Design Engineer - Rockford Area

Design Engineer | Rockford, MI

Salary Range: $75,000 - $114,000 depending on experience

Are you a seasoned professional with a passion for creating innovative product designs and solving engineering challenges? The Pivot Group is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting community growth. We are collaborating with leading companies in Rockford seeking Design Engineers to lead and enhance their operations.

The Opportunity

We are collaborating with multiple companies in Rockford seeking experienced Design Engineers. These organizations value long-term fit and are looking for professionals who bring both skill and alignment. By joining our network, you gain access to opportunities tailored to your goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize designs for manufactured products and components using CAD software.
• Generate detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and Bills of Material (BOMs).
• Collaborate with manufacturing, production, and quality teams to ensure design manufacturability and assembly.
• Conduct design analysis, simulations, and testing to validate product performance and reliability.
• Identify and implement design improvements to enhance product quality, reduce costs, and streamline production processes.
• Troubleshoot design-related manufacturing issues and implement corrective actions.
• Research and evaluate new materials, components, and manufacturing technologies for product integration.

Recommended Qualifications

• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor) for 3D modeling and 2D drafting.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, injection molding, and assembly.
• Demonstrated knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, materials science, and their application in product design.
• Experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) for design specification and manufacturability.
• Ability to perform design calculations and basic FEA/simulations to validate designs.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with advanced simulation tools (e.g., FEA, CFD) for design validation.
• Hands-on experience with prototyping, assembly, or testing of mechanical systems.
• Specialized knowledge in a particular manufacturing process (e.g., injection molding, additive manufacturing, advanced composites).
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, or DFM/DFA methodologies.
• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.

Job Titles That Should Apply

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

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.