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# Associate Design Engineer

- **Company:** The Shyft Group, Inc.
- **Location:** Novi, MI, United States
- **Experience:** Starter
- **Salary:** $75,000.0 - $82,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** 3d Models, Computer-Aided Design, Adobe InDesign, SolidWorks (CAD), PIC Microcontroller, Software Version Control
- **Published:** August 29, 2026
- **Apply:** https://jobs.mitalent.org/job-seeker/job-details/JobCode/404845926

## About the Role

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering required.
1 to 2 years of experience in engineering design, drafting, manufacturing
engineering, or a related technical role.
Proficiency with CAD software, preferably SolidWorks
Experience using PDM software for file management, revision control, and
engineering release workflows.
Familiarity with microcontrollers and basic control systems, including actuators,
proximity sensors, switches, and related electromechanical components.
Basic understanding of metal manufacturing and inspection methods, including
cutting, shearing, bending, welding, fabrication, fit-up, dimensional checks, and
related production processes. Hands-on operation is not required, but the engineer
must understand how these processes affect design intent, manufacturability,
quality, and inspection requirements.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, assemblies, bills of material, and
technical specifications.
Strong attention to detail, organization, and follow-through.
Good communication skills with the ability to work effectively with Engineering,
Production, Quality, Purchasing, and Customer Support.

## Description

The Associate Design Engineer is responsible for supporting engineering design, drafting,
documentation, product improvement, current production portfolio support, design
testing, validation fixtures, and engineering release activities. This role assists with creating
and updating CAD models, drawings, bills of material, controlled engineering documents,
technical presentations, and basic test or validation fixture concepts while working closely
with Engineering, Production, Quality, Purchasing, Sales, Management, and Customer
Support. The position is intended for an early-career engineer who can apply mechanical
engineering fundamentals, learn company design standards, support manufacturability
improvements, assist with troubleshooting, and help maintain accurate engineering data
within the PDM system. The Associate Design Engineer will also contribute to continuous
improvement efforts by helping identify drawing issues, manufacturing inefficiencies,
quality concerns, warranty claim trends, documentation gaps, design inconsistencies, and
opportunities to standardize parts, assemblies, fixtures, and engineering practices.
Create, revise, and maintain 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, assemblies, and
engineering documentation using SolidWorks.
Support design changes, engineering releases, and drawing updates through the
PDM software workflow.
Assist with bills of material, part numbers, revision control, drawing packages, and
document accuracy to support production, purchasing, quoting, and customer
service needs.
Prepare and update fabrication drawings, assembly drawings, installation details,
layout drawings, and supporting documentation based on engineering direction.
Work with Engineering, Production, and Quality to resolve drawing questions, fit-up
concerns, manufacturability issues, and documentation gaps.
Support the current production portfolio by troubleshooting manufacturing
inefficiencies, recurring build issues, fit-up problems, and process-related concerns
that may require engineering review or design clarification.
Assist in investigating quality issues and warranty claims by reviewing drawings,
parts, assemblies, field feedback, production history, and engineering
documentation to help identify potential design, documentation, or manufacturing
contributors.
Recommend practical corrective actions, drawing updates, design improvements, or
documentation changes to reduce repeat quality issues, production disruptions, and
warranty-related concerns.
Support product improvement, standardization, and cost-reduction initiatives by
developing practical design updates under engineering guidance.
Review legacy drawings and models for accuracy, completeness, and alignment with
current engineering standards.
Assist with engineering change requests by gathering required information, updating
affected drawings, coordinating review comments, and supporting release readiness.
Participate in design reviews, prototype evaluations, production feedback reviews,
and corrective action discussions as needed.
Support dimensional checks, basic design verification, component fit reviews, and
engineering documentation validation.
Design and help build basic design testing and validation fixtures to support product
evaluation, prototype verification, production troubleshooting, quality
investigations, and warranty-related analysis.
Maintain organized engineering records and ensure released files are properly
stored, controlled, approved, and accessible through PDM.
Prepare clear documentation, summaries, and presentations to explain design
changes, engineering updates, product modifications, and technical
recommendations to different audiences, including Sales, Management, Production,
Quality, and Customer Support.
Communicate status, risks, missing information, and open action items clearly to
engineering leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
What you need to be successful


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