Floe - Associate Product Engineer at 43North in Gates, NY

About Floe:

Floe is a rapidly growing startup that has developed the smart, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solution for managing hazardous ice and snow on roofs and around the building envelope. Compared to existing solutions, our automated system safely and effectively addresses dangerous buildup while reducing operating costs by >40% and carbon emissions by >99%.

Originally spun out of MIT and Yale and tested with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Floe has been validated at dozens of sites in some of the world’s harshest winter environments. Our technology is trusted by major national retailers, state governments, and large commercial and residential property owners across the US and Canada.

As we scale rapidly and expand into new verticals, we are building a team of talented, mission-driven people who value impact, precision, and integrity. Our team thrives in a fast-paced, innovative environment and has an excellent results-oriented track record. We are eager to recruit individuals who are driven, thoughtful problem-solvers and who bring diverse perspectives to our mission.

About the Role:

Floe is looking for an exceptional Associate Product Engineer to work across the full product lifecycle, from design and prototyping to manufacturing and field deployment.

This is a highly hands-on role focused on product development, design iteration, prototyping, testing, and continuous improvement. You will work closely with engineering leadership on design changes, new product R&D, validation testing, and field support, with direct exposure to real-world system performance. As Floe expands its in-house capabilities in Buffalo, you will also occasionally support manufacturing operations, product builds, and process development.

This role sits at the unique intersection of product engineering and real-world deployment, where design decisions directly impact manufacturability, reliability, and customer outcomes. The successful candidate will have strong potential to grow into a Product Engineer or Manufacturing Lead role as the company scales.

Responsibilities:

Product Development & Testing

• Support product design, prototyping, and R&D initiatives in collaboration with engineering leadership
• Create and modify CAD models, assemblies, and technical drawings
• Build and test prototypes, fixtures, and validation units
• Plan and execute engineering tests to validate performance and reliability
• Analyze field issues and test results to drive design improvements

Manufacturing & Product Improvement

• Improve manufacturability and assembly efficiency through design iteration (DFM)
• Help define assembly workflows, tooling, and workstation setups
• Develop SOPs, build procedures, and technical documentation
• Support quality control processes, checklists, and traceability systems

Field Deployment & Feedback

• Collaborate with engineering and customer teams to support deployed systems
• Travel occasionally to deployment sites to assist with installation, troubleshooting, and validation
• Use field data and observations to inform product and design improvements

Hands-On Build & Operations Support

• Assist occasionally with product assembly, including mechanical integration, wiring, and system setup
• Perform functional testing, troubleshooting, and refurbishment of systems
• Maintain build records to support certification and compliance efforts

Shop & Inventory Operations

• Operate and maintain common shop tools and light fabrication equipment
• Help maintain an organized, safe, and efficient workspace, including tooling, workstations, and equipment
• Support material procurement, receiving, and inventory management
• Assist with packing, shipping, and general warehouse operations

Cross-Functional Support

• Support pilot deployments, field testing, prototype demonstrations, and product validation efforts
• Contribute to company-wide problem solving across evolving technical and operational needs

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM discipline
• 0–3 years of engineering experience, including internships, co-ops, or significant hands-on project work
• Demonstrated ability to build, troubleshoot, and work with physical systems

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with CAD tools (e.g. OnShape, SolidWorks) for parts, assemblies, and professional drawings
• Hands-on experience with mechanical and electrical tools (e.g. soldering, basic machining)
• Familiarity with testing, validation, and debugging methods
• Ability to read and create technical documentation, drawings, and procedures
• Understanding of programming fundamentals. Specific experience with languages such as C++ or Python is a plus
• Experience with DFM, tolerance analysis, or manufacturing processes is a plus

Problem-Solving & Working Style

• Strong hands-on troubleshooting and practical problem-solving ability
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Ability to identify risks and inefficiencies and propose improvements
• Eagerness to work in a fast-paced, evolving startup environment
• Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and integrity
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Willingness to travel occasionally to support field, R&D, and deployment-related activities
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs

This is an in-person position based in Buffalo, NY. Compensation for this role will be commensurate with experience, skills, education, and location.

How to Apply: (Important)

Please send a resume and a short note describing your interest and relevant experiences to recruiting@floesafe.com. If available, please also include 1–2 examples of products, systems, or projects you have worked on.

Floe Inc is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. The company shall not discriminate against any applicant because of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity (except where gender is a bona fide occupational qualification), national origin, age, disability, military/veteran status, marital status, genetic information, or any other factor protected by law. We are committed to equal employment opportunity in all decisions related to employment, promotion, wages, benefits and all other privileges, terms, and conditions of employment or engagement.