Product Design Engineer

Creative Liquid Coatings, Inc.; Howell (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Creative Liquid Coatings, Inc. seeks a Design Engineer to drive product design from concept to production and lifecycle support. You will translate customer needs into robust, manufacturable parts with quality and regulatory compliance in mind.

You'll collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Program Management, and suppliers to develop 3D models, drawings, DFMEA/PFMEA, and participate in ECOs across programs.

Qualifications

• Must have strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Experience reading engineering drawings and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and modify products, components, and assemblies to meet requirements.
• Create and maintain 3D models, drawings, and BOMs.
• Apply GD&T and design-for-manufacturing principles; support ECOs throughout lifecycle.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem solving

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD software

Job description

The Design Engineer / Product Engineer is responsible for the design, development, validation, and support of products and components from concept through production and lifecycle management. This role translates customer and internal requirements into technically sound, manufacturable, and cost‑effective designs that meet quality, performance, safety, and regulatory requirements.

The position works closely with cross‑functional teams including Manufacturing, Quality, Program Management, Automation, Tooling, and external suppliers to ensure designs are robust, scalable, and aligned with manufacturing capabilities. Senior‑level responsibilities include increased technical leadership, mentoring, and ownership of complex designs and programs.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and modify products, components, and assemblies to meet customer, regulatory, and internal requirements.
• Translate customer specifications, performance requirements, and use cases into engineering designs and technical documentation.
• Create and maintain 3D models, drawings, specifications, and BOMs using approved CAD tools.
• Apply GD&T, material selection, and design‑for‑manufacturing (DFM/DFA) principles.
• Support engineering changes (ECOs) throughout the product lifecycle.

Validation & Technical Support

• Support design verification and validation activities, including testing, analysis, and reviews.
• Participate in DFMEA, PFMEA, and risk assessments to identify and mitigate product and process risks.
• Support prototype builds, trials, and initial production runs.
• Provide technical support for production, quality, and customer‑related issues as needed.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Tooling, Automation, and Quality to ensure designs are manufacturable and meet process capabilities.
• Support APQP and new program launch activities through SOP and early production.
• Communicate technical concepts clearly to internal teams, customers, and suppliers.
• Coordinate with suppliers for component design considerations, feasibility, and cost inputs.
• Identify opportunities for design improvement related to cost, quality, performance, and manufacturability.
• Ensure design documentation is accurate, complete, and compliant with internal standards and quality systems.
• Participate in lessons learned and continuous improvement initiatives.

Senior‑Level Expectations (as applicable)

• Provide technical leadership on complex or high‑risk designs and programs.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and designers.
• Lead design reviews and serve as a technical escalation point.
• Contribute to engineering standards, best practices, and technical strategy.

Skill and Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, or related discipline).
• Strong understanding of product design, materials, GD&T, and manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks or equivalent).
• Experience with DFMEA, PFMEA, APQP, and engineering change management.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced engineering environment.

Education and Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in product or design engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 10+ years of progressive experience in product or design engineering.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex designs, mentoring engineers, and supporting multiple programs or customers.
• Work is performed in both office and manufacturing environments with regular plant interaction.
• Exposure to manufacturing conditions including noise, moving equipment, and industrial processes when on the plant floor.
• PPE required in designated production areas.
• Typical full‑time schedule with flexibility during launches or critical project phases.
• Ability to travel up to 20% domestically within the United States and internationally, as required. A valid, up‑to‑date passport is required and must be maintained at all times.

Authority

• Authority to develop and release engineering designs and documentation within defined standards.
• Authority to support and recommend engineering changes and design improvements.
• Authority to represent engineering in cross‑functional discussions related to product design.
• Authority to operate in accordance with established RASIC (Responsible, Accountable, Supportive, Informed, Consulted) assignments, accepting accountability where designated and ensuring clarity of ownership, decision authority, and escalation paths.