Product Design Engineer

JTEKT Column Systems NA; Hopkinsville (KY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

JTEKT Column Systems NA in Hopkinsville, KY is seeking a Product Design Engineer to design and develop steering column systems from concept through production. You will create 3D CAD models, analyze tolerances, and collaborate with manufacturing, quality, suppliers, and program management to meet safety, cost, and timing goals.

The role emphasizes APQP/PPAP, DFMEA, and DVP&R activities, with opportunities for cost reduction and continuous improvement across cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Experience with 3D CAD software, SolidWorks preferred.
• Understanding of GD&T.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work in a cross-functional team environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop steering column assemblies and components from concept through production release.
• Create and maintain 3D CAD models, BOMs, and engineering documentation.
• Review customer drawings, specifications, and requirements to ensure design compliance.
• Perform engineering analyses including GD&T development, tolerance stack-ups, and design feasibility evaluations.
• Support prototype builds, product testing, validation activities, and production launches.
• Develop and maintain DVP&R documentation and engineering reports.
• Work cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, Program Management, and Suppliers.
• Support APQP, PPAP, and DFMEA activities.
• Initiate and implement Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs).
• Participate in root cause investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support cost reduction and value engineering projects.

Skills

3D CAD (SolidWorks)

GD&T

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Cross-functional teamwork

Automotive product development

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Product Design Engineer – Steering Systems

Location: Hopkinsville, KY
Position Type: Full-Time

Job Description

The Product Design Engineer is responsible for the design, development, validation, and release of steering column systems and related components from concept through production. This role collaborates closely with customers, manufacturing, quality, suppliers, and cross-functional engineering teams to develop products that meet safety, quality, cost, and timing objectives.

The Product Design Engineer supports new product launches, engineering changes, product validation activities, and continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring compliance with customer requirements and internal engineering standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop steering column assemblies and components from concept through production release.
• Create and maintain 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, Bills of Material (BOMs), and engineering documentation.
• Review customer drawings, specifications, and requirements to ensure design compliance.
• Perform engineering analyses including GD&T development, tolerance stack-ups, and design feasibility evaluations.
• Support prototype builds, product testing, validation activities, and production launches.
• Develop and maintain DVP&R documentation and engineering reports.
• Work cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, Program Management, and Suppliers.
• Support APQP, PPAP, and DFMEA activities.
• Initiate and implement Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs).
• Participate in root cause investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support cost reduction and value engineering projects.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
• Understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in automotive product development.
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, DFMEA, DVP&R, and Engineering Change Management processes.
• Experience with tolerance stack-up analysis.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes including machining, welding, stamping, assembly, and injection molding.
• Knowledge of IATF 16949 automotive quality standards.

Technical Skills

• 3D CAD Modeling (SolidWorks Preferred)
• GD&T
• Tolerance Stack-Up Analysis
• Engineering Documentation and Product Release
• APQP / PPAP
• DFMEA
• DVP&R
• Engineering Change Management
• Root Cause Analysis
• Microsoft Office Suite

Travel

Occasional travel to customer and supplier locations may be required.

JTEKT Column Systems North America is an Equal Opportunity Employer.