Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Paul Mueller Company is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran

If you are interested in applying and need assistance or have questions, please call 417-575-9000.