Automotive Lighting: Product Engineer

Flex-N-Gate; Allen Park (MI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive company is seeking a Product Engineer to lead the design, development, and testing of new products. The role involves collaborating with various teams, ensuring products meet customer specifications, and analyzing competitor offerings. Candidates should have at least 3 years of experience in the automotive sector and a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Strong project management and problem-solving skills are essential, along with the ability to work independently and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• 3 years+ experience in the automotive industry, preferably in Exterior Lighting.
• Knowledge of TS16949 requirements.
• Ability to lead effective meetings.

Responsibilities

• Review engineering drawings and prototypes based on product requirements.
• Analyze current product offerings to improve quality and reduce costs.
• Liaise with sales and manufacturing to ensure product alignment with strategy.

Skills

Product Development

Problem Solving

Verbal and Written Communication

Team Work

Time Management

Project Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Project

Job description

Summary

The Product Engineer is responsible for leading the design, development and testing of new products, and support in production products with engineering changes or other aspects as required. Working with the Program Manager, CAD Designers, Electrical and Optical Engineers, other CAE specialists, manufacturing teams and Account Manager, the Product Engineer identifies and facilitates product features and improvements. He/she reviews product drawings, specifications and prototypes, preparing reports as necessary at each stage of development and reviews product test results. He/she liaises with customer to review and update on product status/timing and engineering changes. He/she ensures product meets and exceeds all customer specifications.

Core Competencies

• Product Development
• Time Management
• Problem Solving
• Self-Awareness
• Accountability and Dependability
• Decision Making and Judgement
• Ethics and Integrity
• Planning and Organizing
• Analytically Inclined
• Enforcing Laws, Rules and Regulations
• Mediating and Negotiating
• Written and Verbal Communication
• Team Work
• Mechanical Aptitude
• Presentation skills

Job Duties

• Review engineering drawings, schematics and/or prototypes based upon pre-defined product requirements.
• Analyze current product offerings to determine ways to improve quality, increase functionality, maintain aesthetic appeal and reduce cost of production.
• Analyze and reverse-engineer competitor product offerings.
• Identify key product strengths and weaknesses.
• Develop solutions to product weaknesses.
• Product Development Team Review of drawings and prototypes for functionality, reliability and ease of manufacture.
• Assist the product development team with keeping development on schedule.
• Ensure all products meet or exceed applicable customer specifications.
• Liaise with sales and manufacturing departments to ensure that product specifications align with corporate strategy and competitive goals.
• Respond to product development/functionality inquiries.
• Assist the sales and marketing staff with understanding the functionality and benefits of products.
• Observe product related policies and procedures.
• Assist the product development team with keeping within product development budgets.
• Troubleshoot product malfunctions/failures to prevent future concerns.
• Maintain accurate product development records.
• Assist other engineers with product development projects.
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 3 years+ experience in automotive industry, preferably in Exterior Lighting
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering
• Knowledge of the requirements of TS16949.
• Knowledge and execution experience of APQP, PPAP, DFMEA, DVP&R, Control Plans, and Process Flow.
• Proven ability to create and execute product development plans that have achieved the identified targets.
• Strong leadership abilities, able to lead effective meetings.
• Good problem solving and root cause analysis skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Sound technical background (hands-on) with logical deductive reasoning approach.
• Good organizational abilities with task prioritization, multi-tasking, use of timelines and time management techniques.
• Professional/mature demeanor under stressful situations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to work with little supervision; must be self-directed.
• Strong project management skills with an ability to manage multiple projects and tasks
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Computer competent (Word, Excel, Project, etc.)
• Ability to travel to USA and international destinations
• Ability to complete VA/VE and Product R&D activities and monitor.