Product Development Specialist

Patrick Industries, a publicly traded company headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, invites you to join a team of dedicated Team Members who are passionate about delivering high-quality products and exceptional customer service. As a leading solutions provider serving a diverse range of markets across the United States, our commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability has positioned us as a high growth, diversified and empowered Team of more than 10,000! Your adventure awaits!

Medallion Plastics, a division of Patrick Industries, is seeking a Product Development Specialist to join their team in Elkhart, IN. The Product Development Specialist plays a critical role in turning customer concepts into production-ready products. This individual will be responsible for evaluating design feasibility, contributing to the quoting process, and supporting the development of new products through to production. The ideal candidate will have a strong mechanical aptitude, excellent communication skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. While prior experience in plastics and vacuum forming is preferred, we are willing to train the right candidate with the foundational skill set and motivation to learn.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review and analyze customer specifications and product concepts for feasibility and manufacturability.
• Assist in generating accurate cost estimates and supporting the quoting process for new projects.
• Collaborate closely with customers, engineers, and internal teams to ensure alignment on design intent and production capabilities.
• Develop and validate prototypes to ensure fit, form, and function prior to production.
• Finalize part designs and documentation, ensuring smooth transition from development to production.
• Provide training and guidance to production staff on new product builds and techniques.
• Oversee the release of parts to manufacturing, ensuring all quality standards and process requirements are met.
• Lead projects from concept to production, maintaining timelines and delivering results in a fast-paced environment.
• Continuously evaluate and improve development processes to enhance efficiency and product quality.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Strong mechanical aptitude and technical acumen.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings, blueprints, and CAD files.
• Competency with measurement tools including calipers, micrometers, and tape measures.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Ability to work professionally with internal teams and customers.
• Experience using small hand tools such as sanders, drills, and routers.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead teams and manage projects independently.
• High sense of urgency and the ability to adapt to evolving priorities.

Preferred Qualifications (Not Required):

• Experience with vacuum forming or thermoforming processes.
• Background in plastics manufacturing or pattern making.
• CAD or 3D modeling experience

At Patrick Industries, BETTER Together is our commitment to being our best while striving to bring out the best in one another as we join forces Individually, as Teams, with our Business Units, with our Customers, our Communities and within our entire Patrick family.

Patrick is an Equal Opportunity Employer.