Lead Product Engineer

Job DetailsJob Location: Richards Industrials - Cincinnati, OH 45209Position Type: Full TimeLead Product Engineer

Location:              Cincinnati, Ohio 

Reports to:          Director of Engineering & Quality

 

The Position:

We are seeking highly motivated results driven Lead Product Engineer to shape the future of Richards’ pressure regulators, control valves, and hygienic product platform through customer driven innovation and new product development. This is a unique opportunity to own the development of next-generation products serving high-growth markets including pharmaceutical, semiconductor, datacenter, food & beverage, and industrial applications.  You will work directly with customers, influence product strategy, and drive new product development from concept through launch.  This role focuses on new product development (NPD), innovation, application expansion, and delivers solutions that move our customers and business forward.  If you enjoy solving complex engineering challenges, creating products that deliver real customer value, and making a visible impact on business growth, we want to hear from you. 

The Lead Product Engineer will focus on:


Drive concept to launch for next gen control valves, regulators, and hygienic solutions
Lead fast cycle NPD focused on customer value creation, business growth, and improved product performance



Build and deploy modern digital sizing & selection tools for regulators and control valves
Lead value engineering upgrades to core platforms (e.g., Steriflow Clean Gas Regulators, Jordan Sliding Gate)



Apply modern engineering tools including simulation, automation, AI-assisted engineering workflows, and digital product selection technologies to accelerate innovation and improve customer experience.
Develop a structured troubleshooting and knowledge base for Value Stream teams, Inside / Outside Sales 
Elevate engineering standards, design control, and documentation quality



Improve lab assets, data acquisition, and validation processes
Strengthen test repeatability, automation, and reporting



Customer visits to gather insights on developing innovative solutions for value creation


What Success Looks Like:


Increased NPD vitality, successful commercialization of new products, and measurable revenue growth from customer-centered innovation.
Modernized sizing tools that improve speed, accuracy, and user experience.



Value Analysis and Value Engineering on legacy platforms delivering margin improvements.
Expanded product capabilities.
A more capable and efficient engineering lab.
Visible presence and influence in industry standards organizations.
Fast, accurate support that improved internal and external customer experience.


Qualifications Include: 


Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Industrial, Mechatronics, or Manufacturing Engineering  
7 + years of valves, regulators, control valves, or related comparable industry experience from precision manufactured products
Proven ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, customers, suppliers, research partners, and regulatory agencies 
Experience with fluid control products, process equipment, industrial automation, valves, regulators, or related engineered products is a plus but not required
Experience developing products for regulated industrial applications. 
Experience in gas regulators, control valves, on off, and valve automation a plus 
Knowledge of ISO, ASME, API standards 
Proficiency in FMEA, CAD/CAE, Solidworks
Demonstrated ability to lead and drive execution with cross functional teams on assigned New Product Development projects, and business growth initiatives 


 

Why would this role be exciting for me?


As a key member of our engineering team, you'll work closely with product and sales teams to identify market opportunities, collaborate directly with customers, and lead the development of innovative solutions that strengthen Richards' position as a leader in fluid control technology.
Lead innovation for products serving fast-growing industries including semiconductor, pharmaceuticals, and data center markets.
Enjoy significant visibility and influence product strategy and business growth. 
Build solutions that solve critical customer challenges around the world.
Join a profitable, growing company that invests in engineering, NPD, and career development 
Work with a talented team committed to excellence and continuous improvement
Being part of a company that gives back to the community through philanthropy and service


 

Company Profile: 

Richards Industrials, founded in 1961, is a manufacturer of pressure regulators, control valves, and other fluid control products, known by our customers for high quality products, great customer service, and fast & reliable deliveries.  Our products are marketed under a series of distinct bra