Development Engineering Tech II

We are people powered - by makers, problem-solvers, and leaders who elevate everything they do. Guided by our core values and a relentless pursuit of better, we continue to set the bar for premium.

Start your Benchmade career today!

Job Summary

The Development Engineering Tech II - Product Development is a key contributor within the Advanced Prototyping Team, supporting product-class-focused Category Managers, Design Engineers, Development Engineers, and Industrial Designers. This role operates within the company’s Ambidextrous Organization Model, enabling the rapid creation, validation, and optimization of bold, manufacturable product concepts that support 50%+ net-new innovation across the portfolio.

Reporting to the Advanced Prototyping Manager, the Engineering Development Technician plays a critical role in accelerating time to market by transforming early-stage designs into physical, testable prototypes. This role is responsible for machining precision components, validating fixtures and tooling, supporting manufacturability feedback, and collaborating cross-functionally to refine both product and process.

This technician is also expected to mentor junior development technicians, contribute to cross-team learning, and embody a culture of bold experimentation, continuous learning, and technical excellence.

Essential Job Functions

Prototype Fabrication & Validation

• Set up and operate CNC machines for early-phase product development; inspect parts, make offsets, and apply program updates to meet cosmetic and dimensional specifications.

• Operate Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) to validate tolerances and dimensional accuracy; collaborate with IQA and programmers to interpret results and inform standards.

• Fabricate fixtures, components, and test samples in collaboration with Design and Manufacturing Engineers.

• Provide iterative feedback during prototyping cycles to improve manufacturability and reduce time to validation.

Process & Fixture Development

• Validate prototype and production tooling, providing feedback for standardization and repeatability.

• Write standard work instructions and contribute to structured documentation of new processes.

• Maintain tooling and fixture inventories and coordinate ordering within areas of ownership.

• Participate in DFM (Design for Manufacturability) reviews and help identify opportunities for design improvement.

Collaboration & Innovation Support

• Work closely with category-aligned engineering teams to support New Product Introduction (NPI) goals, rapid prototyping, and early-stage feasibility.

• Support the development and execution of concept builds, SMUs, and channel-specific solutions.

• Share technical learnings, prototype results, and process improvements across broader technical teams.

• Assist in troubleshooting product development and pre-production builds, balancing quality, cost, and timing constraints.

Mentorship & Team Culture

• Mentor and coach junior development technicians to build skill depth and support team performance.

• Support continuous improvement efforts across the prototyping and NPI pipeline.

• Promote a mindset of curiosity, resilience, and accountability-embracing failure as a path to learning.

• Creative thinking approach to finding solutions that fit product form fit and function

• Maintain a service-oriented approach to enabling product team success through fast, high-quality technical execution.

Key Innovation Metrics Supported in this role

• Time to Prototype: Cycle time from concept brief to validated prototype

• Innovation Output: % of net-new concepts advancing to Phase Gate / Concept Review

• Learning Velocity: Number of concepts iterated through fast-fail cycles

• Prototype Quality: Cosmetic, dimensional, and functional validation performance

• Speed to market: Drive speed, clarity, and accountability in early-phase product development

Qualifications

• 3-4 years of CNC machining experience in a prototyping or product development environment

• Full capability to read and interpret G-code

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required

• Proficient in CAM software (MasterCAM preferred) and working knowledge of precision machining of aluminum, steels, and composites

• Experience with CMM programming and dimensional analysis preferred

• Strong understanding of machine shop equipment, tooling setups, and process troubleshooting

• Experience with interpreting technical drawings, GD&T, and using precision inspection instruments

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adjust priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience w/standard manufacturing documentation tools preferred

• Excellent mechanical aptitude with a ‘hands on’ approach to resolving challenges

• Strong communication, problem-solving, and mentorship skills

• Self-motivated, highly collaborative, and service-minded with a “get it done” attitude

Working Condition s

• Working Environment: Office Position

• Physical Demands: -Lifting up to 25 lbs. -Sitting and talking on the phone for long periods of time. -Data entry for long periods of time.

• Travel Requirements: As needed, less than 5% of the time.