Senior Product Development Engineer

First Principle

Detroit (MI)

On-site

USD 85,000 - 110,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

A dynamic engineering firm in Detroit is looking for a Product Development Engineer to lead the design through production of complex mechanical systems. In this hands-on role, you will own the design and development of vehicle hardware systems, collaborate closely with technicians, and contribute to the product roadmap. Ideal candidates should have over 7 years of experience in delivering mechanical products, a bachelor’s degree in engineering, and a problem-solving mindset. Join a close-knit team at the forefront of American manufacturing innovation.

Qualifications

7+ years of experience delivering complex mechanical or electromechanical products.
Experience working directly on the shop floor with production.

Responsibilities

Own design and development of vehicle hardware systems.
Create and iterate on complex CAD models and assemblies.
Translate design concepts into physical builds and prototypes.

Skills

Experience taking products from whiteboard to production

Rapid iteration and problem-solving mindset

Collaboration with technicians

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or related Engineering field

Job description

As America refires its manufacturing base, Detroit is leading a new wave of innovation across mobility & manufacturing. First Principle has partnered with a rapidly growing startup at the center of this movement, developing a next-generation EV platform redefining an entire class of consumer and commercial vehicles.

Our client has moved from prototype to production in record time, with vehicles already delivered to customers, driven by a small team focused on continually raising the bar and pushing the boundaries of what they can deliver.

We’re seeking a Product Development Engineer to lead design through production of complex, mechanical systems from first concept through build, validation, and production deployment. This is a high-impact, hands-on engineering role reporting directly to the CTO.

Key Responsibilities

Own design and development of critical vehicle hardware systems across mechanical, electrical, thermal, and structural domains.
Create, analyze, and iterate on complex CAD models and assemblies using advanced design tools.
Translate design concepts into physical builds, fabricating, testing, and refining prototypes with direct feedback from real-world operation.
Develop and validate manufacturing processes, materials selections, and joining techniques suitable for low-volume to mid-scale production.
Collaborate closely with technicians on the shop floor, ensuring seamless handoff between design, fabrication, and integration.
Contribute to product roadmap discussions and lead technical reviews on key system architecture decisions.

Success Criteria

Experience taking products from whiteboard to production is essential. Ideally, you will have shipped a product in a fast-moving startup or small team environment.
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or related Engineering field.
Likely 7+ years’ experience delivering complex mechanical or electromechanical products in mobility, aerospace, defense, or industrial machinery.
Experience working directly on the shop floor with production.
Bias toward rapid iteration and problem-solving over process; you will thrive in dynamic, builder-centric teams.

This business has real momentum, with leading venture backing, established and rapidly growing commercial revenue, but remains early enough that each new hire has an opportunity to shape both product and culture. You’ll be joining a close-knit group that prioritizes in-person presence, building together in Detroit’s reenergized hub of industrial innovation, where engineers and operators are redefining the future of American manufacturing.

For more information, apply or reach out to our team today.

Seniority level