Product Development

3 The Role of the Engineering Group in Product Development

First, it is important to recognize what a product development engineer does. Typically, the product engineer must have a four-year degree in engineering. The role can encompass different types of engineering. Initially, when manufacturing was a huge part of the economy, it would most likely be a mechanical or production engineer developing new products. Today, that role has expanded to include industrial engineers, computer engineers, electrical engineers, and many similar technical disciplines.

Think about your everyday products such as tools, electronics such as computers, smart TVs, and your smartphone. Larger products include your car (and its components: transmission, engine, body), the plane you fly in (Boeing, Airbus, Cessna, Piper, etc.), and common household products such as cleaning supplies, clothing, and even the food you eat are harvested or processed using machines designed by engineers.

Driving Products – the Engineering Perspective

In product development, there are a number of stakeholders that must be involved in the project. Typically, Marketing or Engineering will lead (or even co-lead) the project. Engineering is focused on designing, testing, and delivering a product. Engineering, by training, experience, and education will have a high focus on developing a high-quality product. What is quality?

There are many definitions:

Some describe it as simply meeting customer needs or expectations. Others ...