Product Engineering Firm
RKS is a product engineering firm based in California that focuses on human-centered processes.
Product Engineering Services
About RKS
As a leading product engineering firm and design and development company, we use our human-centered methodology to solve any engineering challenge. Whether creating new products and services or improving existing ones, we assist at all stages of a product’s life cycle. Our cross-disciplinary specialists, researchers, designers, and engineers leverage their deep understanding of multiple industries and technologies to spark creative and innovative solutions. With our in-house CNC and prototyping capabilities, RKS is a unique full-service product design firm that handles the needs of any type of project with quick and efficient turnaround.
Our product engineering team takes a design solution and prepares it for manufacturing and launch. Our expertise and engineering services include CAD development, BOM creation, CTF drawings, prototyping, and testing as well as mechanical problem-solving, materials selection sourcing, and manufacturing support. Our approach is integrative. Because we are also a design and development firm, our engineering team takes a holistic view of all projects. This view enables us to uniquely engineer designs so that can be scaled on a cost-effective basis to ensure profitability and success. While our experience spans global companies that include many of the Fortune 500, we also work with startups to engineer challenging new concepts or ideas.
Clients that have moved with us
Product Engineering Design
The engineering design process is a common series of steps that engineers use in product engineering. These series of steps guide our teams as we solve complex problems. The steps are iterative, meaning that we repeat the steps as many times as needed, making improvements along the way as we learn from failure and uncover new possibilities to arrive at improved solutions. The
overarching principle of the engineering design process is teamwork and strong technical capabilities. Years of experience working together enables our team to brainstorm ideas, apply new and existing concepts, test prototypes and analyze data—and aim for creativity and practicality in our solutions.
CAD
Computer-aided design (CAD) is one of the many tools used by our engineers and designers to engineer products and solve complex problems. Solving complex problems requires a combination of organization, analysis, problem solving principles and a graphical representation of the problem. With CAD software, it’s possible to create solutions in a virtual space, letting our team visualize attributes like height, width, distance, material, or color before a design is used for a particular application. Our experience spans the spectrum of CAD software from 2D CAD, to 3D CAD and solid modeling. In the product engineering process, CAD allows us to respond to solve problems, and respond to new information in our designs early on.
Engineering Testing
Our engineers test a product to determine whether it meets specifications and create the processes that test the product. From beginning to end of product engineering our engineers develop test programs and create QC documentation, perform testing, log test results, and analyze and track defects identified in testing. Before conducting the tests, our engineers develop test protocols to anticipate performance, determine timing and cost required to execute test programs, and determine resource and equipment needs to conduct testing. While testing our engineers maintain accurate documentation for executed test programs and investigate test problems and implement solutions. After testing, our engineers prepare failure analysis reports and provide corrective actions and recommend design revisions based on test data to meet expected performance. Some of these many tests include: the in-circuit test (ICT), stand-alone JTAG test, automated x-ray inspection (AXI), automated optical inspection (AOI) test, (Board) functional test (BFT/FT), burn-in test, environmental stress screening (ESS) test, and system test (ST).
Compliance and Regulatory
Our product engineering team works around compliance requirements that are often imposed by governmental organizations, industry associations, and companies themselves. Often these requirements create minimum specifications for the form, function, and technologies used in a product. Fortunately, we can rely on our deep understanding of compliance issues and years of experience to find best-in-class solutions to each compliance requirement. Some examples include FDA certification, CLIA Certification, ISO and 13485 Compliance, and European Medical Devices Regulation (MDR). We support and adhere to standards that our clients and their regulatory partners define as they navigate these issues during the entire process.
Materials Science
Successful design to manufacturing require understanding of materials science and engineering. Materials science is the relationship between a material’s composition, microstructure, and properties and the effects of manufacturing on a material’s microstructure. Materials engineering is the task of applying materials science knowledge to the creation of products and manufacturing designs. In many cases, up to 70% of the cost to make a product is its materials. Therefore, whether a product meets all its performance, reliability, and cost requirements depends on whether a team selects the appropriate materials and implements them correctly. An understanding of materials science and engineering enables selection of materials that have been optimized to meet performance, reliability, and cost.
Key Attractors
Once we synthesize our research, we can create insights that will make their way into the product. By identifying repeating patterns of desire in the personas, we are able to define what is most important to each individual. We call these patterns of desire Key Attractors, and we can turn them into considerations to motivate the product design. These Key Attractors will motivate us to choose specific design features, touchpoints, haptics, and emotional responses that engage particular target groups. They will continue to provide guidance throughout the design process and can be evaluated against competitive offerings to ensure the creation of unique products and services that successfully differentiate in the market.
Patent Protection
New engineering designs require robust patent protections. We have filed hundreds of utility patents for our clients. We offer patent services for every engineering and development project. Our data protection and procedures ensure that the rights of our clients and their company are protected. Often our engineering design product valuable and game-changing innovations. These innovations can change a company dramatically, and we take our responsibility of protecting these sources of growth seriously.
Engineering Methods
We utilize a combination of tried and true engineering methods and emergent technologies that give us a unique advantage in product engineering. While prototyping is a cornerstone of our work, new 3D printing methods allow us to quickly create life-like models that can be used to solve problems and make adjustments early on that are costly when done later. At the same time, our systems
engineering methods incorporate traditional understandings of systems integration and of organization-wide technologies driving innovation like hybrid-cloud, AI/ML, and IoT. Ultimately, our decades of experience are used to apply best practices to every project and maintain enough flexibility to incorporate new ones as needed.
Rapid Development Prototypes
Prototypes are routinely used as part of the product engineering process to give engineers and designers the ability to explore design alternatives, test theories, and confirm performance prior to starting production of a new product. Almost every project uses prototypes in some way. A prototype is a working model of a product that is used for testing before it is manufactured. Prototypes help our designers learn about the manufacturing of a product, how people will use the product, and how the product could fail or break. A prototype is not the same thing as a model. A model is used to demonstrate or explain how a product will look or function. A prototype is used to test different working aspects of a product before the design is finalized.
3D Printing
3D printing is the key technology that enables rapid prototyping. Also called additive manufacturing, 3D printing is used to make three dimensional solid objects from a digital file. In the 3D printing machine a prototype is created by laying down successive layers of material until the object is created. Each of these layers can be seen as a thinly sliced horizontal cross-section of the eventual object. From shorter lead times in prototyping to the creation of complex internal structures, additive manufacturing can offer a big advantage over more traditional processes. 3D printing allows our engineers and designers to create as many variations as necessary of a product or part while adapting its shape and detail, without affecting the cost of the process. As a result, 3D printing allows us to get early feedback and reviews for quality, adaptation, and adjustments. Changes cost more the later they occur and 3D printing reduces this risk.
System Engineering
Product Engineering requires an interdisciplinary approach that includes an analysis of the product and its related elements such as production, maintenance, support, logistics, phase-out, and disposal These activities are necessary to the realization of the system and the longevity of the product. The proper application of systems engineering, and analysis ensures the timely and balanced use of human, financial, and technological assets, and technology investments to minimize problems, harmonize overall results, and maximize customer satisfaction and company objectives. Product systems engineering helps develop the end-to-end analysis of products and their sub-systems, which includes determining the overall scope of needs for the system, defining product and system requirements, and considering all interactions between the different elements of the system.
Vendors and Materials Sourcing
In the product engineering process, our engineers evaluate, and source proposed materials and manufacturing partners based on the needs of the clients in regard to scale, budget, geographic location, and other factors that will drive decision making. Using our established relationships we often have unique access to materials, materials supply, and a range of manufacturers that cater to various categoires. Our suppliers can often be a great source of innovative ideas for future products. Through close relationships, our suppliers have the freedom to support engineering and innovation efforts that can result in a competitive advantage for both our clients and the supplier. More often than not our diverse set of relationships allows us to compare costs and have a backup option if one of our suppliers isn’t able to perform.
Manufacturing Engineering Support
Our clients often seek to leverage our deep experience in moving a product from engineering to production. Our manufacturing support services connect our clients and suppliers, with our manufacturer partners to support specific all or parts of the process. Our support can be end-to-end or targeted. At the outset, we can help our clients find the right manufacturers for their products. Our in-plant line side replenishment helps with coordinating the delivery of the required parts and materials to the production location, usually sequenced to the required specifications. This service frees up the cost of storing inputs and products themselves. We can also assist sourcing the sub-assembly and parts configuration used in a manufacturer’s products, reducing labor and storage costs. We also offer “post-production” services such as packaging design and sourcing that removes the burden of work from the manufacturer and client. Ultimately, our support is designed to create processes that minimize sourcing costs and lead times of products at each stage of the manufacturing supply chain.
Industries and Markets
We have decades of experience bringing our product engineering competencies to various industries and markets. Our experience in product engineering and tools, as well as our long-term relationships with suppliers and manufacturers allow us to work across industries. We have deep experience in the medical, consumer, and industrial product engineering. We have run the
gamut of consumer products for worldwide markets and millions of shipments to specialized medical products for a small targeted market. Though there are common challenges for each industry, each project brings its own unique challenges and opportunities. We approach each challenge with the same experience and skills that enabled us to create lasting value for our clients.
Consumer Product Engineering
We’ve worked with hundreds of companies to bring their consumer product designs to life through our product engineering expertise. Our experience with consumer engineering ranges from guitar amplifiers, to children’s toys, and everything in between. In each case we bring concepts to life by using our competencies in design and development to turn concepts into production-ready designs. Consumer engineering projects are unique from other engineering projects such as medical products or industrial products because they usually are sold directly to their end user and sold at scale globally. Engineering decisions must take into the account the potentially global nature of the supply chain, as well as the potentially wide variety of customers.
Medical Device Engineering
Medical companies trust us to create and update some of some of their most important designs to achieve business goals. We’ve engineered devices and products for medical device companies from various industries from genomics to dentistry. Medical devices are used in often heavily regulated industries that require layers of approvals and exacting specifications. Moreover, multiple stakeholders are often included in the decisions to purchase a new product or device. These stakeholders have their own needs and compliance requirements. Our expertise in working with companies in the medical industry allows us to take into consideration these diverse stakeholder requirements throughout the entire engineering process, and throughout the design, development, concept, prototyping, and production processes.
Industrial Product Engineering
Over the years we have developed and implemented work in and with installations, accessories, manufactured parts, and supplies and consumables. For each type of industrial product we’ve worked in various industries, such as automotive, semiconductors, banking, technology, as well as general sustainability across production. Industrial products often demand lower tolerances, because they are used in high-velocity, high-pressure, and/or six-sigma environments. These environments require engineering that is durable, ergonomic, and efficient. Our engineering and development process accounts for both the demanding user requirements of industrial products and their demanding cost requirements.
Digital Development
Digital permeates every new product as a key feature or as an important concern due to the integrated systems where the product is being used. At the same, product engineering usually includes some type of software engineering. Product designs and the services they provide are reflected in the interplay between hardware and software. Software increasingly unlocks the capabilities of hardware to deliver long-term value to customers. At the same time, newly engineered designs must take into account the technologies and trends that are turning everyday objects into supercomputers and/or connected sensors. Our experience with Cloud, AI/ML, IoT, Mobile and Web, as well as UX/UI enable us to engineer software that considers the digital requirements of products. Ultimately, our experience allows us to create solutions that use digital to increase useful life.
Open Innovation Services
We believe that the future belongs to those who create it. Our expertise can be applied to industries that exist and it can be used to create new ones. The design, development, and engineering of a product often leverages the existing knowledge and technologies of the present but applies them in a unique way. We have been engaged by clients to oversee the design and development of work that redefines categories. Clients often bring us a new idea, or an idea for a technology and we find a way to engineering it. We take this idea and apply decades of experience to the design, engineering, and development of the idea. Our company does not shy away from hard project, in fact we embrace them.
FAQ's
What does product engineering include?
Product Engineering is a highly collaborative process that includes cross-functional collaboration between designers, researchers, and engineers. The product engineering process typically begins with a concept or idea, which is then refined and tested through various stages until it is ready for mass production and distribution.
The first step in the product design engineering process is design. At RKS this involves using Psycho-Aesthetics™ to identify the needs and desires of the target market, as well as the product’s unique selling points and differentiators. This phase also involves identifying potential materials and manufacturing processes that will be used to create the product.
Once the concept has been defined, the next step is to create a detailed design of the product. This typically involves using computer-aided design (CAD) software to create a 3D model of the product. The design process also involves defining the product’s dimensions, functionality, and other key characteristics.
Once the product’s design has been finalized, the next step is to create prototypes for testing. These prototypes are used to evaluate the product’s performance and identify any potential problems or issues that need to be addressed. This phase may also involve testing the product’s design under a range of different conditions, such as different temperature and humidity levels, to ensure that it is able to withstand the demands of real-world use.
Once the product has been prototyped and tested, the next step is to prepare it for mass production. This typically involves creating detailed manufacturing plans and processes, as well as identifying and procuring the materials and components that will be used to create the product.
Throughout the product design engineering process, product designers must work closely with other teams and departments, such as research and development, marketing, and sales, to ensure that the product meets the needs and expectations of the target market. This may involve conducting market research and gathering feedback from potential customers to help inform the product’s design and development. In addition to the activities described above, product design engineering may also involve identifying and implementing new technologies and manufacturing processes that can improve the product’s performance or reduce its cost. This may involve working with suppliers, vendors, and other partners to identify and develop new materials and technologies that can be used in the product’s design and manufacturing. Product design engineering is a complex and multi-faceted field that involves a range of activities and disciplines. It requires a deep understanding of market needs and trends, as well as technical expertise in areas such as CAD design and manufacturing processes. By combining these skills and working closely with other teams and departments, product design engineers are able to create innovative and successful products that meet the needs and expectations of consumers.
Throughout the product design engineering process, product designers must work closely with other teams and departments, such as research and development, marketing, and sales, to ensure that the product meets the needs and expectations of the target market. This may involve conducting market research and gathering feedback from potential customers to help inform the product’s design and development. In addition to the activities described above, product design engineering may also involve identifying and implementing new technologies and manufacturing processes that can improve the product’s performance or reduce its cost. This may involve working with suppliers, vendors, and other partners to identify and develop new materials and technologies that can be used in the product’s design and manufacturing. Product design engineering is a complex and multi-faceted field that involves a range of activities and disciplines. It requires a deep understanding of market needs and trends, as well as technical expertise in areas such as CAD design and manufacturing processes. By combining these skills and working closely with other teams and departments, product design engineers are able to create innovative and successful products that meet the needs and expectations of consumers.
What is product design in mechanical engineering?
Product design in mechanical engineering is the process of creating and developing ideas for mechanical products and systems. This involves a combination of engineering principles, design techniques, and creative thinking to come up with innovative solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Mechanical engineers are responsible for designing and developing a wide range of products, from small components like screws and gears to complex systems like engines and machines. In order to do this effectively, they must have a deep understanding of the principles of mechanics, materials science, and manufacturing processes. The product design process in mechanical engineering typically begins with identifying a need or problem that needs to be solved. This could be something as simple as a more efficient way to open a jar, or as complex as designing a new type of airplane engine. Once a need has been identified, the mechanical engineer will conduct research and develop a number of potential solutions. This may involve testing different materials, creating prototypes, and conducting simulations to evaluate the performance and reliability of different designs. Once a solution has been selected, the mechanical engineer will create detailed technical drawings and specifications that can be used to manufacture the product. This may involve working with other engineers, designers, and manufacturing experts to ensure that the product can be produced efficiently and cost-effectively. In addition to technical considerations, product design in mechanical engineering also involves considering the aesthetic and ergonomic aspects of the product. Mechanical engineers must be able to create designs that are visually appealing, easy to use, and comfortable to hold or operate.
Product design in mechanical engineering is a complex and challenging process that requires a deep understanding of engineering principles, design techniques, and manufacturing processes. It is a critical part of the development of many of the products that we use in our daily lives, and it requires a combination of technical expertise, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Mechanical engineers are responsible for designing and developing a wide range of products, from small components like screws and gears to complex systems like engines and machines. In order to do this effectively, they must have a deep understanding of the principles of mechanics, materials science, and manufacturing processes. The product design process in mechanical engineering typically begins with identifying a need or problem that needs to be solved. This could be something as simple as a more efficient way to open a jar, or as complex as designing a new type of airplane engine. Once a need has been identified, the mechanical engineer will conduct research and develop a number of potential solutions. This may involve testing different materials, creating prototypes, and conducting simulations to evaluate the performance and reliability of different designs. Once a solution has been selected, the mechanical engineer will create detailed technical drawings and specifications that can be used to manufacture the product. This may involve working with other engineers, designers, and manufacturing experts to ensure that the product can be produced efficiently and cost-effectively. In addition to technical considerations, product design in mechanical engineering also involves considering the aesthetic and ergonomic aspects of the product. Mechanical engineers must be able to create designs that are visually appealing, easy to use, and comfortable to hold or operate.
Product design in mechanical engineering is a complex and challenging process that requires a deep understanding of engineering principles, design techniques, and manufacturing processes. It is a critical part of the development of many of the products that we use in our daily lives, and it requires a combination of technical expertise, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
What is the difference between product design and product engineering?
Product design is the process of creating a new product or improving upon an existing one. It involves researching, conceptualizing, and developing ideas for a product that meets the needs and wants of the target audience. This process typically involves brainstorming sessions, sketching out ideas, creating prototypes, and conducting user testing to ensure the product is functional and appealing to customers.
Product design engineering, on the other hand, focuses on the technical aspect of product design. It involves the application of engineering principles and techniques to the design process. This includes analyzing the product’s functionality and performance, as well as determining the materials and manufacturing methods needed to produce the product. Product design engineers are responsible for ensuring that the product can be manufactured efficiently and meets all safety and regulatory requirements.
One key difference between product design and product design engineering is the focus of each discipline. Product design is more focused on the user experience and aesthetic appeal of the product, while product design engineering focuses on the technical aspects of the design and how it can be efficiently manufactured.
Another difference is the skill sets required for each discipline. Product designers typically have a background in design or a related field, such as industrial design or graphic design. They may have expertise in areas such as user research, sketching, prototyping, and user testing. Product design engineers, on the other hand, typically have a background in engineering, such as mechanical or electrical engineering. They may have expertise in areas such as materials science, manufacturing processes, and engineering analysis.
In many cases, product design and product design engineering overlap and work together to create a successful product. For example, a product designer may create a concept for a new phone, and a product design engineer may work on the technical aspects of the design, such as determining the materials and manufacturing processes needed to produce the phone.
The main difference between product design and product design engineering is their focus and skill sets. Product design focuses on the user experience and aesthetic appeal of the product, while product design engineering focuses on the technical aspects of the design and its manufacturing feasibility. Both disciplines play a crucial role in the product development process and often work together to create successful products.
In many cases, product design and product design engineering overlap and work together to create a successful product. For example, a product designer may create a concept for a new phone, and a product design engineer may work on the technical aspects of the design, such as determining the materials and manufacturing processes needed to produce the phone.
The main difference between product design and product design engineering is their focus and skill sets. Product design focuses on the user experience and aesthetic appeal of the product, while product design engineering focuses on the technical aspects of the design and its manufacturing feasibility. Both disciplines play a crucial role in the product development process and often work together to create successful products.
How do you become a design engineer?
Becoming a design engineer requires a combination of education, experience, and skill. The first step to becoming a design engineer is usually to obtain a bachelor’s degree in a field such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or industrial design. This degree will provide you with a solid foundation in engineering principles and design methods, as well as a general understanding of the various fields of engineering.
After earning your bachelor’s degree, it is important to gain experience in the field through internships or entry-level positions. This will give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in a real-world setting, while also gaining valuable hands-on experience.
In addition to education and experience, design engineers must possess certain skills and abilities. These include problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and attention to detail. Design engineers must be able to think logically and systematically, as well as being able to visualize and communicate their ideas effectively. Once you have gained experience and honed your skills, you may want to consider earning a master’s degree in engineering or a related field. This advanced degree will provide you with additional knowledge and skills, as well as increasing your marketability and earning potential.
To become a design engineer, it is also important to stay up-to-date with the latest technology and trends in the field. This may involve attending conferences and workshops, joining professional organizations, and staying current with industry publications.
Finally, becoming a design engineer requires dedication, hard work, and a passion for engineering and design. With the right education, experience, skills, and attitude, you can succeed in this rewarding and challenging field.
After earning your bachelor’s degree, it is important to gain experience in the field through internships or entry-level positions. This will give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in a real-world setting, while also gaining valuable hands-on experience.
In addition to education and experience, design engineers must possess certain skills and abilities. These include problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and attention to detail. Design engineers must be able to think logically and systematically, as well as being able to visualize and communicate their ideas effectively. Once you have gained experience and honed your skills, you may want to consider earning a master’s degree in engineering or a related field. This advanced degree will provide you with additional knowledge and skills, as well as increasing your marketability and earning potential.
To become a design engineer, it is also important to stay up-to-date with the latest technology and trends in the field. This may involve attending conferences and workshops, joining professional organizations, and staying current with industry publications.
Finally, becoming a design engineer requires dedication, hard work, and a passion for engineering and design. With the right education, experience, skills, and attitude, you can succeed in this rewarding and challenging field.
What is a product engineering firm?
A product engineering firm is a professional service organization that specializes in providing product development and engineering services to clients in various industries. These firms offer a range of services, including product design, prototyping, testing, and production support, to help clients bring their products to market. Product engineering firms work with a variety of clients, including manufacturers, startups, and established companies, to help them create innovative and competitive products. The product development process is typically a collaborative effort between the product engineering firm and the client, involving input and feedback from multiple stakeholders, including industrial designers, engineers, marketers, and manufacturers.
A product engineering firm provides a range of technical and engineering services, including mechanical design and engineering, electrical engineering, software development, and quality assurance. By combining expertise in product development and engineering with a deep understanding of industry trends and customer preferences, a product engineering firm can help clients create products that meet the needs of their customers and succeed in the marketplace. Whether working on a new product concept or improving an existing product, a product engineering firm provides valuable support and expertise to help clients bring their ideas to life.
What is product engineering?
Product engineering is the process of designing, developing, and testing a product to meet specific requirements and standards. It involves various stages such as ideation, prototyping, testing, and final production. This process is vital for bringing new products to the market, improving existing products, and creating innovative solutions that meet customer needs.
At its core, product engineering is about creating products that are high-quality, reliable, and user-friendly. It requires a deep understanding of the product’s intended users, the problem it’s trying to solve, and the technical specifications required to make it work. A successful product engineering process involves collaboration between designers, engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure that the product meets all necessary requirements.
Product Engineering Project Spotlight
Cue
Truly wireless headphones with hybrid driver technology for uncompromised sound.
Baby Barista
The perfect baby bottle at the perfect temperature.
FloWater
A more premium, refreshing, and sustainable alternative to disposable water bottles.
Experience more of our Product Engineering Work.
Product Engineering Firm
RKS is a product engineering firm based in California that focuses on human-centered processes.
About RKS
As a leading product engineering firm and design and development company, we use our human-centered methodology to solve any engineering challenge. Whether creating new products and services or improving existing ones, we assist at all stages of a product’s life cycle. Our cross-disciplinary specialists, researchers, designers, and engineers leverage their deep understanding of multiple industries and technologies to spark creative and innovative solutions. With our in-house CNC and prototyping capabilities, RKS is a unique full-service product design firm that handles the needs of any type of project with quick and efficient turnaround.
Our product engineering team takes a design solution and prepares it for manufacturing and launch. Our expertise and engineering services include CAD development, BOM creation, CTF drawings, prototyping, and testing as well as mechanical problem-solving, materials selection sourcing, and manufacturing support. Our approach is integrative. Because we are also a design and development firm, our engineering team takes a holistic view of all projects. This view enables us to uniquely engineer designs so that can be scaled on a cost-effective basis to ensure profitability and success. While our experience spans global companies that include many of the Fortune 500, we also work with startups to engineer challenging new concepts or ideas.
Clients that have moved with us
Product Engineering Design
The engineering design process is a common series of steps that engineers use in product engineering. These series of steps guide our teams as we solve complex problems. The steps are iterative, meaning that we repeat the steps as many times as needed, making improvements along the way as we learn from failure and uncover new possibilities to arrive at improved solutions. The overarching principle of the engineering design process is teamwork and strong technical capabilities. Years of experience working together enables our team to brainstorm ideas, apply new and existing concepts, test prototypes and analyze data—and aim for creativity and practicality in our solutions.
CAD
Computer-aided design (CAD) is one of the many tools used by our engineers and designers to engineer products and solve complex problems. Solving complex problems requires a combination of organization, analysis, problem solving principles and a graphical representation of the problem. With CAD software, it’s possible to create solutions in a virtual space, letting our team visualize attributes like height, width, distance, material, or color before a design is used for a particular application. Our experience spans the spectrum of CAD software from 2D CAD, to 3D CAD and solid modeling. In the product engineering process, CAD allows us to respond to solve problems, and respond to new information in our designs early on.
Engineering Testing
Our engineers test a product to determine whether it meets specifications and create the processes that test the product. From beginning to end of product engineering our engineers develop test programs and create QC documentation, perform testing, log test results, and analyze and track defects identified in testing. Before conducting the tests, our engineers develop test protocols to anticipate performance, determine timing and cost required to execute test programs, and determine resource and equipment needs to conduct testing. While testing our engineers maintain accurate documentation for executed test programs and investigate test problems and implement solutions. After testing, our engineers prepare failure analysis reports and provide corrective actions and recommend design revisions based on test data to meet expected performance. Some of these many tests include: the in-circuit test (ICT), stand-alone JTAG test, automated x-ray inspection (AXI), automated optical inspection (AOI) test, (Board) functional test (BFT/FT), burn-in test, environmental stress screening (ESS) test, and system test (ST).
Compliance and Regulatory
Our product engineering team works around compliance requirements that are often imposed by governmental organizations, industry associations, and companies themselves. Often these requirements create minimum specifications for the form, function, and technologies used in a product. Fortunately, we can rely on our deep understanding of compliance issues and years of experience to find best-in-class solutions to each compliance requirement. Some examples include FDA certification, CLIA Certification, ISO and 13485 Compliance, and European Medical Devices Regulation (MDR). We support and adhere to standards that our clients and their regulatory partners define as they navigate these issues during the entire process.
Materials Science
Successful design to manufacturing require understanding of materials science and engineering. Materials science is the relationship between a material’s composition, microstructure, and properties and the effects of manufacturing on a material’s microstructure. Materials engineering is the task of applying materials science knowledge to the creation of products and manufacturing designs. In many cases, up to 70% of the cost to make a product is its materials. Therefore, whether a product meets all its performance, reliability, and cost requirements depends on whether a team selects the appropriate materials and implements them correctly. An understanding of materials science and engineering enables selection of materials that have been optimized to meet performance, reliability, and cost.
Key Attractors
Once we synthesize our research, we can create insights that will make their way into the product. By identifying repeating patterns of desire in the personas, we are able to define what is most important to each individual. We call these patterns of desire Key Attractors, and we can turn them into considerations to motivate the product design. These Key Attractors will motivate us to choose specific design features, touchpoints, haptics, and emotional responses that engage particular target groups. They will continue to provide guidance throughout the design process and can be evaluated against competitive offerings to ensure the creation of unique products and services that successfully differentiate in the market.
Patent Protection
New engineering designs require robust patent protections. We have filed hundreds of utility patents for our clients. We offer patent services for every engineering and development project. Our data protection and procedures ensure that the rights of our clients and their company are protected. Often our engineering design product valuable and game-changing innovations. These innovations can change a company dramatically, and we take our responsibility of protecting these sources of growth seriously.
Engineering Methods
We utilize a combination of tried and true engineering methods and emergent technologies that give us a unique advantage in product engineering. While prototyping is a cornerstone of our work, new 3D printing methods allow us to quickly create life-like models that can be used to solve problems and make adjustments early on that are costly when done later. At the same time, our systems engineering methods incorporate traditional understandings of systems integration and of organization-wide technologies driving innovation like hybrid-cloud, AI/ML, and IoT. Ultimately, our decades of experience are used to apply best practices to every project and maintain enough flexibility to incorporate new ones as needed.
Rapid Development Prototypes
Prototypes are routinely used as part of the product engineering process to give engineers and designers the ability to explore design alternatives, test theories, and confirm performance prior to starting production of a new product. Almost every project uses prototypes in some way. A prototype is a working model of a product that is used for testing before it is manufactured. Prototypes help our designers learn about the manufacturing of a product, how people will use the product, and how the product could fail or break. A prototype is not the same thing as a model. A model is used to demonstrate or explain how a product will look or function. A prototype is used to test different working aspects of a product before the design is finalized.
3D Printing
3D printing is the key technology that enables rapid prototyping. Also called additive manufacturing, 3D printing is used to make three dimensional solid objects from a digital file. In the 3D printing machine a prototype is created by laying down successive layers of material until the object is created. Each of these layers can be seen as a thinly sliced horizontal cross-section of the eventual object. From shorter lead times in prototyping to the creation of complex internal structures, additive manufacturing can offer a big advantage over more traditional processes. 3D printing allows our engineers and designers to create as many variations as necessary of a product or part while adapting its shape and detail, without affecting the cost of the process. As a result, 3D printing allows us to get early feedback and reviews for quality, adaptation, and adjustments. Changes cost more the later they occur and 3D printing reduces this risk.
System Engineering
Product Engineering requires an interdisciplinary approach that includes an analysis of the product and its related elements such as production, maintenance, support, logistics, phase-out, and disposal These activities are necessary to the realization of the system and the longevity of the product. The proper application of systems engineering, and analysis ensures the timely and balanced use of human, financial, and technological assets, and technology investments to minimize problems, harmonize overall results, and maximize customer satisfaction and company objectives. Product systems engineering helps develop the end-to-end analysis of products and their sub-systems, which includes determining the overall scope of needs for the system, defining product and system requirements, and considering all interactions between the different elements of the system.
Vendors and Materials Sourcing
In the product engineering process, our engineers evaluate, and source proposed materials and manufacturing partners based on the needs of the clients in regard to scale, budget, geographic location, and other factors that will drive decision making. Using our established relationships we often have unique access to materials, materials supply, and a range of manufacturers that cater to various categoires. Our suppliers can often be a great source of innovative ideas for future products. Through close relationships, our suppliers have the freedom to support engineering and innovation efforts that can result in a competitive advantage for both our clients and the supplier. More often than not our diverse set of relationships allows us to compare costs and have a backup option if one of our suppliers isn’t able to perform.
Manufacturing Engineering Support
Our clients often seek to leverage our deep experience in moving a product from engineering to production. Our manufacturing support services connect our clients and suppliers, with our manufacturer partners to support specific all or parts of the process. Our support can be end-to-end or targeted. At the outset, we can help our clients find the right manufacturers for their products. Our in-plant line side replenishment helps with coordinating the delivery of the required parts and materials to the production location, usually sequenced to the required specifications. This service frees up the cost of storing inputs and products themselves. We can also assist sourcing the sub-assembly and parts configuration used in a manufacturer’s products, reducing labor and storage costs. We also offer “post-production” services such as packaging design and sourcing that removes the burden of work from the manufacturer and client. Ultimately, our support is designed to create processes that minimize sourcing costs and lead times of products at each stage of the manufacturing supply chain.
Industries and Markets
We have decades of experience bringing our product engineering competencies to various industries and markets. Our experience in product engineering and tools, as well as our long-term relationships with suppliers and manufacturers allow us to work across industries. We have deep experience in the medical, consumer, and industrial product engineering. We have run the gamut of consumer products for worldwide markets and millions of shipments to specialized medical products for a small targeted market. Though there are common challenges for each industry, each project brings its own unique challenges and opportunities. We approach each challenge with the same experience and skills that enabled us to create lasting value for our clients.
Consumer Product Engineering
We’ve worked with hundreds of companies to bring their consumer product designs to life through our product engineering expertise. Our experience with consumer engineering ranges from guitar amplifiers, to children’s toys, and everything in between. In each case we bring concepts to life by using our competencies in design and development to turn concepts into production-ready designs. Consumer engineering projects are unique from other engineering projects such as medical products or industrial products because they usually are sold directly to their end user and sold at scale globally. Engineering decisions must take into the account the potentially global nature of the supply chain, as well as the potentially wide variety of customers.
Medical Device Engineering
Medical companies trust us to create and update some of some of their most important designs to achieve business goals. We’ve engineered devices and products for medical device companies from various industries from genomics to dentistry. Medical devices are used in often heavily regulated industries that require layers of approvals and exacting specifications. Moreover, multiple stakeholders are often included in the decisions to purchase a new product or device. These stakeholders have their own needs and compliance requirements. Our expertise in working with companies in the medical industry allows us to take into consideration these diverse stakeholder requirements throughout the entire engineering process, and throughout the design, development, concept, prototyping, and production processes.
Industrial Product Engineering
Over the years we have developed and implemented work in and with installations, accessories, manufactured parts, and supplies and consumables. For each type of industrial product we’ve worked in various industries, such as automotive, semiconductors, banking, technology, as well as general sustainability across production. Industrial products often demand lower tolerances, because they are used in high-velocity, high-pressure, and/or six-sigma environments. These environments require engineering that is durable, ergonomic, and efficient. Our engineering and development process accounts for both the demanding user requirements of industrial products and their demanding cost requirements.
Digital Development
Digital permeates every new product as a key feature or as an important concern due to the integrated systems where the product is being used. At the same, product engineering usually includes some type of software engineering. Product designs and the services they provide are reflected in the interplay between hardware and software. Software increasingly unlocks the capabilities of hardware to deliver long-term value to customers. At the same time, newly engineered designs must take into account the technologies and trends that are turning everyday objects into supercomputers and/or connected sensors. Our experience with Cloud, AI/ML, IoT, Mobile and Web, as well as UX/UI enable us to engineer software that considers the digital requirements of products. Ultimately, our experience allows us to create solutions that use digital to increase useful life.
Open Innovation Services
We believe that the future belongs to those who create it. Our expertise can be applied to industries that exist and it can be used to create new ones. The design, development, and engineering of a product often leverages the existing knowledge and technologies of the present but applies them in a unique way. We have been engaged by clients to oversee the design and development of work that redefines categories. Clients often bring us a new idea, or an idea for a technology and we find a way to engineering it. We take this idea and apply decades of experience to the design, engineering, and development of the idea. Our company does not shy away from hard project, in fact we embrace them.
FAQ's
What does product engineering include?
Product Engineering is a highly collaborative process that includes cross-functional collaboration between designers, researchers, and engineers. The product engineering process typically begins with a concept or idea, which is then refined and tested through various stages until it is ready for mass production and distribution.
The first step in the product design engineering process is design. At RKS this involves using Psycho-Aesthetics™ to identify the needs and desires of the target market, as well as the product’s unique selling points and differentiators. This phase also involves identifying potential materials and manufacturing processes that will be used to create the product.
Once the concept has been defined, the next step is to create a detailed design of the product. This typically involves using computer-aided design (CAD) software to create a 3D model of the product. The design process also involves defining the product’s dimensions, functionality, and other key characteristics.
Once the product’s design has been finalized, the next step is to create prototypes for testing. These prototypes are used to evaluate the product’s performance and identify any potential problems or issues that need to be addressed. This phase may also involve testing the product’s design under a range of different conditions, such as different temperature and humidity levels, to ensure that it is able to withstand the demands of real-world use.
Once the product has been prototyped and tested, the next step is to prepare it for mass production. This typically involves creating detailed manufacturing plans and processes, as well as identifying and procuring the materials and components that will be used to create the product.
Throughout the product design engineering process, product designers must work closely with other teams and departments, such as research and development, marketing, and sales, to ensure that the product meets the needs and expectations of the target market. This may involve conducting market research and gathering feedback from potential customers to help inform the product’s design and development. In addition to the activities described above, product design engineering may also involve identifying and implementing new technologies and manufacturing processes that can improve the product’s performance or reduce its cost. This may involve working with suppliers, vendors, and other partners to identify and develop new materials and technologies that can be used in the product’s design and manufacturing. Product design engineering is a complex and multi-faceted field that involves a range of activities and disciplines. It requires a deep understanding of market needs and trends, as well as technical expertise in areas such as CAD design and manufacturing processes. By combining these skills and working closely with other teams and departments, product design engineers are able to create innovative and successful products that meet the needs and expectations of consumers.
Throughout the product design engineering process, product designers must work closely with other teams and departments, such as research and development, marketing, and sales, to ensure that the product meets the needs and expectations of the target market. This may involve conducting market research and gathering feedback from potential customers to help inform the product’s design and development. In addition to the activities described above, product design engineering may also involve identifying and implementing new technologies and manufacturing processes that can improve the product’s performance or reduce its cost. This may involve working with suppliers, vendors, and other partners to identify and develop new materials and technologies that can be used in the product’s design and manufacturing. Product design engineering is a complex and multi-faceted field that involves a range of activities and disciplines. It requires a deep understanding of market needs and trends, as well as technical expertise in areas such as CAD design and manufacturing processes. By combining these skills and working closely with other teams and departments, product design engineers are able to create innovative and successful products that meet the needs and expectations of consumers.
What is product design in mechanical engineering?
Product design in mechanical engineering is the process of creating and developing ideas for mechanical products and systems. This involves a combination of engineering principles, design techniques, and creative thinking to come up with innovative solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Mechanical engineers are responsible for designing and developing a wide range of products, from small components like screws and gears to complex systems like engines and machines. In order to do this effectively, they must have a deep understanding of the principles of mechanics, materials science, and manufacturing processes. The product design process in mechanical engineering typically begins with identifying a need or problem that needs to be solved. This could be something as simple as a more efficient way to open a jar, or as complex as designing a new type of airplane engine. Once a need has been identified, the mechanical engineer will conduct research and develop a number of potential solutions. This may involve testing different materials, creating prototypes, and conducting simulations to evaluate the performance and reliability of different designs. Once a solution has been selected, the mechanical engineer will create detailed technical drawings and specifications that can be used to manufacture the product. This may involve working with other engineers, designers, and manufacturing experts to ensure that the product can be produced efficiently and cost-effectively. In addition to technical considerations, product design in mechanical engineering also involves considering the aesthetic and ergonomic aspects of the product. Mechanical engineers must be able to create designs that are visually appealing, easy to use, and comfortable to hold or operate.
Product design in mechanical engineering is a complex and challenging process that requires a deep understanding of engineering principles, design techniques, and manufacturing processes. It is a critical part of the development of many of the products that we use in our daily lives, and it requires a combination of technical expertise, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Mechanical engineers are responsible for designing and developing a wide range of products, from small components like screws and gears to complex systems like engines and machines. In order to do this effectively, they must have a deep understanding of the principles of mechanics, materials science, and manufacturing processes. The product design process in mechanical engineering typically begins with identifying a need or problem that needs to be solved. This could be something as simple as a more efficient way to open a jar, or as complex as designing a new type of airplane engine. Once a need has been identified, the mechanical engineer will conduct research and develop a number of potential solutions. This may involve testing different materials, creating prototypes, and conducting simulations to evaluate the performance and reliability of different designs. Once a solution has been selected, the mechanical engineer will create detailed technical drawings and specifications that can be used to manufacture the product. This may involve working with other engineers, designers, and manufacturing experts to ensure that the product can be produced efficiently and cost-effectively. In addition to technical considerations, product design in mechanical engineering also involves considering the aesthetic and ergonomic aspects of the product. Mechanical engineers must be able to create designs that are visually appealing, easy to use, and comfortable to hold or operate.
Product design in mechanical engineering is a complex and challenging process that requires a deep understanding of engineering principles, design techniques, and manufacturing processes. It is a critical part of the development of many of the products that we use in our daily lives, and it requires a combination of technical expertise, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
What is the difference between product design and product engineering?
Product design is the process of creating a new product or improving upon an existing one. It involves researching, conceptualizing, and developing ideas for a product that meets the needs and wants of the target audience. This process typically involves brainstorming sessions, sketching out ideas, creating prototypes, and conducting user testing to ensure the product is functional and appealing to customers.
Product design engineering, on the other hand, focuses on the technical aspect of product design. It involves the application of engineering principles and techniques to the design process. This includes analyzing the product’s functionality and performance, as well as determining the materials and manufacturing methods needed to produce the product. Product design engineers are responsible for ensuring that the product can be manufactured efficiently and meets all safety and regulatory requirements.
One key difference between product design and product design engineering is the focus of each discipline. Product design is more focused on the user experience and aesthetic appeal of the product, while product design engineering focuses on the technical aspects of the design and how it can be efficiently manufactured.
Another difference is the skill sets required for each discipline. Product designers typically have a background in design or a related field, such as industrial design or graphic design. They may have expertise in areas such as user research, sketching, prototyping, and user testing. Product design engineers, on the other hand, typically have a background in engineering, such as mechanical or electrical engineering. They may have expertise in areas such as materials science, manufacturing processes, and engineering analysis.
In many cases, product design and product design engineering overlap and work together to create a successful product. For example, a product designer may create a concept for a new phone, and a product design engineer may work on the technical aspects of the design, such as determining the materials and manufacturing processes needed to produce the phone.
The main difference between product design and product design engineering is their focus and skill sets. Product design focuses on the user experience and aesthetic appeal of the product, while product design engineering focuses on the technical aspects of the design and its manufacturing feasibility. Both disciplines play a crucial role in the product development process and often work together to create successful products.
In many cases, product design and product design engineering overlap and work together to create a successful product. For example, a product designer may create a concept for a new phone, and a product design engineer may work on the technical aspects of the design, such as determining the materials and manufacturing processes needed to produce the phone.
The main difference between product design and product design engineering is their focus and skill sets. Product design focuses on the user experience and aesthetic appeal of the product, while product design engineering focuses on the technical aspects of the design and its manufacturing feasibility. Both disciplines play a crucial role in the product development process and often work together to create successful products.
How do you become a design engineer?
Becoming a design engineer requires a combination of education, experience, and skill. The first step to becoming a design engineer is usually to obtain a bachelor’s degree in a field such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or industrial design. This degree will provide you with a solid foundation in engineering principles and design methods, as well as a general understanding of the various fields of engineering.
After earning your bachelor’s degree, it is important to gain experience in the field through internships or entry-level positions. This will give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in a real-world setting, while also gaining valuable hands-on experience.
In addition to education and experience, design engineers must possess certain skills and abilities. These include problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and attention to detail. Design engineers must be able to think logically and systematically, as well as being able to visualize and communicate their ideas effectively. Once you have gained experience and honed your skills, you may want to consider earning a master’s degree in engineering or a related field. This advanced degree will provide you with additional knowledge and skills, as well as increasing your marketability and earning potential.
To become a design engineer, it is also important to stay up-to-date with the latest technology and trends in the field. This may involve attending conferences and workshops, joining professional organizations, and staying current with industry publications.
Finally, becoming a design engineer requires dedication, hard work, and a passion for engineering and design. With the right education, experience, skills, and attitude, you can succeed in this rewarding and challenging field.
After earning your bachelor’s degree, it is important to gain experience in the field through internships or entry-level positions. This will give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in a real-world setting, while also gaining valuable hands-on experience.
In addition to education and experience, design engineers must possess certain skills and abilities. These include problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and attention to detail. Design engineers must be able to think logically and systematically, as well as being able to visualize and communicate their ideas effectively. Once you have gained experience and honed your skills, you may want to consider earning a master’s degree in engineering or a related field. This advanced degree will provide you with additional knowledge and skills, as well as increasing your marketability and earning potential.
To become a design engineer, it is also important to stay up-to-date with the latest technology and trends in the field. This may involve attending conferences and workshops, joining professional organizations, and staying current with industry publications.
Finally, becoming a design engineer requires dedication, hard work, and a passion for engineering and design. With the right education, experience, skills, and attitude, you can succeed in this rewarding and challenging field.
What is a product engineering firm?
A product engineering firm is a professional service organization that specializes in providing product development and engineering services to clients in various industries. These firms offer a range of services, including product design, prototyping, testing, and production support, to help clients bring their products to market. Product engineering firms work with a variety of clients, including manufacturers, startups, and established companies, to help them create innovative and competitive products. The product development process is typically a collaborative effort between the product engineering firm and the client, involving input and feedback from multiple stakeholders, including industrial designers, engineers, marketers, and manufacturers.
A product engineering firm provides a range of technical and engineering services, including mechanical design and engineering, electrical engineering, software development, and quality assurance. By combining expertise in product development and engineering with a deep understanding of industry trends and customer preferences, a product engineering firm can help clients create products that meet the needs of their customers and succeed in the marketplace. Whether working on a new product concept or improving an existing product, a product engineering firm provides valuable support and expertise to help clients bring their ideas to life.
Product Engineering Project Spotlight
Cue
Truly wireless headphones with hybrid driver technology for uncompromised sound.
Baby Barista
The perfect baby bottle at the perfect temperature.
FloWater
A more premium, refreshing, and sustainable alternative to disposable water bottles.
