Project Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer

Technical Center, 6715 South Sprinkle Rd, Portage, Michigan, United States of America

Posted Monday, November 24, 2025 at 5:00 AM

Summit Polymers is a leading, global supplier of automotive interior systems including consoles, door panels, and instrument panels. With over 50 years serving the industry, we deliver engineering and product excellence to our customers, on time, in budget, with the latest innovations.

A career with Summit Polymers means working with smart people in a culture that thrives on challenging, meaningful work. At Summit, we look for growth potential with every hire. We don’t just fill seats, we set people on career paths. We’re always on the lookout for smart people who are committed to continuous improvement, customer service and quality.

JOB DESCRIPTION

REPORTS TO: Technical Manager, Engineering

SUMMARY

The Project Engineer is responsible for technical work involving engineering, development and design of components involved in a product. Establishes program specifications and requirements. Directs the technical activities of the Designer, Manufacturing Engineer and Quality Engineer assigned to the program.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Under general supervision is responsible for the following major tasks:

• Participate as required in pre-production feasibility reviews to determine if new products are manufacturable.
• Complete tool layout and request quotes for tool shops.
• Participate as required in the development and review of the quote.
• Completes Engineering Change Request documents for internal changes that impact tooling and/or product pricing and works within the program budget.
• Provide the latest data and/or drawings to tooling sources and document control. Analyze all drawings to assure compliance to all specifications.
• Provides support and attend the whiteboard meetings.
• Provides support and input to the program timeline. Track design and engineering activities per the critical path of the program. Update and review the program boards throughout the program.
• Responsible for developing the part design using a SET based options approach. Throughout the design process, documents the design progression utilizing Kaizen worksheets and A3 analysis.
• Provides the Lead in technical, product quality, GD&T development reviews with the customer.
• Inputs cost saving suggestions for the customer’s VA/VE reviews.
• Establish and maintain a good working relationship, through out the program, with internal team members and external customers. Customers include – sales, design, engineering, and launch teams.
• Responsible for prototype mold builds and the on-time availability of prototype parts.
• Cordinate of purchased components and molded parts for pre-production builds.
• Responsible for assuring that all materials, parts and products supplied are on time and meet all customer requirements from prototypes thru production PPAP.
• DV/PV testing responsibility per DVP&R.
• In conjunction with the SPI tool engineering group is responsible for the production mold construction and validation.
• Schedule all layouts and performance testing with the SPI Quality Lab.
• In conjunction with the PDT members is responsible for assuring that a complete part submission is made on or before the required customer date.
• Support for program integration into SPI Manufacturing, including part design, tool design and function, manufacturing plan, gage design and function, secondary tooling and design function and packaging.
• Attend Customer builds as requested.
• Up to 20% travel to International/Domestic manufacturing and customer locations may be required.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

B.S. degree in engineering and 2 years manufacturing (automotive related preferred) experience or some college instruction (preferably in an engineering curriculum) and 7 years progressive manufacturing experience including 2 years in engineering.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Possesses the ability to gather and analyze information and make decisions from a limited number of choices.

• A minimum score of 50 on the Wonderlic Select Assessment (Traditional score of 26 on the cognitive portion).

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

This position typically does require up to 20% travel.

DISCLAIMER

The information contained in this job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor are they intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Agreement to complete all post-hire required training.

Technical Center, 6715 South Sprinkle Rd, Portage, Michigan, United States of America