Product Engineer I - Tier 1 Automotive Industry

International Automotive Components•Arlington, TX

About The Position

General Description: Responsible to identify, design and develop a product/product family. Ensures production procedures efficiently utilize materials and personnel. Tests finished product for quality purposes and recommends changes to product specifications as necessary. They receive and process changes required by clients, released on production (not launches), at a SR Level, responsible to develop the product from the concept up to the SOP on a limited basis (if it is a BTP, Built to Print) or as a full development as an FSS, Full-Service Supplier. May develop, uncover, characterize, and assess strategic new products and/or product extensions. Transforms and adopts discoveries to ensure research and development activities will maintain an organization’s competitive position. May also focus on pure research and/or design and implementing the manufacturing processes and equipment for the product. Position Specific Requirements (PSR): Responsible to process ECNs / RFQs for the assigned product for upcoming Engineering changes. Follow up to the process of Engineering Change until its implementation Responsible to maintain BUMP chart for the products assigned and coordinate with Engineering Change Coordinator for Part number creation in QAD as well as following up with PCO process. Will be required to work closely with Program Managers and Corporate Product Engineering Team Will be representing plant on weekly PDT Meeting with the Customer / DREs Ability to support a high‑volume, Just‑In‑Time production environment with rapid problem‑solving and decision‑making. Experience working directly with OEM and Tier 1 customers on product design requirements, engineering changes, and technical discussions. Strong understanding of APQP processes, PPAP submission requirements, and automotive core tools. Ability to interpret and create CAD drawings, GD&T, material specifications, and tolerance stack‑ups. Familiarity with production processes commonly used in automotive manufacturing (e.g., injection molding, stamping, welding, assembly, die‑casting depending on your product line—let me know if you want it tailored). Must be able to work cross-functionally with Quality, Production, Tooling, and Maintenance to support JIT production schedules. Ability to troubleshoot product issues quickly to avoid downtime or disruptions impacting customer delivery. Understanding of cost‑reduction techniques, value analysis/value engineering (VA/VE), and manufacturability improvements. Willingness to be “on the floor” supporting production issues, line trials, quality investigations, and engineering events. Strong customer‑facing communication skills for meetings, technical reviews, and ongoing program support.

Requirements

Strong understanding of APQP processes, PPAP submission requirements, and automotive core tools.
Familiarity with production processes commonly used in automotive manufacturing (e.g., injection molding, stamping, welding, assembly, die‑casting depending on your product line—let me know if you want it tailored).
Understanding of cost‑reduction techniques, value analysis/value engineering (VA/VE), and manufacturability improvements.
Proficiency in 2D/3D CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, AutoCAD—customize as needed).
Strong mechanical engineering principles with the ability to evaluate stress, materials, geometry, and performance.
Knowledge of automotive quality systems: PPAP, APQP, DFMEA/PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, and Process Capability.
Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment with competing priorities.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
Excellent communication (written and verbal), documentation, and presentation skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with ERP/MRP systems.
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field required.
Minimum 3–5 years of experience in product engineering within the automotive industry, preferably in a Tier 1 environment.
Experience supporting Just‑In‑Time manufacturing operations strongly preferred.
Experience working with OEM or major Tier 1 customers on product development or engineering changes.
Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Nice To Haves

Experience in Team Center / PLM is a plus.
Knowledge of IATF 16949 requirements preferred.

Responsibilities

Identify, design and develop a product/product family.
Ensure production procedures efficiently utilize materials and personnel.
Test finished product for quality purposes and recommends changes to product specifications as necessary.
Process changes required by clients, released on production (not launches).
Develop the product from the concept up to the SOP on a limited basis (if it is a BTP, Built to Print) or as a full development as an FSS, Full-Service Supplier.
Develop, uncover, characterize, and assess strategic new products and/or product extensions.
Transform and adopt discoveries to ensure research and development activities will maintain an organization’s competitive position.
Design and implementing the manufacturing processes and equipment for the product.
Process ECNs / RFQs for the assigned product for upcoming Engineering changes.
Follow up to the process of Engineering Change until its implementation
Maintain BUMP chart for the products assigned and coordinate with Engineering Change Coordinator for Part number creation in QAD as well as following up with PCO process.
Work closely with Program Managers and Corporate Product Engineering Team
Represent plant on weekly PDT Meeting with the Customer / DREs
Support a high‑volume, Just‑In‑Time production environment with rapid problem‑solving and decision‑making.
Work directly with OEM and Tier 1 customers on product design requirements, engineering changes, and technical discussions.
Interpret and create CAD drawings, GD&T, material specifications, and tolerance stack‑ups.
Work cross-functionally with Quality, Production, Tooling, and Maintenance to support JIT production schedules.
Troubleshoot product issues quickly to avoid downtime or disruptions impacting customer delivery.
Support production issues, line trials, quality investigations, and engineering events.