Product Design Engineering Associate

Job Overview
Join our innovative team as a Product Design Engineering Associate

The Product Design Engineering Associate supports the development, documentation, and execution of new and existing product designs. This role is responsible for maintaining design records and systems, managing engineering change processes, coordinating prototyping and product trials, and supporting New Product Development (NPD) initiatives. The position requires an innovative and creative mindset, a process-oriented approach, strong CAD skills, and keen attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities

Design Documentation & Systems Management

• Create, maintain, and manage product design records, drawings, and specifications
• Support continuous improvement of design record processes and systems
• Ensure accuracy, version control, and compliance within engineering documentation systems

Prototyping & Product Trials

• Manage the prototype process, including coordination with internal and external resources
• Prepare for and support product trials (pre-trial planning and post-trial follow-up)
• Document trial outcomes and drive necessary design revisions

New Product Development (NPD) Support

• Support NPD activities from concept through production launch per AIAG APQP
• Assist in project planning, timelines, and deliverables for assigned projects
• Coordinate project involvement across the organization, including engineering, operations, quality, and sales
• Develop and design internal test standards as needed
• Provide backup support for NPD lab technician

CAD & Design

• Develop detailed 2D and 3D CAD models and drawings
• Ensure designs are manufacturable and aligned with production capabilities
• Revise designs based on testing, feedback, and cost considerations

General

• Track and communicate status of engineering changes to stakeholders
• Assist in approval for material deviations
• Assist in preparing monthly and quarterly product test reports for structural (housing), automotive, and military grades
• Participate in MSA studies for equipment and gages
• Provide support to the corrective action team, assisting on questions regarding NMRs/DMRs/DRMRs, applying problem-solving tools such as 5 Whys and 8D
• Conduct Layered Process Audits

QualificationsEducation

• Minimum: Associate’s degree in CAD Design, Manufacturing Technology, or related technical field
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related discipline

Experience & Skills

• Strong proficiency (2+ years) in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar)
• Experience with engineering documentation and revision control processes
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes and product development cycles
• Understanding of ECN/ECR workflows preferred
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

Compensation & Benefits

Michigan Pay Transparency Notice: In accordance with applicable law, the salary range and compensation details for this position will be provided upon request or as required during the hiring process.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• This position operates primarily in an office and laboratory/manufacturing environment
• The employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, moderate to loud noise levels, and standard manufacturing conditions
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods and occasionally move through production and lab areas
• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 lbs occasionally
• Required to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when present in manufacturing or lab areas, in compliance with MIOSHA and FCI standards

These physical requirements are disclosed in compliance with the Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act (PWDCRA) and the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) . Reasonable accommodation will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Legal Notices & Compliance StatementsEqual Employment Opportunity

This company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status, familial status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or Michigan state law, including but not limited to:

• Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) — MCL 37.2101 et seq.
• Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act (PWDCRA) — MCL 37.1101 et seq.
• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)

Height & Weight Discrimination

Consistent with the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act , this company does not discriminate on the basis of height or weight in any employment decision.

Genetic Information

This company complies with the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) and Michigan law. Genetic information will not be used in any employment decisions.

Military & Veteran Status

This company is committed to complying with the Michigan Military Act (MCL 32.271 et seq.) and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). We provide employment protections for members of the uniformed services and veterans.

Disability Accommodation

In accordance with the PWDCRA and the ADA , applicants and employees requiring reasonable accommodations to perform the essential functions of this position or to participate in the application process should contact Laura Adams at 269-279-1357 or email [email protected].

At-Will Employment

Employment with this company is at-will, meaning either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, to the extent permitted by Michigan law.

Background Checks

Any offer of employment may be contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, conducted in compliance with the Michigan Background Check Act and the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Applicants will be notified and asked to provide written consent prior to any background screening.

Drug-Free Workplace

This company maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable Michigan and federal law. The use, possession, distribution, or being under the influence of marijuana is strictly prohibited on company premises, during work hours, or while conducting company business, regardless of whether such use is permitted under Michigan’s Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (MRTMA). Employees found in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Eligible employees may take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for qualifying medical or family reasons. To qualify, employees must have worked for the company for at least 12 months and completed a minimum of 1,250 hours of service in the past 12 months. For more information, please contact Human Resources.

Right to Work

Michigan is a Right to Work state under MCL 423.14. Membership in a labor organization is not required as a condition of employment.

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with it. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice

Pay: From $1.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person