Product Engineering - Product Engineer

EQI

About The Position

The Product Engineer is responsible for ensuring accurate technical requirements are identified for quoting and that conforming products are sourced, developed, and qualified to customer requirements. This cradle-to-grave engineering position incorporates elements from several disciplines: manufacturing engineering (casting, forging, machining, painting, plating, heat treatment), engineering design, quality engineering, and metallurgical & materials engineering. This position reports directly to engineering leadership and supports global teams.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Materials Science from a four-year accredited college or university
7+ years of relevant work experience
Knowledge of and working experience in metal castings of various processes and materials such as: Resin Sand Castings, Green Sand Castings, Vacuum Sand Castings, Investment Castings, Die Castings
Knowledge of metal casting materials: Gray Iron, Steel, Ductile Iron, Aluminum
Proficient in print reading and interpretation for quoting, part design, and inspection
Demonstrated knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) and gage design and function
Knowledge of AIAG standards (PFD, FMEA, Control Plans, APQP)
Demonstrated ability to investigate quality problems and apply sound technical judgment to develop effective solutions
Strong oral and written communication skills
Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities
Demonstrated interpersonal skills to lead technical discussions and facilitate solutions
Strong analytical skills to assess complex issues and identify appropriate corrective actions
Familiarity with supplier quality standards, policies, and procedures
Ability to exercise independent judgment
Strong organizational and planning skills

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of production CNC machining, fixtures, and inspection preferred
Knowledge of statistical quality tools, Design of Experiments (DOE), and Six Sigma methodologies is considered an asset

Responsibilities

Ensure all aspects of product conformance during the product development cycle, from RFQ technical review, development kickoff review, development, and qualification & approval, including all dimensional, material, metallurgical, and finish requirements.
Provide technical ownership throughout the lifecycle of a product to address any production issue, part quality, design concerns, or other actions inherent to the technical aspects of the product. Collects and analyzes relevant data and effectively communicates issues and solutions to internal teams, customers, and suppliers as required. Able to support this function with minimal oversight, including independent customer or supplier visits as required.
Provide technical input during reviews of customer designs and RFQ packages, including review of material specifications, GD&T, manufacturability, cleaning, surface coating, and packaging. Leverages engineering experience to provide valuable input that improves overall product design for manufacturability, cost effectiveness, strength, and durability.
Understand customer quality requirements and effectively communicate them throughout the global supply chain. Advise on technically accurate and comprehensive work instructions and communicate effectively with suppliers to avoid misunderstandings of requirements.
Interact directly with customers to understand and clarify product requirements and verify compliance during RFQ, development, and APQP/PPAP processes. Able to support this function with minimal oversight, including independent customer visits when necessary.
Develop relationships with customer engineering groups and represent company interests across sales, engineering, quality, and customer service functions.
Review and approve PPAP submissions for new and existing products. Partner with supply chain teams to resolve PPAP discrepancies and submit approved PPAPs to customers.
Provide technical leadership in change management, including ECNs and Process Change Requests (PCRs), to ensure product data integrity and proper revision control. Implement and monitor best practices in change management.
Serve as the primary technical point of contact for both customer and supplier support regarding technical issues.