Product Development Engineer - Exteriors

Product Development Engineer

• Lead program development from inception through launch, including product design and development, customer meetings and tracking of program open issues.
• Create and own GD&T, DFMEA and DVP&R documents.
• Work with the OEM to consult on new plastic products so they meet customer specifications, manufacturability, tooling feasibility and quality objectives.
• Direct and coordinate projects from design through production start-up, including prototype build and testing, to achieve required performance, reliability, manufacturability and market competitiveness.
• Resolve technical problems using your knowledge of manufacturing processes, industry practice and new technologies.
• Recommend design approaches and solutions directly to customers on routine matters, and bring in peers, other departments and engineering management on critical issues.
• Document technical aspects of projects and keep project data properly retained; prepare technical presentations and visit customers, virtually or in person, for open issues, design reviews and proposals.
• Track new material, technique and technology trends and validate how they apply to our products and open issues.
• Support the gate review process.

• Minimum 5 years of experience developing automotive plastic injection molded parts.
• Experience with a variety of plastic injection molding processes, such as standard injection, compression injection, reaction injection molding (RIM, especially with PUR) or other new processes.
• Understanding of assembly and joining processes, such as vibration, sonic or laser welding, fasteners, clips and molded snap features, to support design for manufacturing.
• Ability to work with CAD software (NX, CATIA) to design parts or review data, compare data and cut sections.
• Strong working knowledge of GD&T, FMEAs and DVP&Rs.
• Must be at least 18 years of age and legally authorized to work in the United States.

• Fascia engineering or design experience, especially front/rear fascia product design (a strong need for this role).
• Advanced degree in engineering.

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

• Ability to work in a global environment, coordinating between North America, Europe and China.
• A high level of self-motivation and bias for action.
• Strong communication, presentation and organization skills.
• Good interpersonal skills and strong self-learning skills.
• An innovative mindset.

• Work is performed in both an office setting and on the manufacturing floor; time on the floor requires standing and walking and wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Frequent use of a computer and CAD software.
• Occasionally lift up to 25 lbs, such as when reviewing prototype parts and samples.
• Occasional domestic or international travel to customer, supplier and plant sites, and virtual meetings across time zones.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• International development platform – Build your career with a fast-growing global automotive supplier with 78 plants worldwide and North American headquarters in Wixom, Michigan.
• See your work on the road – Own exterior plastic parts from concept through launch, working directly with automotive OEM customers.
• Dynamic and efficient team – Collaborate with engineering, quality and plant teams in North America, Europe and China.
• All-round personal improvement – Grow your technical and program leadership skills.
• Diversified working atmosphere – A multicultural, multinational workplace where different backgrounds and perspectives are valued.
• Competitive compensation package.