Senior Product Engineer

Founded in 1946, HI-LEX is a leading supplier of window regulators, door modules, power lift gate systems, and mechanical control cables primarily serving the automotive industry, but also the power sports, marine, construction equipment, and medical device sectors. Headquartered in Takarazuka, Japan (near Osaka), and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE), HI-LEX employs more than 12,000 associates across its global footprint.

In the Americas region, HI-LEX has grown steadily in the region, and now has ten (10) manufacturing facilities across the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. In the U.S., HI-LEX operates under three divisions: HI-LEX America in Battle Creek, Michigan; HI-LEX Controls in Hudson, Litchfield, and Hazel Park, Michigan; and Daedong HI-LEX of America in Cusseta, Alabama. The company’s automotive center is in Rochester Hills, Michigan which consists of Finance, Sales, Engineering, Testing, Program Management, Human Resources, Purchasing and IT.

Website: HI-LEX.com

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is primarily accountable for the end-to-end design, innovative conception, and robust development of entirely new systems and product concepts. A core responsibility is ensuring that all developed solutions meet and exceed specified customer requirements, performance metrics, and quality standards. The role also provides critical technical leadership and serves as an authoritative subject matter expert and consultant, supporting internal Hi-Lex teams (e.g., manufacturing, quality, sales) and external customers, partners, and suppliers from inception through production launch.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops new concepts and products in accordance with Hi-Lex business objectives.
• Determines feasibility of new concepts using advanced analytical tools.
• Verifies critical interfaces via design study and statistical analysis as required to ensure design robustness.
• Develops test methods and specifications based on customer requirements.
• Develops and maintains strong relationships with key customer associates.
• Manages prototype builds and testing/validation for assigned products.
• Provides technical leadership to customers, Hi-Lex manufacturing, Sales, Quality Assurance, Program Management and other groups.
• Creates, revises and checks 3D models, drawings and design studies.
• Assured root cause is identified and permanent corrective action is implemented for product test failures, quality concerns and warranty returns.
• Interacts with customers, vendors, and Hi-Lex personnel to lead VA/VE cost reduction and ease of manufacturing (DFM) activities.
• Promotes an associate relations environment that is consistent with long-term management objectives.
• Provides leadership, training and technical support to product engineers, designers and technicians.
• Leads the competitor benchmarking activities.
• Performs other duties as necessary.
• 5S support.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• 4-year degree in mechanical engineering or engineering technology or equivalent field.

Functional Experience

• Thorough knowledge of applicable Hi-Lex products and procedures
• Thorough knowledge of engineering practices (GD&T, DOE, FMEA, DFM, CAD applications, statistical analysis, etc.).

Industry Experience

• 10 or more years of experience in Automotive Engineering and Design.

Core Competencies

• Product development and design
• CAD skills: CATIA V5
• Knowledge of CAE tools and how to interpret results
• Quality tools and DFMEA
• Manufacturing processes

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds

Required Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Leadership & Mentoring
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Project Management
• Adaptability and continuous improvement

Other Requirements

• Office environment with noise from computer peripherals such as printers.
• Periodic factory visits with noise from manufacturing equipment.
• Periodic travel by air, car or train to other company operations, customers and/or suppliers.