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Exterior Hardware DRE
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Actalent
Remote
$99,840 Salary, Full-Time
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Job Description
Job Title:
Product EngineerJob Description This Product Engineer position supports future automotive programs as a design release engineer, leading assigned components through the full product development life cycle from concept and design through production and warranty. The role functions as a program manager for specific parts, ensuring that quality, timing, and development milestones are consistently achieved. The focus is on exterior components such as bumpers, fascias, grilles, and exterior trim, particularly plastic and chrome parts, within an automotive body engineering environment. The position involves extensive collaboration with internal cross-functional teams and external suppliers, and requires strong program management capabilities and the ability to drive change across the organization. The role is primarily mechanical in nature, involving research and investigation of the design, functionality, and maintenance of mechanical and electromechanical products, as well as the creation and interpretation of engineering drawings and blueprints. Responsibilities Lead assigned parts or groups of parts through the entire product development life cycle from initial design through production launch and warranty support. Act as the program manager and primary owner for assigned components, ensuring that quality targets, timing, and development milestones are met. Research, design, develop, manufacture, and test mechanical and electromechanical devices, including tools, engines, machines, and other mechanical systems. Focus on the design and development of exterior automotive components such as bumpers, fascias, grilles, and exterior trim, with an emphasis on plastic and chrome parts. Research and analyze customer design proposals, specifications, and manuals to determine technical feasibility, timing, and cost to complete projects. Investigate equipment failures and operational difficulties, diagnose faulty operation, and provide recommendations to maintenance and production teams. Assist drafters and designers in developing the structural design of products using appropriate tools, equipment, and engineering software. Create and review engineering drawings, sketches, and models, ensuring accuracy, manufacturability, and compliance with standards. Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports to guide design decisions and problem solving. Collaborate closely with internal engineering, manufacturing, quality, and program teams, as well as external suppliers, to align designs with program objectives. Drive design changes and continuous improvement initiatives across the organization to enhance product performance, quality, and cost. Support supplier interactions, including occasional on-site visits, to resolve technical issues, validate designs, and ensure component readiness. Participate in and support program reviews, design reviews, and milestone meetings, providing clear status updates and risk assessments. Use Computer Aided Design (CAD) and other engineering tools to model, analyze, and refine component designs. Support warranty and field issue investigations related to assigned components, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions. Essential Skills Bachelor's degree in engineering (engineering discipline required; engineering technology degrees are not accepted). 5-7 years of experience in mechanical or body engineering, including design release experience. Experience with exterior hardware or automotive body components, such as bumpers, fascias, grilles, and exterior trim. Experience with electromechanical systems or exterior hardware components. Strong program management skills with the ability to lead components through the full product development life cycle and drive change across the organization. Ability to create sketches and detailed engineering drawings and perform common engineering computations. Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports. Proficiency with computer applications and software related to engineering, including Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools. Proficiency with Excel for engineering data analysis, tracking, and reporting. Strong creativity, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills applied to mechanical and electromechanical product design. Effective verbal and written communication skills for working with cross-functional teams and suppliers. Detail-oriented approach and ability to work effectively as part of a team. Additional Skills & Qualifications 5 or more years of experience with electromechanical or exterior hardware components is preferred. Experience with other automotive body-related components is highly valued. Experience working in a large automotive environment or with complex vehicle programs is beneficial. Familiarity with design software beyond core CAD tools is an advantage. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple components or projects simultaneously. Interest in learning new technologies and software tools and broadening skills across different engineering areas. Ability to travel up to approximately 10% overnight, including visits to supplier locations as needed. Work Environment This role operates in a hybrid work model, with the majority of work performed in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and remote work on other days as permitted. The position is part of a larger engineering group of approximately 80 engineers responsible for various programs and commodities, providing a collaborative and technically rich environment. Work is primarily first shift, with typical hours between 8:00 a.m. and standard business close. The role may include occasional work at supplier locations to support technical reviews, issue resolution, and launch activities. The dress code is business casual. The organization emphasizes community involvement, worker safety, and providing an engaging workplace, and it offers opportunities for contract employees to learn new technologies and software, broaden their skill sets, and potentially pursue direct-hire opportunities in the future. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Warren, MI. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $46.00- $50.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
- Medical, dental & vision
- Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
- Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
- Short and long-term disability
- Health Spending Account (HSA)
- Transportation benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a hybrid position in Warren,MI.