What are the responsibilities and job description for the Design Engineer position at Neaton Auto Products Manufacturing?
Design Engineer 1st Shift
Location: Eaton, OH 45320
Position Overview
We are seeking a motivated Design Engineer to join our team on the 1st shift in Eaton, OH. This role supports the development of automotive safety components with a strong emphasis on program management, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration.
The position is structured as ~20% CAD and ~80% engineering coordination and analysis, including project leadership, test evaluation, and customer interaction. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys working beyond design into execution and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead design projects and program activities from concept through production
- Perform root cause analysis to resolve design, testing, and manufacturing issues
- Collaborate closely with customers, manufacturing plants, and internal teams
- Support test part evaluation, validation activities, and plant floor investigations
- Apply tolerance stack-up analysis to ensure fit, form, and function
- Drive value analysis initiatives to reduce cost and eliminate waste
- Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities
- Create and deliver clear technical presentations internally and to customers
- Support the development of plastic injection-molded components
- Occasional travel to customer and manufacturing locations (~5%)
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Experience in automotive engineering and/or program management (not required, but preferred)
- Knowledge of plastic injection molding processes and design considerations (not required, but preferred)
- Strong root cause analysis and structured problem-solving skills
- Proficiency with CAD software (moderate use – ~20% of role)
- Understanding of tolerance analysis (stack-ups) and value engineering principles
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work across diverse teams
- Ability to interface effectively with customers and internal departments
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially:
- Excel (data analysis)
- PowerPoint (presentations)
- Ability to develop and deliver professional technical presentations
- Hands-on mindset with willingness to support plant floor activities
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- No programming or automation experience required
Work Environment
This role involves a mix of office, meeting, and plant floor activities, requiring active engagement in cross-functional collaboration and hands-on evaluation of components. The candidate should be comfortable working in a dynamic environment and traveling occasionally to support customers and manufacturing operations.