Senior Product Engineer

Overview

The Senior Product Engineer is the technical reference for the development of filtration products, leading design, validation, industrialization and technical interactions with OEM customers. The role ensures design robustness, compliance with CSR requirements, and correct design intent according to Design for Manufacturing (DfM) principles.

Main activities and responsibilities

Product Design & Technical Ownership

• Lead product design using advanced CAD tools (e.g., Creo/Catia/Siemens NX) for 3D modelling, assemblies, 2D drawings, GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis.
• Define concept design with a strong focus on Design for Manufacturing and Design for Assembly, considering molding, welding and cost constraints.
• Define technical specifications, interfaces, materials and functional requirements of components and assemblies.
• Lead and maintain the DFMEA, integrating failure modes based on testing and lessons learned.
• Collaborate in PFMEA activities with IPE and PQE to ensure production process robustness.

Validation & Compliance (DV/PV)

• Define, negotiate and obtain customer approval for the DV & PV, managing acceptance criteria and revisions.
• Coordinate and interpret laboratory tests (Δp, efficiency, burst, leakage, vibration, thermal cycles, life target).
• Manage re-validation activities, design/process modifications and technical concessions.

Customer Technical Interface

• Represent UFI as Technical Owner in technical meetings with OEMs.
• Lead advanced discussions on filtration performance, service interval, materials, failure modes.
• Prepare technical responses, data analysis, engineering justifications, change requests and risk evaluations.
• Interface with PM and Sales to define technical trade-offs versus timing and cost.

APQP / PPAP & Documentation

• Prepare technical documentation: clause-by-clause, DFMEA, DV & PV, test results, drawings, specifications, Control Plan inputs.
• Propose improvements to design guidelines and standards.
• Analyze recurring failures and contribute to standard solution libraries.
• Support internal training on CAD, DfM and APQP-related topics.

Main Technical and personnel skills

• Advanced CAD expertise: 3D modelling, surfaces, complex assemblies, 2D drawings, GD&T, tolerance stack-up.
• Knowledge of plastic manufacturing processes (injection molding, vibro-weld, welding, overmolding).
• Knowledge of metal manufacturing processes, including die casting, stamping and machined metal components.
• Understanding of fluid dynamics fundamentals (Δp, flow), polymeric and metallic materials.
• Strong experience with DFMEA, PFMEA, DV & PV, APQP/PPAP.
• Ability to develop robust designs oriented to Design for Manufacturing.
• Knowledge of engine architecture and crankcase ventilation systems is considered a strong plus.
• Clear and data-driven technical communication.
• Ability to manage complex technical discussions with OEMs.
• Problem solving and critical thinking mindset.
• Collaborative attitude and capability to guide multifunctional teams.
• Ownership, autonomy and sound technical decision-making.