Design Engineer | Traverse City, MI

Salary Range: $73,000 - $112,000 depending on experience

Are you a dedicated 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 committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We partner with leading manufacturing companies in Traverse City, seeking experienced Design Engineers to strengthen their teams.

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 are partnering with organizations in Traverse City that are seeking Design Engineers. These companies are committed to building strong teams and are looking for professionals who can lead initiatives effectively. By connecting with The Pivot Group Network, you position yourself for roles that match your background and aspirations.

Key Responsibilities

• Designs and develops manufacturing fixtures, tooling, and equipment.
• Creates detailed 2D and 3D CAD models and drawings for fabrication and assembly.
• Conducts engineering analysis (e.g., FEA, stress analysis) to validate designs.
• Collaborates with production teams to optimize designs for manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.
• Specifies and selects materials, components, and standard parts for new designs.
• Participates in root cause analysis and implements design solutions for production issues.
• Manages design documentation and ensures adherence to engineering standards and specifications.

Recommended Qualifications

• Strong communication and problem-solving skills

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with CAD software beyond basic modeling, such as advanced surfacing or generative design tools.
• Familiarity with a scripting language (e.g., Python) for automating design tasks or data analysis.
• Proven ability to apply Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles to complex products.
• Experience with simulation tools (FEA, CFD) to validate designs and predict performance.
• A portfolio demonstrating innovative design solutions and successful product launches.

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 Engineer (Design), 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.