Associate Engineer Product Development CVS

Textron; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kautex in the United States (Michigan, Troy) is seeking an Engineering professional to deliver customer-specific Clear Vision Systems from concept to mass production. You will lead technical topics, coordinate cross-functional teams, and manage requirements, risk, and validation activities.

The role requires a technical degree, automotive engineering experience, English proficiency, and willingness to travel.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Mechatronics or an equivalent technical qualification.
• Experience in automotive product engineering is preferred, ideally with complex systems or mechatronic products.
• Experience in automotive parts development is desirable.
• Knowledge of blow moulding or injection moulding product design, including welding and assembly, is a strong advantage.
• Willingness to travel for business as required.
• Business-level English is required.
• German/Spanish language skills would be beneficial but are not essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop customer-specific Clear Vision Systems products from initial system concept and quotation through prototyping, validation, engineering release and mass production.
• Plan and control all technical topics for assigned projects, supporting the Program Manager in delivering high-quality solutions on time and within agreed cost targets.
• Lead proactive requirements and risk management for all technical aspects, including continuous use of FMEA tools.
• Ensure customer specifications, customer-specific requirements, cost targets, design-for-manufacture expectations and project timing are understood and achieved.
• Act as the technical liaison between the customer, product development teams and internal functions, including design, manufacturing and industrialization.
• Work with design colleagues to ensure the product and system architecture meet customer specifications and demands.
• Work with manufacturing engineering to define production tooling and equipment specifications and to support robust industrialization.
• Promote standardized development and validation testing, seeking customer agreement where the approach is useful and applicable.
• Coordinate and supervise product testing, including the appropriate handling of hazardous substances where relevant; interpret results and implement necessary actions or design modifications.
• Ensure required parts and technical deliverables are available in line with customer and project timing.
• Provide product engineering expertise during customer visits and audits and in cross-functional collaboration with other departments.
• Act as Technical Project Lead Engineer for small to medium-complexity projects, coordinating the technical team as required.
• Support project budget control and capacity planning activities.
• Comply with IATF 16949 and all applicable customer-specific, quality, safety and internal requirements.

Skills

Business-level English

Willingness to travel

Education

Mechanical/Electrical/Mechatronics degree or equivalent

Job description

Description

Kautex is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now or in the future require sponsorship for employment-based non-immigrant and immigrant visas. However, as a global company, Kautex offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S. which can be found through our employment website www.textronjobs.com.

Description

Kautex is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now or in the future require sponsorship for employment-based non-immigrant and immigrant visas. However, as a global company, Kautex offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S. which can be found through our employment website www.textronjobs.com. Kautex is a global company with over 30 plants in 13 countries. As a leading Tier One automotive supplier, we are a pioneer in the design and manufacturing of plastic fuel systems and beyond. From battery enclosures for use in hybrid and full battery electric vehicle applications to autonomous cleaning systems, we are advancing solutions for the era of new mobility. Our portfolio also covers high-quality industrial packaging and cast camshafts. Embracing the transformative venture, Kautex offers highly advanced technologies and services worldwide. We foster career growth, drive groundbreaking talent programs, and champion equal opportunities and sustainability in our business practices and products. By working together as one team and supporting one another, amazing things happen. We push the boundaries of what’s possible, soar to new heights and reach for the extraordinary, being recognized by prestigious awards such as Fair Company, Great place to work (Silao), MINT minded company, or Ecovadis Platinum. We look forward to getting to know you and sharing more about our values and local benefits.

What Awaits You

• Develop customer-specific Clear Vision Systems products from initial system concept and quotation through prototyping, validation, engineering release and mass production.
• Plan and control all technical topics for assigned projects, supporting the Program Manager in delivering high-quality solutions on time and within agreed cost targets.
• Lead proactive requirements and risk management for all technical aspects, including continuous use of FMEA tools.
• Ensure customer specifications, customer-specific requirements, cost targets, design-for-manufacture expectations and project timing are understood and achieved.
• Act as the technical liaison between the customer, product development teams and internal functions, including design, manufacturing and industrialization.
• Work with design colleagues to ensure the product and system architecture meet customer specifications and demands.
• Work with manufacturing engineering to define production tooling and equipment specifications and to support robust industrialization.
• Promote standardized development and validation testing, seeking customer agreement where the approach is useful and applicable.
• Coordinate and supervise product testing, including the appropriate handling of hazardous substances where relevant; interpret results and implement necessary actions or design modifications.
• Ensure required parts and technical deliverables are available in line with customer and project timing.
• Provide product engineering expertise during customer visits and audits and in cross-functional collaboration with other departments.
• Act as Technical Project Lead Engineer for small to medium-complexity projects, coordinating the technical team as required.
• Support project budget control and capacity planning activities.
• Comply with IATF 16949 and all applicable customer-specific, quality, safety and internal requirements.

Qualifications

What you'll need to succeed:

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics or a comparable technical qualification.
• Experience in automotive product engineering is preferred, ideally involving complex systems or mechatronic products.
• Experience of automotive parts development is desirable.
• Knowledge of blow moulding or injection moulding product design, including welding and assembly, is a strong advantage.
• Willingness to travel for business as required.
• Enthusiasm for the automotive industry. The scope and level of responsibility will be aligned with the successful candidate's professional experience.
• Business-level English is required.
• German / Spanish language skills would be beneficial but are not essential

AI Readiness:

Textron expects employees to use AI-enabled tools responsibly and effectively. Candidates should be comfortable learning and applying these tools, evaluating AI-generated output with sound judgment, and using AI in line with company policy and ethical standards. Prior experience with specific tools is not required — we value curiosity, adaptability, and good judgment.

EEO Statement

Textron is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, disability, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

Recruiting Company: Kautex
Primary Location: US-Michigan-Troy
Job Function: Engineering
Schedule: Full-time
Job Level: Individual Contributor
Job Type: Entry Job
Shift: First Shift
Travel: Yes, 10 % of the Time
Job Posting: 10/12/2026, 12:39:13 PM
Job Number: 344840