Foundation Brake Product Engineer

BWI GROUP; Brighton (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

BWI GROUP in Brighton, Michigan, is seeking a Product Engineer to develop and innovate brake solutions for the automotive industry. This role involves participating in the design and validation of components, leading prototype builds, and providing engineering support for quality analysis.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, excellent problem-solving skills, and proficiency in Microsoft products. The position requires more than 50% travel to meet customers and suppliers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related field.
• Ability to read and apply engineering prints and technical drawings.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Participate in design and validation of automotive suspension components.
• Provide product engineering support for quality analysis.
• Lead prototype builds and problem-resolution activities.
• Conduct design-related cost reduction activities.
• Prepare and track engineering documentation.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field

Tools

Unigraphics (NX) or similar CAD tools

Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Position Summary

BWI Group is a premier chassis supplier that designs and manufactures brake and suspension systems for the global transportation market. The Product Engineer will play a key role in developing innovative brake solutions that meet demanding customer performance, quality, and cost requirements.

Job Responsibilities

• Participate in the design, development, and validation of components for automotive suspension products, from concept through launch.
• Provide product engineering support for quality analysis, supplier development, and plant continuous improvement activities.
• Lead prototype builds, including coordination of parts, documentation, and build issue resolution.
• Conduct and champion design‑related cost reduction activities, including organizing and leading meetings, planning and executing verification testing, communicating changes with product groups, and following established change procedures.
• Apply structured problem‑solving strategies to address product and process issues; facilitate resolution of quality concerns and present status and results in cross‑functional meetings.
• Prepare, issue, and track required engineering documentation for design changes, engineering permits, verification testing, product change methodology sheets, and product/material specification changes.
• Design, validate, and release engineering drawings that meet customer requirements, internal standards, and applicable specifications.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related field.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply engineering prints and technical drawings.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel in a professional setting.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Ability to use and understand Windows Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and SharePoint, Microsoft email.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Good level of analytical skills and interpersonal skills; ability to work on a team and guide support personnel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of common manufacturing processes and their impact on design and quality.
• Moderate level of hands‑on mechanical skill for troubleshooting, testing, and prototype support.
• Familiarity with Unigraphics (NX) or similar CAD tools, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and basic statistical analysis methods.
• General knowledge of suspension system operation and functionality in automotive applications.

Travel

More than 50% travel to meet customers and suppliers, with day travel to various manufacturing facilities as required.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk and sit; use hands to manipulate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and to talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.