Product Design Engineer

Product Design EngineerThis Product Design Engineer role focuses on designing new wiper systems, control products, and components from concept through production. You will take ownership of product design and development for customers, applying strong mechanical and product development expertise to meet both organizational objectives and customer needs. The position involves close collaboration with internal teams and customers, ensuring that designs meet performance, quality, cost, and regulatory requirements.ResponsibilitiesDesign new wiper systems, control products, and related components that meet customer specifications and performance requirements.Prepare original and revised design layouts based on customer CAD data, specifications, and feedback.Develop and update cost estimates for new or revised designs to support project planning and decision-making.Manage design projects from initial concept through production, ensuring designs are delivered on time and within scope.Gather data from customer input and off-site visits to debug, modify, or correct prototype, pre-production, start-up, and warranty issues.Investigate and implement product improvements based on field performance, customer feedback, and engineering analysis.Remain current on customer end-use needs and product applications to ensure designs are practical and aligned with real-world conditions.Conceptualize and develop new products that support business growth and customer requirements.Maintain current knowledge of sound engineering practices, manufacturing processes, and relevant regulations and standards, including FMVSS and SAE or other applicable standards.Support and perform major platform engineering analyses, including kinematic, electrical, environmental, and other required assessments.Complete design calculations using both manual and computerized methods to validate design integrity and performance.Apply knowledge of drafting techniques, engineering procedures, and CAD systems to determine the most effective methods, equipment, and processes for design work.Verify designs to ensure they meet design intent, specifications, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.Provide technical product expertise to internal teams and external stakeholders, supporting cross-functional collaboration and customer communication.Essential SkillsBachelor's degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology.At least 2 years of design engineering experience, preferably in mechanical or product design.Hands-on experience with 3D CAD tools; Creo (Pro/ENGINEER) experience preferred, with willingness to consider other CAD packages.Strong mechanical engineering and mechanical design skills, particularly in product design and new product development.Knowledge of manufacturing processes such as sheet metal stamping, die casting, injection molding, and assembly.Ability to perform engineering analyses, including kinematic, electrical, and environmental evaluations as required.Proficiency in performing design calculations using manual and computer-based methods.Familiarity with FMVSS regulations and SAE or other applicable engineering standards.Ability to interpret and work from customer CAD data and technical specifications.Strong attention to detail with the ability to verify designs for intent, specifications, and quality.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience supporting full product lifecycle from concept through production launch.Background in designing automotive or similar electromechanical systems is beneficial.Strong problem-solving skills for debugging and improving prototypes and pre-production products.Effective communication skills to provide technical expertise to internal and external stakeholders.Ability to stay current with evolving engineering practices, tools, and industry standards.Experience estimating design costs and supporting cost optimization efforts.Work EnvironmentThis role operates in an engineering and product development environment that relies heavily on CAD tools such as Creo or similar 3D design software. You will work closely with cross-functional teams involved in manufacturing processes, including sheet metal stamping, die casting, injection molding, and assembly operations. The position may involve occasional off-site visits to customer locations or production facilities to gather data, support debugging, and address product issues in the field. Work typically follows standard business hours, with additional effort as needed to meet project deadlines and support production launches. The environment emphasizes adherence to engineering best practices, regulatory standards such as FMVSS, and industry standards like SAE, while fostering collaboration, continuous improvement, and high-quality product design.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Michigan City, IN.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $33.65 - $38.46/hr.Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.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 TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Michigan City, IN.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 1, 2026.About ActalentActalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.