Entry Level Automotive Engineering Jobs in Michigan

Product Engineer I

About Us

Performance Seats is a global leader in performance and comfort automotive seating. We design, engineer, and manufacture seating systems for OEM, commercial, motorsports, and aftermarket applications. Our vertically integrated capabilities allow us to take products from concept through production with a strong focus on innovation, quality, and performance.

Position Overview

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Product Engineer I to support the development and ongoing production of complete seating systems. This role plays a key part in ensuring our products meet performance, quality, cost, and manufacturing objectives throughout the product lifecycle.

The Product Engineer will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, quality, purchasing, suppliers, and CAD design teams to resolve production issues, implement engineering changes, and support new product launches. While this role does not perform primary CAD design work, the ability to review CAD models and provide clear technical direction is essential.

This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career engineer looking to build a strong foundation in automotive product development and production engineering.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development Support

• Support engineering activities for complete seating systems from concept through production launch.
• Define and review functional, structural, ergonomic, and performance requirements.
• Review CAD models and engineering drawings to ensure compliance with technical and manufacturing standards.
• Participate in design reviews and program milestone activities.

Production Engineering & Issue Resolution

• Support current production parts and assemblies by investigating and resolving design-related issues.
• Lead or participate in root cause analysis for fit, function, durability, ergonomic, or quality concerns.
• Develop and implement corrective actions in collaboration with manufacturing, quality, and suppliers.
• Initiate and manage Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs).
• Ensure timely and accurate implementation of design updates.

Change Management & Documentation

• Coordinate drawing updates, BOM revisions, and documentation changes through established release processes.
• Maintain accurate engineering records, validation documentation, and design history files.
• Support APQP activities including DFMEA updates and DVP&R tracking.
• Ensure compliance with internal standards, procedures, and ERP/PLM systems.

Validation & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Support prototype builds, pilot runs, and production readiness activities.
• Assist in coordinating component and system validation testing.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure product feasibility, manufacturability, and production stability.
• Support communication of technical updates to internal stakeholders and customers as needed.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, materials, and GD&T fundamentals.
• Ability to interpret 3D CAD models and 2D engineering drawings.
• Working knowledge of CAD software (Catia V5 preferred; NX helpful) for review and collaboration purposes.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work in a team environment.

Preferred:

• Internship or co-op experience in product development, manufacturing, or automotive engineering.
• Exposure to APQP, DFMEA, validation testing, or structured change management processes.
• Familiarity with PLM or ERP systems (Teamcenter, SAP, PLEX).

What We Offer

• Hands-on exposure to complete automotive seating systems
• Cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced engineering environment
• Professional development and growth opportunities
• Competitive compensation and benefits package

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Performance Seats Clinton Inc./ Performance Seats Spartanburg LLC will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa).