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Product Design Engineer - Senior Level

Dover · Skokie, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 28, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a design that failed testing. What did you learn and change?

What they are checking: Whether they treat test failures as learning and improve the design methodically.

Tell me about a time you led a project team of people who did not report to you.

What they are checking: Whether they can lead through influence, which complex NPD projects require.

What would you do

Your project is behind schedule and the customer wants a launch date. How do you manage it?

What they are checking: Whether they manage scope, risk and communication honestly instead of cutting corners on testing.

A customer asks for a custom change to a standard valve. How do you decide whether to do it?

What they are checking: Whether they weigh the customer need against engineering cost, risk and product line complexity.

About the work

Walk me through a valve or fitting you designed, from understanding the requirement to production release.

What they are checking: Whether they can lead new product development through each stage, not just do the CAD work.

Rail tank car valves are governed by AAR and DOT rules. What experience do you have designing to standards like those?

What they are checking: Whether they understand how regulation shapes design and testing for rail tank car equipment.

How do you use fluid dynamics to size a valve and predict pressure drop and flow?

What they are checking: Whether they can apply flow calculations or CFD to make real design decisions.

How do you choose materials and seals for a valve that handles hazardous chemicals across a wide temperature range?

What they are checking: Whether they think through chemical compatibility, temperature and wear, since a seal failure can cause a spill.

How do you run a DFMEA, and who do you bring into the room?

What they are checking: Whether they use risk analysis seriously and include manufacturing, quality and field service in it.

How do you design a part so it is easier and cheaper to make?

What they are checking: Whether they apply design for manufacturing and talk to the shop floor early in the design.

How do you apply GD&T and tolerance stack-ups to make sure parts fit and seal?

What they are checking: Whether they can set tolerances that work in production without making parts too costly to make.

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The full job description

As published by Dover.

Since 1892, OPW customers have been able to count on us to revolutionize fluid-handling operations around the world. As a global leader in fluid-handling solutions, the mission of OPW is to be a developer of a comprehensive array of innovative fluid-handling solutions that our customers can consistently and reliably count on. These include loading and unloading systems for high-value hazardous and non-hazardous bulk products; railcar and transport tank-truck valves, gauging devices and tank-monitoring systems; automated storage-terminal controls and systems; and regulators, fittings, valves, vaporizers, vacuum-jacketed piping and gas-handling systems for the safe handling and distribution of cryogenics and industrial gases. OPW has more than 2,000 employees with manufacturing operations in North America, Europe and China, and sales offices around the world. OPW is part of the Clean Energy & Fueling segment of Dover (NYSE: DOV). The Product Design Engineer at Midland Manufacturing provides leadership, technical expertise, and complex project management in pursuit of new product development (NPD), with a focus on valves and fittings for rail tank cars. The role requires advanced knowledge of fluid dynamics, mechanical design, material properties, and manufacturing techniques. The incumbent will be called upon to manage the technical aspects of NPD in stages that include understanding industry and customer needs, designing for quality and manufacturability, prototyping, testing, and working with the Association of American Railroads (AAR) to obtain product approvals and conduct service trials. This role requires the incumbent to communicate effectively and influentially with a wide variety of technical and non-technical individuals and teams, including manufacturing technicians, senior executives, regulatory authorities, internal and external customers. Finally, the role requires the ability to mentor and teach other engineers in NPD. Product Design Engineering focuses on designing and developing new or existing products, components, or assemblies. Applying engineering principles to develop mechanical products that meet customer technical/functional specifications as well as manufacturing cost/efficiency requirements. Conducting mathematical modelling to determine if proposed designs are technically feasible. Supporting and participating in the design, test, modification, fabrication, and assembly of prototypes. Will be involved with designing product specific manufacturing production processes and equipment. Applies advanced knowledge of job area typically obtained through advanced education and work experience. Responsibilities typically include Managing projects / processes, working independently with limited supervision. Coaching and reviewing the work of lower-level professionals. Problems faced are difficult and sometimes complex. What You’ll Do • Design: Oversee and provide expertise for NPD; support downstream requirements including regulatory approvals, product marketing, manufacturing, and product maintenance. Take ownership of design control and modification activities at Midland. Ensure compliance with stage gate NPD procedure in the Midland quality management system • Document: Ensure all NPD activities are rigorously documented • Communicate: Inform, persuade, and explain technical information to a diverse audience verbally and in writing. Effectively illustrate concepts, design details, operating features, and process inputs and outputs in formal presentations and 3D/2D images • Manage: Coordinate multiple complex projects simultaneously. Effectively delegate tasks and activities. Manage the work of junior engineers and cross functional teams including individuals from product management, account management, quality assurance, manufacturing engineering, material procurement, and production supervisors • Lead: Generate innovative ideas for NPD responsive to industry needs and wants. Develop a forward-looking, visionary strategy for NPD. Persuade executives to support efforts. Provide end-to-end leadership of NPD with or without formal supervisory authority over team members. Teach and mentor junior engineers in NPD. Work with minimal to no supervision. What You’ll Bring • Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field required. Master's degree preferred • Five or more years' experience in NPD of fluidic systems. Experience in liquid and vapor transfer valve design development strongly desired • Proven track record leading and delivering high impact NPD projects from concept to revenue • Two or more years in a manufacturing environment. Experience in valve manufacturing preferred • Two or more years in the railroad tank car industry with AAR involvement strongly preferred • Experience delivering NPD in a highly regulated environment/industry The Ideal Candidate Will Also Bring • 2D and 3D CAD software (PTC Creo or similar) Microsoft PowerPoint or other presentation software, Microsoft Visio or other flow chart software • Interpreting and creating machine drawings • Product development process management (Stage-Gate or similar) • Project team leadership and management • Finite Element Analysis (FEA) • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) • Geometric Dimension and Tolerancing (GD&T) • Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) • Design for manufacturability and quality • Product performance testing • Ability to communicate technical information to diverse audiences • Ability to manage multiple competing priorities and projects • Ability to work with minimal or no supervision • Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions • The duties of this position are carried out in both a manufacturing and office environment. Incumbent may be exposed to loud operating machinery, cold temperatures, chemicals, and vapors • Requires sitting, standing, and walking. Climbing rail equipment in the field may be required • Required use of personal computer, copy machine, 3D printer, other office equipment • Required use of laboratory equipment such as autoclave, torque wrenches, calipers #LI-GP1 

Pay Range: USD 116,141.00 - 128,000.00 Annually

This position is eligible to earn a discretionary bonus based on performance metrics and other criteria outlined in our applicable bonus plan.

We consider several job-related, non-discriminatory factors when determining the pay rate for a position, including, but not limited to, the position’s responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, a candidate’s education/training, the position’s location, and the key skills needed for the position. Pay is one of the Total Rewards that we provide to compensate and recognize employees for their work.


 All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other factors prohibited by law. Fraudulent Recruiting Disclaimer: Dover Corporation and our affiliated operating companies want to alert applicants to internet job posting fraud, where parties posing as Dover employees, recruiters, or other agents, try to engage with online candidates in an attempt to steal personal and/or financial information. We do not endorse or engage in any recruitment practices that involve payment or personal information outside of our official application and hiring process. Please verify the authenticity of an invitation to apply for a job, or for a job offer by contacting us directly through our Dover and affiliated operating company websites at https://careers.dovercorporation.com/ . To learn how you can protect yourself, review our Recruitment Fraud Notice on our careers site. Attention Applicants: If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please let us know. Likewise, if you are limited in the ability to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, we will determine an alternate way for you to apply. Please contact opwaccommodations@acmecryo.com for assistance with an accommodation. Kindly specify Job Requisition Number / Job Title and Location in response.

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