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Product Development Engineer
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Scorecard
Based on Michigan data
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What they do
A Product Development Engineer develops new products for companies, and participates in all phases of product development including research, design, production and marketing. Uses research on customer demand and industry trends to develop product ideas; builds and tests product prototypes; evaluates production options and costs. May specialize in a particular type of product or in products for a specific industry.
$83,432 / year median in Michigan
-7% projected decline
Job Description
About the Role As a Product Development Engineer, you will drive the end-to-end lifecycle of complex automotive components, from initial concept through to validated production. You will leverage your technical expertise to optimize designs for manufacturing efficiency while ensuring all performance requirements are met to deliver high-quality solutions for our customers. Responsibilities Lead the design, development, and validation of advanced automotive systems, acting as the primary technical subject matter expert. Implement Design for Manufacturing (DfMA) methodologies to enhance production simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and assembly speed. Manage the technical documentation lifecycle, including Engineering Bill of Materials (EBOM), DFMEA, and DVP&R, to ensure rigorous compliance. Investigate and resolve complex engineering challenges using structured problem-solving techniques like 8D, DOE, and Six Sigma tools. Coordinate cross-functional efforts to execute Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE) initiatives that drive product improvement. Support pre-production builds and launch activities, providing on-site technical guidance in manufacturing environments. Required Skills Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a related technical field. 4-9 years of experience in product development, specifically within the automotive OEM sector. Proficiency in project management tools and technical documentation (DFMEA, DVP&R). Strong understanding of GD&T and blueprint interpretation. Demonstrated success in managing new product launches and gated development processes. Ability to travel up to 25% to support launch cycles and customer sites. Preferred Skills ASME certification in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T). Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification. Professional certification in VA/VE or SAE product engineering methods. Experience with CAD software and advanced prototyping techniques.