Product Development Engineer

Product Development Engineer – Hardware

Chula Vista, CA (Onsite)

Kelly Engineering is partnering with a well-established, innovation-driven company in the scientific instrumentation space. This organization designs and manufactures specialized laboratory equipment used by major pharmaceutical companies and research institutions worldwide.

They are seeking a hands-on Product Development Engineer who can take ownership of hardware products from concept through production and customer support.

This is not a narrow corporate role. It’s ideal for an engineer who enjoys making real design decisions, working across mechanical and electrical systems, and having visible impact inside a small, fast-moving organization.

What You’ll Do

• Lead new hardware product development from concept through production
• Design and integrate mechanical systems with electronics
• Build and test prototypes, iterate quickly, and resolve technical challenges
• Evaluate design tradeoffs including cost, manufacturability, and performance
• Collaborate with contract manufacturers and external partners
• Troubleshoot products in the field and support customers when needed
• Improve reliability, manufacturability, and serviceability
• Work closely with leadership on product direction and long-term planning

What They’re Looking For

• 5+ years of hands-on hardware product development experience
• Strong mechanical engineering background
• Working knowledge of electronics and embedded systems
• Experience taking products from concept to production
• Comfortable interacting directly with customers
• Able to operate independently in a small-company environment

Nice to have:

• Startup or small-company experience
• SolidWorks proficiency
• Experience working with contract manufacturers
• Personal electronics projects (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, etc.)

Compensation

Base salary range: $115,000 – $130,000 depending on experience and scope of ownership.

Full-time, onsite in Chula Vista, CA. Some travel required (including occasional international travel).

If you’re an engineer who prefers ownership over specialization and enjoys building real-world products used globally, we’d love to connect.

Apply directly or message me for a confidential conversation.