Product Engineer

Mequon, WI |
Department: Engineering |

Reports to:

Director of Engineering

Hayes Performance Systems is a global manufacturer of high-performance braking, suspension, and precision-engineered components. Since 1946, we've built a reputation for quality, innovation, and reliability while serving customers around the world.

In 2023, Hayes expanded through the acquisition of ACI Industries, strengthening our capabilities in precision machining and manufacturing and positioning us for continued growth.

As we continue to grow, we're looking for people who want to make an impact. At Hayes, you'll have the opportunity to solve real-world challenges, collaborate across teams, and contribute to products used in powersports, agriculture, construction, and industrial applications. We value accountability, continuous improvement, and taking pride in the work we do every day.

• Comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, and 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Employee events and recognition programs throughout the year
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Collaborative and team-oriented work environment

Join Hayes Performance Systems as our Product Engineer and play a key role in designing, developing, and improving products that support customer needs and business objectives.

In this role, you will lead engineering projects from concept through production, working closely with manufacturing, quality, suppliers, and customers to deliver innovative, cost-effective, and manufacturable solutions. You will drive continuous product improvement, support new product introductions, and help ensure products meet performance, quality, and delivery expectations.

• Design, develop, and improve products to meet customer and business requirements
• Create and maintain engineering drawings, specifications, bills of materials (BOMs), and technical documentation
• Lead new product introduction (NPI) activities, including prototyping, testing, validation, and production launch support
• Partner with manufacturing teams to improve product performance, quality, manufacturability, and cost efficiency
• Investigate product performance concerns, customer issues, and manufacturing challenges to identify root causes and implement corrective actions
• Coordinate engineering change requests (ECRs) and engineering change orders (ECOs)
• Support product testing and validation activities to ensure compliance with customer and regulatory requirements
• Analyze production and quality data to identify opportunities for improvement
• Collaborate with suppliers to evaluate components, materials, and manufacturing processes
• Participate in cross-functional project teams and provide technical support throughout the product lifecycle

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• 3–7 years of product engineering experience within a manufacturing environment
• Experience supporting product development, new product introduction, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, engineering documentation, and product validation
• Experience using CAD software such as Solid Works, Inventor, Creo, or AutoCAD
• Knowledge of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing)
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
• Bonus:
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification
  • Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies
  • Familiarity with ERP and PLM systems
  • Knowledge of ISO 9001 or industry-specific quality standards
  • Project management experience

If you're passionate about engineering innovative products, solving complex manufacturing challenges, and bringing new ideas from concept to production, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and take the next step in your career with Hayes Performance Systems.