Product Engineer
Ripple Foods
Product
Hillside, IL, USA
USD 90k-105k / year
Posted on Mar 27, 2026
Join a growing, employee-focused manufacturing organization with deep roots and a strong reputation for quality. This is a high-impact opportunity to take ownership of a product line, work hands-on with complex drivetrain systems, and collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, and leadership teams.
If you enjoy solving real-world problems, driving continuous improvement, and seeing your work directly impact production and customers—this role offers both visibility and growth.
What You’ll Do
- Serve as the technical lead for a transmission or drivetrain product line
- Own all product-related engineering: functionality, components, materials, assembly/disassembly, and testing
- Support new product launches and variant introductions from concept through production
- Troubleshoot production, design, and test issues; lead root cause analysis and corrective actions
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Test, Applications, and Sales teams
- Maintain and update technical documentation (BOMs, A-Charts, build documentation, process flows)
- Drive cost reduction, efficiency improvements, and Lean initiatives (Kaizen, 5S, etc.)
- Interface directly with customers to align on scope, timelines, and technical solutions
- Mentor junior engineers and provide day-to-day technical leadership
What We’re Looking For
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 4+ years of Product Engineering experience in automotive or manufacturing environments
- Strong hands-on knowledge of transmissions and drivetrain components (disassembly/reassembly)
- Experience with automotive quality standards and documentation:
- APQP, PFMEA, Control Plans, Process Flows, BOMs
- Familiarity with IATF 16949 and structured product development processes
- Proven ability to troubleshoot issues across production, testing, and design
- Experience supporting or leading new product launches
- Background in Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
- Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally
Nice to Have:
- Experience with automotive test systems and error-proofing (poka-yoke)
- Exposure to electrical systems, battery testing equipment, or BMS
- Knowledge of EV systems, charging infrastructure, or high-voltage components
Why This Role Stands Out
- High visibility & ownership – lead a full product line end-to-end
- Hands-on engineering – work directly with complex mechanical systems
- Growth environment – rapidly expanding company with strong momentum
- Collaborative culture – team-oriented, supportive, and employee-focused
- Real impact – your work directly influences product quality, cost, and customer satisfaction
Compensation
- Salary Range: $90,000 – $95,000 (flexible up to ~$105,000 based on experience)