Production Development Engineer

Production Development Engineer

Department:
Engineering

Reports to:
Lead Engineer

Location:
Battle Creek, Michigan

We're looking for a forward-thinking problem solver and change-maker ready to help take Nex Form to the next level. The Product Development Engineer is responsible for the design, development, validation, and launch of new products from concept through production. This position collaborates with customers, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and cross-functional teams to develop innovative products that meet performance, quality, cost, and manufacturability objectives.

The Product Development Engineer serves as a technical resource throughout the product lifecycle, supporting engineering design, customer requirements, prototype development, product validation, and continuous product improvement.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead engineering activities for new product development programs from concept through production launch.
• Design products and engineering solutions that meet customer specifications and business objectives.
• Evaluate product performance, manufacturability, quality, and cost throughout the development process.
• Develop engineering documentation, technical specifications, and design standards.
• Support engineering changes throughout the product lifecycle.
• Create and maintain engineering drawings, Bills of Materials (BOMs), specifications, and technical documentation.
• Utilize CAD software to develop and modify product designs.
• Conduct design reviews and engineering feasibility studies.
• Apply Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.
• Recommend design improvements to enhance product performance and manufacturing efficiency.
• Serve as the engineering contact for assigned customer programs.
• Participate in customer meetings, technical reviews, and product design discussions.
• Support customer requests, engineering changes, and product validation activities.
• Coordinate engineering deliverables to support program timing and customer milestones.
• Develop validation plans and support prototype builds.
• Coordinate product testing and analyze test results.
• Participate in Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities.
• Prepare engineering documentation supporting Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) submissions.
• Support production launches and manufacturing readiness activities.
• Maintain engineering records, specifications, drawings, and revision history.
• Prepare engineering reports, presentations, and technical analyses.
• Ensure documentation complies with company standards and customer requirements.
• Support intellectual property protection and engineering document control.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of three years of engineering experience in product development or manufacturing.
• This position is onsite in our Battle Creek, Michigan location
• Automotive manufacturing experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of product development, engineering design, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience in automotive soft trim and acoustic / NVH development is preferred.
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans, GD&T, and automotive quality systems.
• Experience with CAD software (such as Solid Works, CATIA, Creo, or AutoCAD) and PLM systems.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent project management and organizational abilities.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple engineering projects simultaneously.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.

Who We Are

Nex Form, headquartered in Battle Creek, Michigan, is a vertically integrated manufacturer of engineered fiber solutions for automotive thermal and noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) applications. We design and produce lightweight, durable components for leading OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers, with operations in the U.S. and Mexico. Backed by Crest Rock, Nex Form is focused on growth through innovation, expanded capabilities, and operational excellence.

Nex Form offers competitive compensation and benefits package (including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, Rx, life insurance, disability coverage, 401K and company match, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement eligibility, etc.)

Nex Form is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Nex Form, we take pride in our diverse team. Our organization is made up of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, races, beliefs, and experiences, all united by a shared goal of making a positive impact. We've seen firsthand the strength that equity brings and believe everyone should have equal opportunities to grow, succeed, and live with purpose.

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