Product Engineer - Portage, MI
DISHER is partnering with a long-established engineering‑driven manufacturer of electro‑hydraulic components and systems, serving OEMs across a wide range of industries worldwide. This team is seeking a Product Engineer that will drive innovative solutions for design, development and production of the organization's products to continuously exceed customer expectations. You will play a crucial role in generating concepts aligned with customer requirements by leveraging understanding of first principles to drive product innovation, manage development projects through the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process, and successfully lead them into a smooth production launch.
What it's like to work here:
Headquartered in Southwest Michigan, the employee-owned company has over 50 years of experience and internationally recognized certifications. They are a trusted partner for product development, validation testing, and manufacturing excellence. They design and produce custom electro‑hydraulic solutions—including proportional and on/off valves, hydraulic assemblies, and precision components—tailored to the needs of each application. Their positive work environment is collaborative with an emphasis on integrity, respect, and doing the right thing. Their teams work collaboratively with customers to ensure performance, reliability, and long‑term success.
What you'll get to do:
Project Management – 40% of Time
- Effectively manage development projects through the APQP process, ensuring timely and efficient production launch
- Compile and maintain PPAP documentation for submission prior to production
- Collaborate closely with the Manufacturing, Applications and Design Engineering departments to drive product development and production launch initiatives
- Track project progress, resolve roadblocks and adjust plans as necessary to meet project deadlines and product performance goals
- Communicate regular project updates to management and project stakeholders
Product Development – 30% of Time
- Develop product concepts by analyzing customer problem statements, design requirements and industry best practices to exceed customer expectations
- Employ a strong understanding of engineering first principles to ensure the creation of innovative and high-quality products
- Continuously assess and enhance product designs, utilizing innovative and creative thinking to push the boundaries of industry standards
- Utilize Failure Mode and Effect Analysis tools to identify potential failure modes and assess impact on product quality, reliability and performance
Production Support / Continuous Improvement – 30% of Time
- Provide production support and lead troubleshooting efforts when quality issues arise
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve production quality challenges
- Engage in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance production line quality and efficiency
- Utilize root cause analytical abilities to identify and resolve complex engineering issues
- Apply statistical methods to data analysis to drive continuous improvement initiatives and reduce risk in design and manufacturing processes
What will make you successful:
- Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent required
- 1+ years of experience within an engineering or manufacturing environment, intern /externships will be considered.
- Entrepreneurial mindset to facilitate growth of an employee-owned company
- Proficiency in managing development projects through the APQP process
- Ability to think innovatively and creatively, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and excellence
- Proficiency in Failure Mode and Effect Analysis tools and methodologies (DFMEA, PFMEA)
- Strong root cause analytical abilities to solve complex engineering challenges
- Working knowledge of statistical methods for data analysis
- Familiarity with MS Office, Mathcad, Minitab, and/or Amesim preferred
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively convey complex technical information to various stakeholders
