Product Development Engineer – Design Release

SWJ Technologie specializes in providing engineering, planning, and project management services across various industries. We are currently seeking a Product Development Engineer for a client in the automotive industry. This is a contractor position based in Novi, MI that requires onsite presence and occasional travel.

About the role

This position is responsible for the design, engineering, integration, and production release of automotive components supporting advanced vehicle sensor systems. The role manages components throughout the full product development process, ensuring successful integration, manufacturability, quality, and on-time delivery from concept through production launch.

Responsibilities

• Strong experience in automotive product development from concept through production release
• Proficiency with CATIA
• Experience using PLM systems such as ENOVIA or equivalent
• Experience managing component releases through Alpha, Beta, PPAP, and production
• Knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes including:
  • Injection molding
  • Casting
  • Machining
  • Additive manufacturing (3D printing)
• Experience with:
  • DFMEA
  • DVP
  • Engineering Change Management
  • Issue tracking systems
  • Root cause analysis
  • 8D problem solving
• Experience working directly with suppliers and OEM engineering teams
• Strong communication, presentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet aggressive program timelines

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• Minimum 5 years of automotive design and release engineering experience
• Experience with exterior trim, vehicle structures, or sensor integration is highly desirable

Skills

Required

• Strong experience in automotive product development from concept through production release
• Proficiency with CATIA
• Experience using PLM systems such as ENOVIA or equivalent
• Experience managing component releases through Alpha, Beta, PPAP, and production
• Knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes including:
  • Injection molding
  • Casting
  • Machining
  • Additive manufacturing (3D printing)
• Experience with:
  • DFMEA
  • DVP
  • Engineering Change Management
  • Issue tracking systems
  • Root cause analysis
  • 8D problem solving
• Experience working directly with suppliers and OEM engineering teams
• Strong communication, presentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet aggressive program timelines

Preferred

• Experience with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) or autonomous vehicle sensor integration
• Experience integrating cameras, radar, lidar, thermal management, or driver monitoring systems
• Familiarity with vehicle packaging and structural integration
• Previous experience supporting prototype builds through production launch
• Experience working in a fast-paced automotive product development environment

Physical Requirements

• Work is normally performed in an office, laboratory, manufacturing floor, or machine shop setting where physical work includes, but is not limited to sitting, standing, reaching, kneeling, bending, and lifting up to 25 lbs
• Must be able to understand and comply with all relevant safety practices

Schedule

• Location: Novi, MI
• Day shift, 40 hours per week, weekend as required
• Overtime: as required
• Duration: 6 months
• Assignment Start: ASAP