Product Development Engineer - Exteriors

Minth North America•Wixom, MI

16d•$90,000 - $110,000

About The Position

Minth is seeking a Product Development Engineer for its Plastics Business Unit. The engineer will lead the development of plastic injection-molded automotive parts, such as fascias, spoilers, body side moldings, grilles, side appliques, license plate applique assemblies, and decorative lighting. The role takes programs from inception through launch, including product design and development, customer meetings, tracking program issues, and responsibility for GD&T, DFMEA, and DVP&R. The engineer will work with OEMs to ensure products meet customer specifications, manufacturing and tooling feasibility, and quality objectives. They will coordinate projects from design through production start-up, including prototype builds and testing, document technical project information, prepare presentations, and engage with customers as needed. The position also involves resolving technical issues, recommending design solutions, monitoring material and technology developments, and supporting the gate review process. The candidate will work in a multinational, multicultural environment, coordinating across North America, Europe, and China.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience developing automotive plastic injection-molded parts.
Ability to work with CAD software such as NX or CATIA to design parts or review and compare data and cut sections.
Strong working knowledge of GD&T, FMEAs, and DVP&Rs.
Ability to work in a global environment and coordinate across regions.
Strong communication, presentation, organization, and interpersonal skills.
High self-motivation, bias for action, self-learning skills, and an innovative mindset.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree.
Fascia engineering or design experience.
Front or rear fascia product design experience.
Experience with a variety of plastic injection-molding processes, including standard injection, compression injection, reaction injection molding (particularly PUR), or other newer processes.
Understanding of assembly processes and joining technologies, including vibration, sonic, or laser welding, fasteners, clips, and molded snap features, to support design for manufacturing.

Responsibilities

Lead development of plastic injection-molded automotive parts from program inception through launch.
Work with OEMs to develop plastic products that meet customer specifications, manufacturability, tooling feasibility, and quality objectives.
Resolve technical issues using product and manufacturing-process knowledge, engineering education, industry practices, and awareness of new technologies.
Direct and coordinate projects from design through production start-up, including prototype builds, testing, and establishing specifications for performance, reliability, manufacturability, and competitiveness.
Document technical aspects of assigned projects and ensure project data is properly retained.
Prepare technical presentations and meet with customers virtually or in person to address open issues, design reviews, or proposals as needed.
Recommend design approaches and solutions to customers on routine technical matters, and seek support from peers, other departments, and engineering management for critical issues.
Track developments in materials, techniques, and technologies, and validate their application in structural products and open issues.
Support the gate review process.
Coordinate work across North America, Europe, and China.