Design Engineer | Traverse City, MI

Salary Range: $71,000 - $110,000 depending on experience

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for creating innovative product designs and solving engineering challenges? The Pivot Group is dedicated to building meaningful connections and supporting community growth. We are collaborating with leading companies in Traverse City seeking experienced Design Engineers to drive results.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Traverse City region seeking Design Engineers. These employers partner with us because they want real insight into candidates—not just resumes. By joining our network, you gain access to roles worth considering.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop innovative product designs and engineering solutions from concept to production.
• Create and maintain detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, and 2D engineering drawings.
• Optimize designs for manufacturability, assembly, cost-effectiveness, and performance.
• Conduct engineering analysis, calculations, and simulations (e.g., FEA) to validate design integrity.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, production, and supply chain teams to ensure seamless design implementation.
• Specify and select appropriate materials, components, and manufacturing processes.
• Support the prototyping, testing, and validation of designs, incorporating feedback for iterative improvements.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related field
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor)
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes (e.g., machining, injection molding, casting) and material properties
• Experience with Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Proven ability to develop innovative and cost-effective product designs
• Experience in prototyping, testing, and validating designs

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.
• Proficiency in FEA (Finite Element Analysis) or CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) software.
• Hands-on experience with prototyping, shop floor processes, or manufacturing equipment.
• Knowledge of relevant industry standards (e.g., ISO, ASME, ASTM) and regulatory compliance.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Design Engineer, Product Design Engineer, Mechanical Design Engineer, CAD Engineer, R&D Design Engineer, Product Development Engineer, Senior Design Engineer, Industrial Design Engineer, Systems Design Engineer, Engineering Designer, New Product Introduction Engineer

Why Pivot Group

The Pivot Group 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.

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. The Pivot Group 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.