Product Development Engineer

SLW Warren LLC • Warren, MI

1d

About The Position

SLPT Automotive is seeking a Product Development Engineer to join its global Pump Engineering team. This customer-facing role leads the design and development of mechanical and mechatronic pump systems for automotive OEM applications throughout North America and Europe. The engineer works with customers and cross-functional teams to translate technical requirements into high-quality product solutions, from concept through production launch.

The role combines product engineering, customer interaction, and project coordination. It involves product design, APQP execution, validation and testing, engineering documentation, product lifecycle management, continuous improvement, and technical support for business development. The position supports pump technologies for conventional, hybrid, and electrified powertrain systems.

The work takes place in office and manufacturing environments, with regular interaction with customers and production teams. Occasional travel to customer, supplier, and SLPT facilities may be required, as may support for critical program milestones outside standard business hours. Physical activities include walking through manufacturing and product development areas, standing for extended periods, inspecting equipment and prototypes, and occasionally lifting up to 30 pounds.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience with NX and CATIA CAD systems.
• Knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Strong engineering problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and project management capabilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with global teams.
• Ability to walk through manufacturing facilities and product development areas and stand for extended periods.
• Ability to inspect equipment, prototypes, and manufacturing systems.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to use engineering software, computers, testing equipment, and technical tools.
• Ability to work safely in manufacturing environments while wearing required PPE.
• Ability to communicate effectively in individual and group settings.

Nice To Haves

• At least 3 years of automotive or powertrain product engineering experience.
• Experience working directly with automotive OEM customers.
• Experience with APQP processes and automotive product development.
• Experience with customer PDM and PLM systems.
• Experience with hydraulic pump technologies, including engine oil pumps, vacuum pumps, and transmission pumps.
• Experience with electric pump technologies.
• Familiarity with automotive validation and testing requirements.
• Experience supporting global product development programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead product design and development for assigned customer applications, from concept through production launch.
• Create technical solutions that meet customer requirements and business objectives; develop component, subassembly, and assembly designs.
• Prepare and release complete design packages, drawings, models, and engineering specifications.
• Evaluate design performance and implement improvements based on testing and validation results.
• Act as the primary engineering interface with customers and maintain communication with customers and global SLPT engineering teams.
• Conduct customer visits and technical reviews; present design concepts, project updates, development activities, and validation results.
• Lead engineering activities through the APQP process and manage deliverables to meet program timing and customer milestones.
• Coordinate product development across functional groups and ensure project documentation and deliverables are completed on time.
• Lead development testing, analyze results, support customer testing and validation on-site or remotely, and recommend design modifications.
• Ensure products meet technical performance, durability, and customer requirements.
• Prepare and maintain design release packages, engineering drawings, product specifications, GD&T documentation, tolerance stack-up analyses, DFMEA documentation, DVP&R documents, prototype control plans, engineering test reports, and customer approval packages.
• Manage design changes through development and production lifecycles; support customer PDM and PLM systems and CAD and engineering data exchange through customer EDI systems.
• Ensure the accuracy and compliance of engineering documentation and data submissions.
• Support VA/VE initiatives and identify opportunities to improve performance, quality, manufacturability, and cost.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams on continuous improvement, product enhancements, and future platform development.
• Provide technical support for new business opportunities and participate in customer presentations and engineering discussions.
• Support Sales and Marketing with technical expertise during proposal development and identify emerging OEM trends and market opportunities.
• Support customer, supplier, and SLPT facility interactions, product testing, and critical program milestones as needed.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plans.
• Paid holidays and paid time off.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Career advancement pathways.
• Employee assistance resources.
• Exposure to global engineering programs and customers.
• Collaborative and innovative engineering culture.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level