Product Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Product Engineer

Responsibilities

The Product Engineer supports manufacturing through process control, continuous improvement initiatives, and direct ownership of assigned products. This role ensures product integrity, translates customer requirements into effective manufacturing instructions, supports cost and profitability objectives, and serves as a technical liaison between engineering, production, suppliers, and customers. The Product Engineer plays a critical role in maintaining stable, compliant, and efficient manufacturing processes while driving ongoing performance improvements.

This role is based in Muskegon County, Michigan.

Compensation and Benefits

• Starting pay: $70,000+ annually

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) savings plan with employer match

• Paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave

• Life insurance and employee assistance programs

• Professional development and technical training opportunities

Job Roles

• Systems thinker – Understands the manufacturing system holistically; anticipates downstream impacts of engineering decisions.

• Optimizer – Continuously challenges processes to improve efficiency, quality, and reliability.

• Anticipation – Identifies risks and opportunities early; prepares teams for future needs.

• Operational accelerator – Drives continuous improvement while advocating for safety, ergonomics, and scalable solutions.

• Organization and structure – Works within existing systems while strengthening standardization and clarity.

• Influence – Uses data, technical knowledge, and relationships to gain alignment and adoption.

• Data informed – Focuses on quantifiable outcomes; communicates the rationale behind decisions.

• Prioritized reaction – Responds effectively to unplanned issues without losing focus on critical objectives.

• Relationship – Builds trust across shifts and functions; serves as a liaison between the shop floor and engineering teams.

Primary Responsibilities

• Plan and execute engineering programs within assigned areas of responsibility.

• Implement and review process designs to ensure compliance with engineering principles, internal standards, and customer requirements.

• Support technical development initiatives, customer issue resolution, cost reduction programs, and engineering problem solving.

• Evaluate and approve design changes, specifications, and drawing releases.

• Prepare interim and final project reports as required.

• Provide technical support for assigned manufacturing, coating, brazing, or processing areas.

• Interface with production personnel to ensure processing requirements are understood and followed.

• Collaborate with suppliers and customers on technical issues and process requirements.

• Perform process quality investigations and root cause analysis as needed.

• Develop and implement process improvements and cost reduction initiatives.

• Design tools and fixtures to support processing and manufacturing efficiency.

• Generate material requisitions and support procurement activities.

• Translate customer requirements into clear, usable work instructions.

• Review purchase orders, specifications, and blueprints for manufacturing impact.

• Assemble technical data packages for customer approval.

• Specify processing parameters and generate work instructions.

• Drive waste elimination, equipment reliability improvements, and operating cost reductions using statistical methods as appropriate.

• Continuously improve effectiveness in all assigned responsibilities.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited institution

• Legally authorized to work in the United States (no visa sponsorship available)

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering

• Experience working in a casting or advanced manufacturing environment

• Internship or co-op experience in manufacturing or laboratory settings

• Strong verbal, written, and analytical communication skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office

• Ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams

• Strong organizational and time-management skills

• Knowledge of Six Sigma, statistical analysis, and scientific problem-solving methods