Product Planning Engineer- CNC Milling & Turning

Job Title: Product Planning Engineer - Turning & Milling

Location: Schaumburg, IL 60173
Employment Type: Full-Time

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly analytical and strategic Product Planning Engineer to lead product planning initiatives for our Turning and Milling business lines. This role is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive product strategies aligned with market demands and customer needs. The ideal candidate will drive market research, define product and technology roadmaps, coordinate cross-functional collaboration, and support successful product launches to optimize performance, sales growth, and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth market research to analyze industry trends, competitive landscape, and customer requirements to identify product opportunities and potential risks.

• Gather and interpret customer insights through surveys, interviews, and data analysis to drive product enhancements and feature development.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, Application Engineering (AE), Automation, and Customer Service (CS) to align product strategy and integrate customer feedback into development processes.

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive product and technology roadmap, prioritizing initiatives based on market demand and business objectives.

• Lead the product development lifecycle by providing strategic guidance and ensuring alignment with business goals.

• Plan and execute product launches, including go-to-market strategies, sales enablement, customer onboarding, and preparation of supporting materials (technical manuals, quotations, training documentation, etc.).

• Monitor product launch performance, analyze key metrics, and adjust strategies to improve outcomes.

• Lead global product launch initiatives while ensuring successful local market implementation.

• Evaluate supplier tooling costs, production lead times, and unit economics to assess financial impact and support decision-making.

• Develop pricing strategies, forecast revenue, and track performance metrics to maximize profitability and sales effectiveness.

• Maintain strong collaboration with global headquarters and participate in international product planning conferences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent technical experience.

• Strong knowledge of the Machine Tool Industry is required.

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in product planning, product management, or related roles.

• Proven ability to evaluate and implement product development strategies within the United States market.

• Strong professional networking skills to stay aligned with best-in-class manufacturing practices.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.

• 401(k) retirement plan.

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.

• Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability coverage.

• Paid Time Off (vacation, sick leave, and holidays).

• Employee Referral Program.