Design Engineer - Traverse City Area

Design Engineer | Traverse City, MI

Salary Range: $71,000 - $110,000 depending on experience

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for creating innovative product designs and solving engineering challenges? The Pivot Group is dedicated to building meaningful connections and supporting community growth. We are collaborating with leading companies in Traverse City seeking experienced Design Engineers to drive results.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Traverse City region seeking Design Engineers. These employers partner with us because they want real insight into candidates—not just resumes. By joining our network, you gain access to roles worth considering.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and refine product designs from concept to production, ensuring manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.
• Create detailed 2D and 3D CAD models, assemblies, and technical drawings.
• Select appropriate materials and manufacturing processes for optimal performance and production efficiency.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, production, and quality teams to implement design changes and resolve issues.
• Conduct design reviews and participate in prototyping and testing phases.
• Generate Bills of Material (BOMs) and maintain comprehensive design documentation.
• Analyze design failures and implement corrective and preventative actions.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related engineering discipline.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA) and PDM systems.
• Strong understanding of various manufacturing processes (e.g., machining, injection molding, sheet metal) and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles.
• Experience with material selection, stress analysis, and component validation.
• Ability to create detailed engineering drawings with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Proven track record in taking designs from concept through to production in a manufacturing environment.

Bonus Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with prototyping, testing, or workshop tools
• Proficiency with Additive Manufacturing (3D printing) processes and design considerations
• Experience applying Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma principles to design processes
• Scripting or programming experience for design automation (e.g., Python for CAD APIs)

Job Titles That Should Apply

Product Design Engineer, Mechanical Design Engineer, CAD Engineer, R&D Design Engineer, Product Development Engineer, Senior Design Engineer, Industrial Design Engineer, Engineering Designer, Systems Design Engineer

Why Pivot Group

The Pivot Group was founded by manufacturing professionals who've been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic—they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and connect with a firm that values fit over speed, we invite you to reach out. The Pivot Group offers resources to support your search—market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we'll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.