Job Information
Actalent Product Development Engineer in Lisle, Illinois
Job Description: Product Development Engineer
The Product Development Engineer will design and develop high-speed copper interconnect, connector, and cable solutions that support rapidly growing data storage, telecommunications, and hyperscale applications. You will lead product development projects from initial concept through feasibility, detailed design, validation, and release to high-volume production. Working within a dynamic team of highly skilled professionals, you will contribute to innovative, high-tech components that enable modern data infrastructure and drive continuous learning and technical growth.
Responsibilities
Lead product development projects from early concept through high-volume production for high-speed connector and cable systems.
Develop early concepts and perform feasibility studies to evaluate design options, performance potential, and manufacturability.
Create detailed mechanical designs for copper interconnect solutions, including 3D models, drawings, and supporting documentation.
Perform simulation and analysis, including finite element analysis (FEA), to predict product performance and validate design decisions.
Identify and assess design risks using DFMEA/DMFEA methodologies and implement mitigation plans to improve product robustness.
Define and create comprehensive test plans that cover performance, reliability, and compliance requirements.
Execute validation testing, including hands-on test setup, data collection, and coordination with internal labs or external partners.
Analyze test and simulation data to confirm product performance, identify issues, and drive data-based design improvements.
Iterate designs based on analysis, test results, and feedback to optimize performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
Select materials based on performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost, in alignment with application and customer requirements.
Evaluate material behavior under stress, heat, and environmental conditions to ensure long-term product reliability.
Collaborate with internal experts, suppliers, and laboratories to evaluate and qualify materials and processes.
Update or change materials when test data or field performance indicates a need for improvement.
Prepare designs, documentation, and validation evidence to support release readiness for high-volume production.
Essential Skills
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and at least 3 years of experience in finite element analysis (FEA), hands-on testing, and product development, OR a Master’s degree in Engineering and at least 1 year of experience in these areas.
Proficiency in mechanical engineering principles applied to product design and development.
Experience with FEA tools and methods to simulate and analyze mechanical performance.
Hands-on testing experience, including test setup, execution, and interpretation of results.
Strong experience in product development, taking designs from concept to production.
Ability to perform detailed mechanical design for complex components and assemblies.
Experience creating and executing test plans for validation and verification.
Ability to conduct data analysis to draw conclusions and drive design decisions.
Experience with DFMEA/DMFEA or similar risk identification and mitigation methodologies.
Knowledge of materials selection and evaluation for mechanical and thermal performance.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience designing high-speed connector and cable systems or similar electro-mechanical products.
Familiarity with development for data storage, telecommunications, or hyperscale infrastructure applications.
Experience working with internal experts, suppliers, or external laboratories for material and product evaluation.
Ability to evaluate material behavior under stress, heat, and environmental conditions.
Experience changing or optimizing materials based on test data and performance requirements.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach to design iteration.
Effective communication and collaboration skills for working within a multidisciplinary engineering team.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Lisle, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $115000.00/yr.
Benefits available upon offer stage
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Lisle,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 5, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.