Product Engineer - Tier 1 Automotive Industry

General Description

• Responsible to identify, design and develop a product/product family.
• Ensures production procedures efficiently utilize materials and personnel.
• Tests finished product for quality purposes and recommends changes to product specifications as necessary.
• They receive and process changes required by clients, released on production (not launches), at a SR Level, responsible to develop the product from the concept up to the SOP on a limited basis (if it is a BTP, Built to Print) or as a full development as an FSS, Full-Service Supplier.
• May develop, uncover, characterize, and assess strategic new products and/or product extensions.
• Transforms and adopts discoveries to ensure research and development activities will maintain an organization’s competitive position.
• May also focus on pure research and/or design and implementing the manufacturing processes and equipment for the product.

• Responsible to process ECNs / RFQs for the assigned product for upcoming Engineering changes.
• Follow up to the process of Engineering Change until its implementation
• Responsible to maintain BUMP chart for the products assigned and coordinate with Engineering Change Coordinator for Part number creation in QAD as well as following up with PCO process.
• Will be required to work closely with Program Managers and Corporate Product Engineering Team
• Will be representing plant on weekly PDT Meeting with the Customer / DREs
• Ability to support a high‑volume, Just‑In‑Time production environment with rapid problem‑solving and decision‑making.
• Experience working directly with OEM and Tier 1 customers on product design requirements, engineering changes, and technical discussions.
• Strong understanding of APQP processes, PPAP submission requirements, and automotive core tools.
• Ability to interpret and create CAD drawings, GD&T, material specifications, and tolerance stack‑ups.
• Familiarity with production processes commonly used in automotive manufacturing (e.g., injection molding, stamping, welding, assembly, die‑casting depending on your product line—let me know if you want it tailored).
• Must be able to work cross-functionally with Quality, Production, Tooling, and Maintenance to support JIT production schedules.
• Ability to troubleshoot product issues quickly to avoid downtime or disruptions impacting customer delivery.
• Understanding of cost‑reduction techniques, value analysis/value engineering (VA/VE), and manufacturability improvements.
• Willingness to be “on the floor” supporting production issues, line trials, quality investigations, and engineering events.
• Strong customer‑facing communication skills for meetings, technical reviews, and ongoing program support.

• Proficiency in 2D/3D CAD software (Solid Works, CATIA, NX, AutoCAD—customize as needed).
• Experience in Team Center / PLM is a plus.
• Strong mechanical engineering principles with the ability to evaluate stress, materials, geometry, and performance.
• Knowledge of automotive quality systems: PPAP, APQP, DFMEA/PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, and Process Capability.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment with competing priorities.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), documentation, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with ERP/MRP systems.
• Knowledge of IATF 16949 requirements preferred.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field required.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in product engineering within the automotive industry, preferably in a Tier 1 environment.
• Experience supporting Just‑In‑Time manufacturing operations strongly preferred.
• Experience working with OEM or major Tier 1 customers on product development or engineering changes.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.