Product Engineer I

HI-LEX North America; Rochester (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

HI-LEX North America is seeking a Product Engineer I in Michigan to design and develop products from concept to mass production, ensuring quality and cost targets are met. You will analyze specifications, run simulations and tests, and collaborate with manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and sales.

The role requires applying engineering fundamentals and strong communication skills, with 0–2 years of relevant experience. It offers growth within HI-LEX's U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field.
• 0–2 years product engineering experience preferred.
• Knowledge of GD&T, DOE, FMEA, DFM, CAD and statistics.

Responsibilities

• Designs and develops products to meet or exceed customer requirements.
• Determines feasibility of new and modified components and assemblies using analytical engineering tools.
• Reviews and defines test methods based on customer and Hi‑Lex specifications.
• Coordinates prototype builds and testing/validation for assigned products.
• Provides technical support to customers, Hi‑Lex manufacturing, quality assurance, program management and sales.
• Works with 3D models, drawings and design studies.
• Identifies root cause and counter-measures for system failures and quality concerns.
• Actively supports VA/VE and DFM activities.
• Prepares problem-solving reports, DVP&R reports, etc.
• Promotes an associate relations environment that is consistent with long-term management objectives.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written comm.,

Education

4-year degree in mechanical engineering or engineering technology

Job description

Founded in 1946, HI-LEX is a leading supplier of window regulators, door modules, power lift gate systems, and mechanical control cables primarily serving the automotive industry, but also the power sports, marine, construction equipment, and medical device sectors. Headquartered in Takarazuka, Japan (near Osaka), and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE), HI-LEX employs more than 12,000 associates across its global footprint.

In the Americas region, HI-LEX has grown steadily and now has ten (10) manufacturing facilities across the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. In the U.S., HI-LEX operates under three divisions: HI-LEX America in Battle Creek, Michigan; HI-LEX Controls in Hudson, Litchfield, and Hazel Park, Michigan; and Daedong HI-LEX of America in Cusseta, Alabama. The company’s automotive center is in Rochester Hills, Michigan which consists of Finance, Sales, Engineering, Testing, Program Management, Human Resources, Purchasing and IT.

Website: HI-LEX.com

POSITION SUMMARY

Designs and develops products and systems to meet or exceed customer requirements. The Product Engineer I designs and develops innovative products and systems, ensuring final designs and manufactured components consistently exceed internal quality standards and customer requirements. This involves analyzing specifications, performing simulations and tests, collaborating with cross‑functional teams (including manufacturing, quality, and supply chain), and managing the product lifecycle from concept to mass production and continuous improvement. The role requires applying fundamental engineering principles and technical expertise to deliver high‑quality, reliable, and cost‑effective solutions.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Designs and develops products to meet or exceed customer requirements.
• Determines feasibility of new and modified components and assemblies using analytical engineering tools.
• Reviews and defines test methods based on customer and Hi‑Lex specifications.
• Coordinates prototype builds and testing / validation for assigned products.
• Provides technical support to customers, Hi‑Lex manufacturing, quality assurance, program management and sales.
• Works with 3D models, drawings and design studies.
• Identifies root cause and counter‑measures for system failures and quality concerns.
• Actively supports and directs VA / VE and DFM activities.
• Prepares problem‑solving reports, DVP&R reports, etc.
• Promotes an associate relations environment that is consistent with long‑term management objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• 4‑year degree in mechanical engineering or engineering technology or equivalent field.

FUNCTIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Knowledge of applicable Hi‑Lex products and procedures.
• Knowledge of engineering practices (GD & T, DOE, FMEA, DFM, CAD applications, statistical analysis, etc.).

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

• 0‑2 years product engineering experience preferred.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Understanding of customer change and release systems.
• Provides support to Jr. Engineers, Designers and Technicians.
• Performs competitor benchmarking activity.
• Performs other duties as necessary.
• 5S support.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Office environment with noise from computer peripherals such as printers.
• Periodic factory visits with noise from manufacturing equipment.
• Periodic travel by air, car or train to other company operations, customers and/or suppliers.