Smiths Machine

Product Design Engineer

Smiths Machine • $80K — $110K *
Springfield, MA 01109In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in hose assembly design or related mechanical systems.
  • Proficiency in CAD software (3D and 2D) like NX, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Creo, or CATIA.
  • Strong understanding of hydraulic/pneumatic systems and fluid dynamics principles.
  • Experience with crimping and swaging processes and Design for Manufacturing principles.

Responsibilities

  • Design hydraulic and pneumatic hose assembly components and end fittings.
  • Develop specifications, tooling, and processes for crimping and swaging.
  • Create 3D models and detailed 2D drawings using CAD software.
  • Develop inspection requirements for product validations and tests.
  • Define hose assembly performance requirements and conduct evaluations.
  • Support new product development from concept to production.
  • Provide technical support to production teams and develop training materials.

Benefits

  • Collaborative work environment across multiple functions and teams.
  • Opportunities for continuous improvement initiatives and professional growth.
  • Engagement with cutting-edge technology and engineering practices.
  • Involvement in key projects that impact product quality and customer satisfaction.
Full Job Description
Job Summary

The Product Design Engineer is responsible for the design, development, validation, qualification and continuous improvement of hydraulic and pneumatic hose assemblies, end fittings, and attachment processes, crimping and swaging. This role ensures products meet performance, safety, and quality standards while supporting manufacturing efficiency and customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Development
  • Design hydraulic and pneumatic hose assembly components, end fittings, swivel fittings, couplings, and assembly systems.
  • Develop crimp and swage specifications, tooling, and manufacturing/ assembly processes.
  • Develops and validates analytical models utilizing a combination of metallic and non-metallic components.
  • Create 3D models , detailed 2D drawings, and bills of materials (BOMs) using CAD software.
  • Develop inspections requirements such as crimp/swage tolerances, proof testing pressures, media and duration.
  • Ensure designs comply with industry standards (e.g., SAE, ISO, AMS, ASTM) and customer and regulatory requirements.
  • Work with sales and customers to develop product requirements, match existing product or determine what is needed for new product.
  • Design tooling, fixturing leak test tooling required to fabricate assemblies.
  • Strong knowledge of stainless steel and polymers (PTFE) is a strong asset.
  • Development and interpretation of design standards.

Product Engineering
  • Define hose assembly performance requirements (pressure, vacuum, temperature, vibration, environmental conditions).
  • Conduct tolerance analysis, material selection, and stress/thermal evaluations.
  • Support new product development (NPD) initiatives from concept through production.

Testing & Validation
  • Develop and oversee product verification tests throughout product development phases (burst, impulse, pressure cycling, leak testing). Performs product failure analysis's supporting design recommendations.
  • Experience both internal and external testing laboratories.
  • Analyze test data and implement data design improvements.
  • Develop engineering test plans and reports.

Crimping & Swaging Process Engineering
  • Design and optimize crimping/swaging profiles and parameters (diameter, compression force, tooling geometry).
  • Troubleshoot attachment issues and support production teams.
  • Standardize attachment specifications across product lines.

Manufacturing Support
  • Provide technical support to production, assembly, and quality teams along with sales and customer service.
  • Develop assembly instructions, work procedures, and training materials. Train internal assemblers, and distributors as needed.
  • Work with fabricating distributors to trouble shoot assembly issues.
  • Collaborate on continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma).

Quality & Compliance
  • Participate in root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective/preventative actions (CAPA).
  • Knowledge of assembly tear down and analysis to determine root cause.
  • Support audits, PPAPs, and FMEA development.
  • Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
  • A good understanding of 300 series stainless steel a strong asset.

Customer & Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Engage with customers to understand application requirements and provide technical solutions.
  • Collaboration with Procurement, Planning, Operations, Engineering, and Quality teams across multiple sites.
  • Support field issues, warranty analysis, and product improvements.


Qualifications

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in hose assembly design, fluid conveyance, or related mechanical systems.
  • Proficiency in CAD software 3D and 2D (e.g., NX, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Creo, CATIA).
  • Strong understanding of hydraulic/pneumatic systems and fluid dynamics fundamentals.
  • Experience with crimping & swaging processes and hose assembly manufacturing and Design for Manufacturing principles.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Knowledge of SAE/ISO standards for fluid conveyance products; hose assemblies, end fittings, swivel fittings, couplings.
  • Experience with testing methods associated with fluid conveyance products (impulse, burst, vacuum, etc.).
  • Familiarity with ERP/PLM systems.
  • Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma experience.
  • Background in aerospace, automotive, or industrial fluid conveyance products.

Key Skills
  • Structured analytical and problem-solving abilities
  • Attention to detail and a precision engineering mindset
  • Strong written and verbal communications skills. Ability to write assembly procedures and train assemblers and determine proficiency.
  • Hands-on troubleshooting and manufacturing support skills
  • Project management and time management capabilities

About Smiths Machine

Smiths Machine is a manufacturing company that specializes in precision machining and assembly services. The company was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Smiths Machine has a team of experienced machinists and technicians who use state-of-the-art equipment to produce high-quality parts and components for various industries, including aerospace, defense, medical, and transportation. The company's services include CNC machining, turning, milling, grinding, and assembly. Smiths Machine is committed to providing its customers with high-quality products and services and has a reputation for delivering on-time and on-budget.
Learn more about Smiths Machine
Size
15,050 employees
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
NASDAQ
SMGZY
* Ladders Estimates

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