Product Development Engineer

Neapco; Farmington Hills (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Neapco is seeking a Core Product Development Engineer, Propeller Shaft for our World Headquarters and Technical Center in Farmington Hills, MI. This role focuses on developing innovative propeller shaft solutions to strengthen our driveline portfolio and competitiveness.

Reporting to the Supervisor, Core Product Development, you will lead design, validation, and DFMEA activities, while collaborating with suppliers and customers to ensure robust, cost-effective products.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (BSME or equivalent) required.
• 5–7 years design, validation and release experience in driveline, powertrain, or chassis systems.
• Ability to work independently and within a team, with strong communication.

Responsibilities

• Develop universal joints, yokes, spline interfaces, and shafts.
• Develop standardized engineering calculation methods for strength and durability.
• Assist application engineering teams in analyzing customer vehicle requirements and road load data.
• Publish and communicate best practices and key design considerations to PD organization.
• Lead cost reduction, VA/VE and R&D activities, including participation in idea generation.
• Support development of common/core DFMEA for propeller shaft components.
• Lead development of engineering standards and design guidelines.
• Initiate and manage prototype activity and testing for R&D projects.
• Support root cause analysis activities related to test, warranty, quality concerns including 8D reporting.
• Interface closely with suppliers, customers, and internal departments.
• Define designs and initiate procurement of required material for prototypes.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Communication skills

PPAP knowledge

Automotive experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (BSME or equivalent)

Tools

Creo

Fusion 360

CAE tools

Spline design & inspection

Job description

Since 1921, Neapco has been a leading supplier of innovative driveline solutions to original equipment manufacturers and the global automotive industry. Neapco designs, manufactures, and distributes high-quality, cost-effective OEM and aftermarket driveline products for automotive, light truck, heavy truck, off-road, off-highway, agriculture, and industrial applications. Recognized by Crain’s Fast 50 in recent years, including 2020, and honored with multiple Supplier Quality Awards, Neapco’ s agile, passionate, and diverse approach fuels a relentless focus on establishing, maintaining, and strengthening enduring professional partnerships.

As we celebrate our 100th anniversary, we continue our long tradition of quality and excellence by placing our team members first; from safety and personal enrichment to professional development, Neapco is excited to add a Core Product Development (PD) Engineer, Propeller Shaft to our team. The Core Product Development (PD) Engineer, Propeller Shaft will be responsible for developing new and creative engineering solutions to provide greater value and satisfaction to customers, while strengthening Neapco’ s competitive edge and profitability within the driveline market. This position will report to the Supervisor, Core Product Development and is based at our World Headquarters and Technical Center in Farmington Hills, Michigan. This team member must be aligned with Neapco’ s Core Values of Partnership, Passion, Agility, Teamwork, Integrity, and Diversity. Compensation dependent upon qualifications.

Job Description: Core Product Development Engineer, Propeller Shafts

Key Responsibilities

• Develop universal joints, yokes, spline interfaces, and shafts that provide superior value to Neapco’ s customers and improve Neapco’ s competitive edge and profitability within the driveline market
• Develop standardized engineering calculation methods and templates for common driveline strength and durability calculations, including cumulative bearing damage, fatigue damage, and reliability metrics
• Assist application engineering teams in the analysis of customer vehicle requirements and road load data to assess strength, reliability, and cumulative damage expectations for development of robust designs
• Publish and communicate best practices and key design considerations to PD organization
• Lead and support various cost reduction, VA/VE and R&D activities, including participation in idea generation
• Support development of common/core DFMEA for common propeller shaft components
• Lead development of engineering standards and design guidelines
• Initiate and manage prototype activity and testing for R&D development projects not tied to specific awarded customer programs, including post-test analysis, teardown, and reporting in support of DVP&R plans
• Support root cause analysis activities related to test, warranty, quality concerns, including 8D reporting
• Interface closely & build technical relationships with suppliers, customers, and internal departments
• Define designs and initiate procurement of required material to support prototype builds and validation tests within program timing constraints

Required Skills

• Demonstrated technical and professional skills in the job-related area
• Ability to interpret highly analytical documentation and present solutions to internal and external customers
• Ability to work independently, while also working effectively within a team environment
• Excellent written and oral communication
• Knowledge of automotive PPAP requirements
• Familiarity with iron castings, steel forging, heat treatment, and welding technologies

Preferred Skills

• Prior experience with CAE tools, problem-solving techniques, and powertrain NVH
• Spline design & inspection
• CAD solid modeling (preferred Creo or Fusion 360)

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, BSME or similar
• Preferred 5 to 7 years design, validation and release experience with driveline, powertrain, or chassis systems

Neapco recognizes that our team members are our most valuable asset, and we are committed to providing them with a safe, drug-free workplace fostering respect and ethical treatment. Unlawful discrimination in employment decisions based on race, color, religion, ethnic/national origin, age, sex, veteran status, disability, or any similar protected status is strictly prohibited.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package.

www.neapco.com