Product Engineer

Ventura Manufacturing; Zeeland (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Ventura Manufacturing is seeking a Product Engineer to support the development, launch, and continuous improvement of automotive products. You will interpret customer specs, create 3D models in SolidWorks, and develop tools like DFMEA and PFMEA to ensure design quality and manufacturability.

You will collaborate with manufacturing, quality, sourcing, and program teams to drive product readiness, launch execution, and continuous cost-reduction initiatives across multiple programs.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

SolidWorks

GD&T

APQP/PPAP familiarity

Product launch experience

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related

Tools

SolidWorks CAD software

Job description

Description

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

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.