Product Engineer- Shocks & Struts

DRiV Incorporated; Southfield (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

DRiV Incorporated is seeking an entry-level Product Engineer for Shocks & Struts to support development, validation, application, and release of aftermarket ride-control products. You will perform structured engineering analysis, review supplier drawings, manage documentation, assist with fit checks and testing, and help ensure product performance and quality under guidance.

Reporting to the Engineering Manager, you will collaborate with Product Management, Quality, Purchasing, and suppliers to

Qualifications

• Foundational understanding of mechanical engineering principles, drawings, dimensions and tolerances, test methods, and structured problem solving.
• Ability to organize technical information, manage multiple assignments, document work accurately, and communicate clearly.
• Familiar with Microsoft Office and basic engineering software or drawing-viewing tools.

Responsibilities

• Support product engineering activities for shocks, struts, strut assemblies, mounts, springs, and related ride-control components.
• Review supplier drawings and prints using specifications, checklists, benchmark data, and procedures; identify gaps and nonconformances.
• Prepare and maintain review comments, RFQ inputs, technical checklists, test requests, DVP&R records, drawings, reports, and release documents.
• Assist with design validation, PPAP readiness, sample inspection, dimensional review, vehicle fit checks, ride audits, and test-data review.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and communicate engineering data to support decisions and issue investigation.
• Participate in root-cause analysis for performance, durability, and quality concerns; document findings and corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Product Management, Quality, Purchasing, Operations, Customer Service, laboratories, and suppliers for new product introductions.
• Maintain audit-ready engineering records and follow procedures and product specifications.
• Track projects, drawings, samples, tests, risks, and due dates; escalate roadblocks.
• Follow established engineering standards, quality procedures, and document-control requirements.
• Build product knowledge through hands-on assignments and formal learning.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Engineering software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD

GD&T

APQP/PPAP

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

NACA-117
INTERNAL JOB TITLE: Engineer
EXTERNAL JOB TITLE: Product Engineer - Shocks & Struts
BUSINESS GROUP: Motorparts
REGION: US/CAN
SITE LOCATION: Stakeholder decision required
JOB CODE/SECTION: HR will add
JOB LEVEL/FLSA STATUS: Entry Level / FLSA status to be confirmed
FUNCTION: Engineering
SUBFUNCTION: Product Design and Development Engineering
REPORTS TO: Jeffrey Schenkel, Engineering Manager
DIRECT REPORTS: None

JOB SUMMARY

The Product Engineer - Shocks & Struts is an entry-level engineering role that supports the development, validation, application, release, resourcing, and ongoing technical support of aftermarket ride-control products. Reporting to Jeffrey Schenkel, Engineering Manager, the role performs structured engineering analysis, supplier drawing review, test and product documentation, fitment support, and issue investigation under guidance while helping deliver products that meet approved performance, quality, appearance, fit, and timing requirements.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support product engineering activities for shocks, struts, strut assemblies, mounts, springs, and related ride-control components.
• Perform supplier drawing and print reviews using approved specifications, checklists, benchmark data, and procedures; identify dimensional gaps, missing information, and nonconformances.
• Prepare and maintain review comments, RFQ inputs, technical checklists, test requests, DVP&R records, drawings, reports, engineering changes, and release support documents.
• Assist with design validation, PPAP readiness, sample inspection, dimensional review, vehicle fit checks, ride audits, test-data review, and comparison of supplier parts to requirements.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and communicate engineering data to support decisions, issue investigation, and closure of supplier actions.
• Participate in root-cause analysis for performance, durability, fitment, warranty, quality, and field concerns; document findings and support corrective-action verification.
• Work with Product Management, Quality, Purchasing, Operations, Customer Service, laboratories, manufacturing sites, and suppliers to support new product introductions and ongoing product-line needs.
• Maintain accurate, audit-ready engineering records and follow applicable company procedures, quality requirements, and approved product specifications.
• Track assigned projects, drawings, samples, tests, risks, and due dates; elevate roadblocks and technical questions.
• Follow established engineering standards, lessons learned, quality procedures, and document-control requirements.
• Build product knowledge through hands-on assignments, coaching, and formal learning.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related engineering discipline. Recent graduates with relevant internships, co-op assignments, laboratory work, or project experience may be considered.

EXPERIENCE: Zero to two years of engineering, automotive, testing, supplier, manufacturing, internship, co-op, or related experience. Final threshold requires HR and hiring-manager confirmation.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Foundational understanding of mechanical engineering principles, engineering drawings, dimensions and tolerances, test methods, and structured problem solving; ability to organize technical information, manage multiple assignments, document work accurately, and communicate clearly; attention to detail, learning agility, teamwork, and proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic engineering software or drawing-viewing tools.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Internship, co-op, academic project, or work experience involving automotive components, shocks and struts, suspension systems, product testing, CAD, GD&T, failure analysis, suppliers, APQP/PPAP, or quality systems. Familiarity with IATF 16949 or ISO 9001 environments is a plus.

SCOPE / DECISION AUTHORITY

Entry-level individual contributor with no direct reports. Executes defined assignments using established procedures and receives guidance on complex, high-risk, safety-related, or nonstandard decisions. Recommends findings and corrective actions for review and approval by senior engineering staff or the Engineering Manager.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Primarily office and engineering-lab work using a computer and standard engineering tools. May include product handling, vehicle inspections, test-area activities, and supplier or plant visits. Any role-specific lifting, mobility, or accommodation requirements must be confirmed by HR and the hiring manager before posting.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Works in a collaborative engineering environment with regular interaction across Product Management, Quality, Purchasing, Operations, Customer Service, laboratories, manufacturing sites, and suppliers. Site location, work arrangement, schedule, and travel expectations require stakeholder confirmation.

OTHER DUTIES

Additional duties, responsibilities, and activities may be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role. Additional duties, responsibilities, and activities may be assigned based on business needs.