Development Engineer

Description

Company Information:

Rock Exotica (Thompson Manufacturing, Inc) was founded in 1987 by Rock Thompson, whose passion for rock climbing and inventive spirit led him to build the company from his parent’s garage with a rebuilt WWII milling machine and a groundbreaking product—the Soloist. Since then, Rock Exotica has continued to revolutionize technical equipment for professionals, staying true to its roots of innovation, safety, and quality. Proudly designed, manufactured, and assembled in Utah, USA, we remain committed to pushing boundaries while honoring the craftsmanship that started it all.
 

Join the team that’s redefining safety. At Rock Exotica, we don’t just manufacture safety and rescue equipment, we lead the industry with groundbreaking Innovation and first-to-market products Trusted by first responders, arborists, and the entertainment world. We’re looking for Dedicated individuals who value quality, precision, and the mission of helping others stay safe. If you're driven by purpose and inspired by Excellence, Rock Exotica is where your impact begins!! 

**Pre-employment Drug Screen Required** 

**Must be 18+ years of age to apply** 

We are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful workplace for all employees and customers. As part of our commitment to safety, we evaluate all candidates based on their ability to uphold our workplace standards, including the safety and well-being of those we serve. All hiring decisions are made in accordance with applicable federal and state law. 

Position Summary: Full Time; Monday through Friday 

The Development Engineer is a critical member of Rock Exotica's Research & Development group, responsible for managing the full lifecycle of New Product Introduction (NPI) from concept approval through production release. This role bridges engineering design and manufacturing execution — owning project timelines, phase gate management, product data, documentation, internal part and assembly manufacturing, and part sourcing. The Development Engineer ensures that every new product arrives on the manufacturing floor with the documentation, data, and supply chain readiness it needs to be built right the first time.  This role requires full alignment with EOS Gets It, Wants It and Capacity To Do It principles. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

NPI Project & Phase Gate Management 

• Owns and maintains NPI project timelines from design release through production launch, ensuring milestones are clearly defined, tracked, and communicated. 
• Manages the phase gate process; assembles gate review packages, tracks exit criteria, schedules reviews, and ensures all criteria are met before a project advances. 
• Identifies and escalates risks to schedule, cost, or scope proactively. 
• Serves as the primary NPI project management point of contact within R&D, coordinating across Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain. 
• Maintains NPI asset management including project files, revision histories, and program records. 
• Leads product improvement projects from initiation through release, applying the same phase gate discipline used for NPI to ensure changes are scoped, scheduled, and delivered without disrupting production. 

Documentation & Drawing Control 

• Owns drawing review and control.  Manages revision tracking, formal drawing releases, and ECO (Engineering Change Order) coordination in collaboration with Design Engineers. 
• Ensures all documentation is complete, approved, and production-ready prior to launch. 
• Drives documentation updates and ECO change management for product improvement projects, ensuring drawings, BOMs, and work instructions stay accurate and aligned with released changes. 

ERP Data Entry & Product Data Management 

• Creates and maintains part numbers, assemblies, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) in the ERP system. 
• Ensures ERP data is accurate, complete, and updated at each phase gate — including costs, lead times, and production readiness status. 
• Collaborates with the Manufacturing Engineer on ERP router development; owns all non-routing ERP data entry. 

Part Sourcing & Supply Readiness 

• Leads sourcing activities for new components — issues RFQs, coordinates supplier qualification, and manages lead time planning for NPI programs. 
• Partners with Operations and Purchasing to ensure materials are available for prototype builds, pilot runs, and production launch. 
• Supports make/buy analyses and recommends sourcing strategies for new and custom parts. 
• Manages the Approved Vendor List (AVL) for new products, ensuring second-source identification where appropriate. 

Cross-Functional Coordination 

• Collaborates closely with Design Engineers on drawing releases, BOM accuracy, and design-to-manufacturing transitions. 
• Works with the Manufacturing Engineer to align process readiness, tooling timelines, and production documentation. 
• Communicates project status, decisions, and risks to the R&D Manager and relevant stakeholders in a clear and timely manner. 
• Represents R&D on cross-functional NPI teams and project reviews. 
• Performs miscellaneous duties and special projects as assigned. 

Document Creation 

• Assists Design Engineers and Manufacturing Engineers in the creation of Part Drawings, Assembly Drawings, Work Instructions, Travelers, Tolerance Stack Analysis, DFMEA, PFMEA, and Product Test Reports. 

Requirements

Competencies:

• Strong understanding of Technical Rope Access equipment. 
• Project management discipline: ability to build, maintain, and drive timelines across multiple concurrent programs. 
• Organizational rigor: meticulous attention to detail in documentation, data entry, and revision control. 
• Cross-functional communication: able to translate between engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain stakeholders clearly and effectively. 
• ERP proficiency: comfortable owning product data in a manufacturing ERP environment. 
• Proactive problem solving: identifies and resolves issues before they become schedule risks. 
• Sense of urgency and ability to drive projects to completion. 
• Strong written communication skills: produces clear, accurate work instructions and documentation. 

Qualifications:

Required 

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field. 
• 3+ years of experience in a product development, NPI, or manufacturing engineering role. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects from concept through production launch. 
• Experience authoring manufacturing documentation including work instructions, travelers, and BOMs. 
• Proficiency with ERP systems for product data management. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 

Preferred:

• Experience in a precision machined components or hardware manufacturing environment. 
• Familiarity with formal stage-gate or phase-gate NPI processes. 
• Working knowledge of GD&T and mechanical drawings. 
• Experience with SolidWorks or similar CAD software for drawing review purposes. 
• Supplier development and sourcing experience for machined or specialty components. 
• Passion for technical products — ideally in outdoor, safety, or industrial equipment. 

Working Conditions: Work is performed in a manufacturing facility, with CNC machinery, fabrication equipment, tumbling, and other industrial equipment. The employee is regularly exposed to vibrations. Noise levels fluctuate from moderate to high requiring ear protection. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must wear appropriate personal safety protection equipment. This equipment will vary based upon the work location and type of work being performed but often will include safety glasses, closed-toed/heeled shoes, and sometimes may include protective clothing. Office spaces are generally climate controlled.

Physical Requirements:

• Frequent use of computers and office tools for extended periods. 
• Regular movement between office and manufacturing floor environments. 
• Occasional standing, walking, and handling of product samples or prototype hardware. 
• Occasional lifting of items up to 25 pounds. 
• Repetitive hand and wrist motions while office equipment? 
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, reach above and below desk level, talk, hear and communicate accurate information.
• Observe details at a close range
• Moves items and products weighing up to 30 pounds across short distances
• Easily move from place to place in a manufacturing facility
• Adhere to all safety and quality requireements
• Ability to pass pre-employment &?random drug screenings

*Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.  

Benefits and Perks:

• Medical, Dental, Vision eligible first date of following month hired 
• Health Savings Account 
• Paid Time Off 
• Company provided Short Term Disability and Long-Term Disability 
• Company provided Life Insurance 
• Industry Discounts 
• Simple IRA Plan with Company 3% Match 
• Professional Development Assistance 
• Tuition Reimbursement 
• Paid Parental Leave (4 weeks after one year of employment) 
• Referral Program 
• Employee Assistance Program 

Disclaimer:

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this classification. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.

By applying for this role, iacknowledge that I have read and understand the duties, responsibilities, competencies, disclaimer and other requirements as outlined in this job description.