Product Engineer (On-Site)

DMA Industries, LLC•Marion, SC

17h•Onsite

About The Position

The Product Engineer is a hands-on member of DMA Industries’ Product R&D team, supporting the development, validation, and continuous improvement of product lines including complete strut assemblies, shock absorbers, coil springs, gasoline fuel systems, and engine management sensors for passenger, heavy-duty, and specialty vehicles. The role ensures products meet internal performance standards, customer expectations, and market demands through engineering analysis, technical leadership, and collaboration with global manufacturing partners and cross-functional teams. The position develops specifications, evaluates competitive and OE products, supports warranty investigations, and coordinates new product introductions. It maintains engineering documentation, facilitates prototype testing, and works with Quality, Warranty, Sales, and Product teams. The role is on-site in Marion, South Carolina, with occasional domestic or international travel potentially required to visit factory partners, attend trade shows, or support product development. It reports to the Product Engineering Manager and has no direct reports.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Science.
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
Familiarity with manufacturing methods, mechanical and electronic components, and engineering testing equipment.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, including the ability to manage technical details while considering broader business goals.
Effective communication skills, including the ability to explain complex engineering concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
Highly organized, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; basic computer and email skills are required.
Strong documentation and reporting skills.
Competency in 2D and 3D CAD software and familiarity with GD&T, DFMEA, and APQP processes.
Understanding of suspension system design and operation, including dampening, valve construction, stress and force calculations, and metallurgy.
Familiarity with automotive manufacturing methods such as stamping, welding, casting, and machining.
Working knowledge of material science and product optimization under cost and performance constraints.
Understanding of the product development lifecycle, including concept design, validation testing, and production launch.
Understanding of engineering quality systems and standards, including APQP, DFMEA, and GD&T.
Ability to learn and navigate warehouse management or order tracking systems.
Ability to move between office, lab, and warehouse environments.
Ability to stand and walk during inspections, testing, and prototype evaluations.
Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
Ability to use a computer and CAD workstation regularly, with occasional bending or reaching.
Close and distance vision, and the ability to hear and communicate effectively in meetings and testing environments.

Nice To Haves

Automotive industry experience is preferred.
Awareness of competitive product offerings and trends in the aftermarket or OEM space.

Responsibilities

Lead prototype development, qualification, and approval for new parts.
Conduct product validation through performance testing, design reviews, and calculations to confirm form, fit, and function.
Develop and maintain product specifications and performance requirements.
Prepare and maintain drawings, specifications, and product development records.
Use 2D/3D CAD software and 3D scanning tools to design, compare, and optimize parts.
Analyze test results and data to refine products and support design decisions.
Work with approved manufacturing partners to develop and improve product designs.
Participate in design and quality review meetings with factory partners.
Review quality reports and warranty data with the Warranty & Product Validation Engineer to identify improvement areas.
Monitor competitive products and innovations in the suspension system market.
Conduct tear-downs and benchmarking of competitor and OE products for performance comparison.
Collaborate with Sales and Product teams to ensure customer needs are met in new product development.
Provide engineering support for product launches, marketing, and customer presentations.
Create standard operating procedures and supporting documentation as needed.
Apply knowledge of dampening, suspension design, force and stress analysis, metallurgy, and material science to optimize product performance.
Recommend and lead cost-reduction and product-improvement initiatives.
Support APQP, DFMEA, and GD&T efforts.
Perform other duties as assigned.