Product Design Engineer

Company Overview: 
As a global leader in performance filtration and air intake systems, K&N Engineering thrives on innovation, quality, and collaboration. We develop cutting-edge OEM components—performance air filters, intake kits, exhausts and related systems—for automotive manufacturers worldwide. If you're ready to lead complex product initiatives with real impact, we want you on our team. 

Position Overview: 

K&N's OEM Product Design Engineer will drive the mechanical design and engineering of performance intake and exhaust systems for OEM customers from concept, through development, and into production. This role requires strong 3D CAD skills, collaborative design practices, a solid foundation of engineering principles and experience applying Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles in a fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environment. Knowledge and passion for the automotive industry is a plus.  

Key Responsibilities: 

• Design and Development: Use CAD software (SolidWorks) to generate 3D  models, and detailed 2D engineering drawings, incorporating GD&T, to develop BOMs, and component specifications  

• Design for Manufacturing: Apply DFM principles while working with manufacturing engineering, quality, procurement, and suppliers to validate tooling, materials, and production methods (e.g., injection molding, metal stamping, welding) as well as execution of PPAPs prior to production 

• Prototyping and Testing: Design prototypes and validate physical units via testing (e.g., durability, fit, flow characteristics) in collaboration with lab and validation teams  

• Project Management: Participate in design reviews and use concurrent engineering practices to optimize time-to-market and address design issues early while communicating with management to ensure timely delivery of projects  

• Analysis and Simulation: Utilize computational tools (e.g., FEA, flow simulations) to analyze mechanical strength, air flow, and performance during design iterations 

• Issue Resolution: Lead structured problem-solving efforts (e.g., 8D reports, root cause analysis, DOE) to resolve design and production challenges 

• Collaboration: Work cross functionally with both customers and internal team members to communicate and ensure project objectives are met both during development and production 

• Innovation: Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies to contribute to the continuous improvement of our design processes and products 

Qualifications & Experience: 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field. Advanced technical degree (e.g., Meng) preferred. 

• Experience: 3–7 years of experience in OEM or high-volume product design or development, ideally in automotive exhaust, intake or filtration industries. Must have a background and understanding of basic principles used in engineering, manufacturing and testing of intake and exhaust components. 

• Technical Skills: Proficient in SolidWorks (CSWP or CSWE preferred).; Hands-on experience with DFM/DFMA principles and manufacturing processes (e.g., plastic injection molding, tube bending, welding); Experience with prototyping (e.g., 3D printing, laser cutting), testing, and simulation tools 

• Analytical and problem-solving skills: Including practical application of DOE (Design of Experiments) and structured methodologies 

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across technical and non-technical teams as well as with customers 

Skills & Attributes: 

• Experience generating engineering drawings and applying GD&T 

• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, concurrent engineering, and product lifecycle processes 

• Functional knowledge of how engines work and how induction and exhaust systems are designed for all types of powered vehicles, familiar with automotive quality standards 

• Exposure to fluid flow and thermal dynamics analysis 

• Organized and detail oriented: Ability to manage multiple projects at one time, often with competing priorities 

• Customer centric approach: Focus on delivering products that meet customer and user needs with an ability to ideate new and innovative products 

• Ability to work in a fast-paced collaborative environment; High level of self-responsibility 

• Willingness to seek and/or attend training to keep up to date with the latest technologies and in turn, help K&N maintain product excellence 

Why Join K&N? 

At K&N Engineering, we thrive on performance, innovation, and delivering an unmatched customer experience.  

As the OEM Product Design Engineer, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to high-impact OEM programs that shape K&N in the industry.  If you’re passionate about driving OEM business product design and innovation while working with a brand that lives and breathes high performance, we want to hear from you. 

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.