Design Engineer | Manistee, MI

Salary Range: $74,000 - $113,000 depending on experience

Are you ready to take on a challenging and rewarding opportunity in {{role_field}}? The Pivot Group is committed to building meaningful connections in manufacturing. We partner with leading companies in Manistee seeking Design Engineers.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Manistee 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.
• Utilize CAD software for 3D modeling, 2D detailed drawings, and assembly creation.
• Conduct design analysis (e.g., FEA, stress, thermal) to optimize performance and reliability.
• Specify appropriate materials, components, and manufacturing processes for new and existing designs.
• Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including BOMs, specifications, and test plans.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, production, and quality teams to ensure designs are manufacturable and meet quality standards (DFM/DFA).
• Manage prototyping, testing, and validation activities to verify design functionality and performance.
• Investigate and resolve design-related manufacturing issues and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related technical field.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA) and experience with FEA simulation tools.
• Demonstrated experience applying Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.
• Strong understanding of common manufacturing processes such as machining, injection molding, and sheet metal fabrication.
• Ability to create detailed engineering drawings, apply GD&T, and perform tolerance analysis.
• 3+ years of experience in product design and development within a manufacturing environment.

Bonus Qualifications

• Advanced proficiency in specific manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, CNC machining, additive manufacturing).
• Hands-on experience with prototyping, testing, and validation activities.
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing principles or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Experience with advanced FEA or CFD simulation for complex designs.
• Proficiency in scripting or programming for design automation (e.g., Python, VBA).

Job Titles That Should Apply

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