Product Engineer

Ventura Manufacturing, Inc.; Zeeland (MI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Ventura Manufacturing, Inc. is seeking a Product Engineer to support the development, launch, and continuous improvement of automotive products.

The role translates customer requirements into manufacturable solutions while meeting quality, cost, timing, and performance targets. You will partner with customers, manufacturing, quality, sourcing, and program teams to drive launches and changes across the product lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or related field.
• 3+ years product engineering in automotive manufacturing.
• Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks CAD software.
• Strong GD&T and engineering drawings knowledge.
• Experience with automotive design and launch processes.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.

Responsibilities

• Interpret customer specifications, CAD data, engineering standards, and design requirements.
• Create and maintain 3D models, assemblies, and drawings using SolidWorks.
• Use engineering tools for managing product design development (DFMEA, DVP&R, tolerance stack-ups).
• Support product launches from concept through production and manage engineering changes.
• Participate in technical feasibility reviews for new business opportunities.
• Investigate product and manufacturing issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Drive design improvements that enhance quality, reduce waste, and lower costs.
• Support VA/VE and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Work with manufacturing, quality, sourcing, and program teams for readiness and launch.
• Participate in APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, DFM, and automotive quality processes.
• Interface with customers regarding engineering requirements, development, and launch support.
• Communicate technical risks, recommendations, and solutions to customers and internal teams.

Skills

SolidWorks

GD&T

Product engineering

Automotive manufacturing

APQP/PPAP

DVP&R

DFMEA

Root cause analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

SolidWorks CAD software

Job description

Description

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Ventura Manufacturing is seeking a Product Engineer to support the development, launch, and continuous improvement of automotive products.

The Product Engineer is responsible for translating customer requirements into manufacturable automotive product solutions while meeting expectations for quality, cost, timing, and performance. This position partners closely with customers, manufacturing, quality, sourcing, and program teams to support product launches, engineering changes, and continuous improvement efforts throughout the product lifecycle.

Duties & Responsibilities Include:

• Interpret customer specifications, CAD data, engineering standards, and design requirements.


• Create and maintain 3D models, assemblies, and engineering drawings using SolidWorks.


• Create and employ engineering tools for managing product design development, eg, DFMEA, DVP&R, tolerance stack-ups, etc.


• Support product launches from concept through production and manage engineering changes.


• Participate in technical feasibility reviews for new business opportunities.


• Investigate product and manufacturing issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.


• Drive design improvements that enhance quality, reduce waste, and lower manufacturing costs.


• Support VA/VE and cost-reduction initiatives.


• Work closely with manufacturing, quality, sourcing, technical, and program teams to support production readiness and launch execution.


• Participate in APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, DFM, and other automotive quality processes.


• Interface directly with customers regarding engineering requirements, product development, prototype evaluations, and launch support.


• Communicate technical risks, recommendations, and solutions to customers and internal teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related Engineering field.


• 3+ years of product engineering experience in an automotive manufacturing environment.


• Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks CAD software.


• Strong understanding of GD&T and engineering drawings.


• Experience with automotive design and launch processes.


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.


• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with plastic injection molded products, assemblies, or automotive interior components.


• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and IATF 16949 requirements.


• Experience working directly with OEMs and Tier 1 automotive suppliers.


• Familiarity with cost analysis, VA/VE activities, and manufacturing processes.

Successful candidates will be detail-oriented, organized, self-motivated, and customer-focused, with the ability to work effectively across teams and drive projects from concept through production.

We strive for a dynamic culture where we value people, continuously improve, and solve problems together. Ventura’s goal is to improve lives by producing beneficial products, providing employment, growing people, and giving generously.

If our culture appeals to you, and you meet the requirements above, we would love to talk with you about joining our team!