Junior Product Development Engineer

Junior Product Development Engineer
Hybrid (Hillside, IL)
Part-time with the potential to transition to Full-time

About Us: We are an award-winning, Chicago-based company focused on designing and manufacturing premium coffee grinders for the specialty coffee industry. Our products combine precision engineering, industrial design, and hands-on craftsmanship to create exceptional tools for coffee enthusiasts around the world. We are a small team that values curiosity, continuous improvement, attention to detail, and thoughtful product development.
About the Role:
We are seeking a hands-on Junior Product Development Engineer to work directly with the product team on current and future product development initiatives.
This role blends product engineering, prototyping, manufacturing support, quality assurance, and design collaboration. You will help refine existing products, develop new products and accessories, and support projects from prototype through production. The ideal candidate enjoys solving practical problems, working with physical products, and learning how products move from concept to production.
Key Responsibilities:
Product Development & Prototyping
Support the development and refinement of new products and accessories
Build, test, and refine prototypes, product concepts, and manufacturing techniques
Document testing results, observations, and recommended improvements
Participate in brainstorming, design reviews, and product improvement discussions
CAD & Documentation
Create and revise CAD models, technical drawings, and engineering documentation
Prepare production files and documentation for manufacturers and suppliers
Maintain organized project files, engineering documentation, and development records
Manufacturing & Quality
Review products, components, and assemblies for quality, fitment, and consistency
Identify opportunities for assembly, manufacturing, and process improvements
Assist with sourcing components and materials for prototypes and production
Learn product assembly and disassembly procedures to support product understanding and continuous improvement
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Communicate product features, specifications, and technical requirements with suppliers and contract manufacturers
Work with internal teams to review manuals and technical documentation
Who You Are:
Strong interest in product development and manufacturing
Experience with CAD software (Fusion 360 is a plus) and technical drawing creation
Strong problem-solving and mechanical aptitude
Comfortable working hands-on with prototypes, tools, and assemblies
Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
Strong communication and collaboration abilities
Self-motivated and eager to learn and grow
Comfortable working in a small, collaborative environment where priorities may evolve as projects develop
Interest in specialty coffee
Nice to Have:
Experience with prototyping or 3D printing
Familiarity with manufacturing processes and DFM principles
Understanding of materials and mechanical systems
Experience with consumer products or hardware development
Degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field
Why You’ll Love This Role:
Direct mentorship and collaboration with the founders
Hands-on experience across the full product development lifecycle
Exposure to R&D, manufacturing, prototyping, QA, and product engineering
Opportunity to contribute meaningfully to globally recognized products
Experience inside a fast-growing, design-driven consumer hardware company

Ready to help develop products used by coffee enthusiasts around the world? Email joinus@zerno.co with your resume, portfolio (if applicable), and a brief note about why you're interested in the role.
Show more Show less