Design Engineer | Rockford, MI

Salary Range: $67,000 - $106,000 depending on experience

Are you a meticulous professional with a passion for creating innovative product designs and solving engineering challenges? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We are collaborating with companies in Rockford seeking experienced Design Engineers.

We are building our network of talent in this field across West Michigan and the broader manufacturing region Pivot Group Network serves. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

The Opportunity

We partner with manufacturers across Rockford seeking Design Engineers who want more than a lateral move. These companies hire intentionally, and we connect them with professionals ready for roles that fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Designs and develops new products and manufacturing processes.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to define product requirements and specifications.
• Creates detailed 3D models and engineering drawings using CAD software.
• Performs design analysis, simulations, and testing to validate designs.
• Identifies and implements design improvements for cost reduction and manufacturability.
• Supports production by troubleshooting design-related issues and providing technical guidance.
• Manages engineering change orders and documentation throughout the product lifecycle.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in product design within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD).
• Demonstrated understanding of manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, sheet metal fabrication, CNC machining).
• Experience with Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to translate complex requirements into practical designs.

Bonus Qualifications

• Additional certifications or training

Job Titles That Should Apply

Design Engineer, Mechanical Design Engineer, Product Design Engineer, CAD Engineer, R&D Design Engineer, Senior Design Engineer, Engineering Designer, Design and Development Engineer, Mechanical Design Specialist, Product Development Engineer

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network was founded by manufacturing professionals who've been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic—they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory. Learn more at https://www.thepivotgroup.org.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and connect with a firm that values fit over speed, we invite you to reach out at https://www.thepivotgroup.org. The Pivot Group Network offers resources to support your search—market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we'll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.