Design Engineer | Portage, MI

Salary Range: $72,000 - $111,000 depending on experience

Are you a detail-oriented 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 advancement. We are collaborating with leading companies in Portage 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 are working with companies in Portage that are adding Design Engineers to their teams. These organizations value quality over speed in hiring. By connecting with us, you position yourself for opportunities that align with what you're looking for.

Key Responsibilities

• Designs and develops new products or modifies existing ones to improve performance and reduce costs.
• Creates detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and bills of material using CAD software.
• Performs engineering calculations and simulations to validate designs and predict performance.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, quality, and supply chain, to ensure manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.
• Participates in design reviews and provides technical expertise to resolve design-related issues.
• Conducts root cause analysis for product failures and implements corrective actions.
• Stays current with industry trends, new technologies, and best practices in design engineering.

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 experience with DFM/DFA principles and their application.
• Strong understanding of various manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, sheet metal fabrication, machining).
• Experience with material selection for manufacturability and performance.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with DFM/DFA principles.
• Proficiency in a scripting language (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for design automation or data analysis.
• Familiarity with Six Sigma or Lean manufacturing methodologies.
• Expertise in a specific CAD software beyond the general requirement (e.g., SolidWorks PDM, CATIA V5/3DX).
• Demonstrated experience with FEA simulation and interpretation of results.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Design Engineer, Product Design Engineer, Mechanical Design Engineer, CAD Design Engineer, Senior Design Engineer, Principal Design Engineer, R&D Design Engineer, Innovation Design 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.