NX Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: NX Product Designer

Company: Waltonen Engineering

Location: Warren, Michigan, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / Engineering

Date Posted: September 8, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop complex mechanical units and mechanisms using NX CAD software, focusing on precision and adherence to engineering standards.

• Translate design objectives into detailed drawings, specifications, and bills of materials, ensuring all customer requirements are met.

• Collaborate closely with a team of drafters, detailers, and other engineers to bring designs from concept to completion.

• Apply strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address mechanical challenges and optimize design solutions within the automotive, aerospace, and defense sectors.

• Contribute to the development of creative and innovative product designs that align with industry best practices and company quality systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is for a Product Designer specializing in NX, indicating a strong focus on Computer-Aided Design (CAD) for product development within an engineering services company serving demanding industries like automotive, aerospace, and defense. The emphasis on "complex units and mechanisms" and "customer requirements" suggests a need for meticulous attention to detail and a client-focused approach to design solutions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed design layouts for complex units and mechanical systems, ensuring functional integrity and manufacturability.

• Perform necessary design computations to validate structural integrity, material selection, and performance characteristics.

• Generate comprehensive general specifications, including precise bills of materials (BOMs), to support procurement and manufacturing processes.

• Work collaboratively with layout drafters and detailers to ensure the timely and accurate completion of design packages and drawings.

• Develop creative and functional drawings based on design objectives provided by senior engineers or project leads.

• Utilize manual drafting techniques or advanced computer-aided design (CAD) skills, specifically NX, to produce final design drawings.

• Ensure all designs and associated documentation fully comply with specific customer technical requirements and quality standards.

• Participate in design reviews, providing constructive feedback and incorporating necessary revisions to enhance designs.

• Maintain a thorough understanding of the company's quality system and integrate its principles into all design activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design work, technical documentation, and cross-functional collaboration. The emphasis on "complex units and mechanisms," "design computations," and "customer requirements" suggests a need for a designer who can not only create but also validate and ensure the suitability of their designs for specific applications.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate's Degree in Vehicle Design, Product Development, or a related engineering field is preferred.

Experience: A minimum of 2 years of dedicated experience in Product Design is required.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience with NX CAD software for solid modeling and assembly design.

• Demonstrated ability in modeling from assembly drawings and existing packages.

• Experience in Sheet Metal and/or Structural design principles and application.

• Strong analytical skills for identifying and resolving mechanical design and problem-solving challenges.

• Effective oral and written communication skills for clear technical discussions and documentation.

• Proficiency in preparing design layouts, specifications, and bills of materials. Preferred Skills:

• Specific experience in Powertrain, Chassis, or Body design within the automotive industry.

• Experience with Electrical Design, including routing and packaging of components.

• Familiarity with other advanced CAD/CAE tools relevant to product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize practical NX proficiency and specific design experience areas (sheet metal, structural). The preferred qualifications point towards specialization within the automotive sector, suggesting that candidates with prior automotive design experience will have a distinct advantage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 significant product design projects completed using NX.

• For each project, provide clear visuals (renderings, wireframes, CAD screenshots) of complex units and mechanisms designed.

• Include examples of detailed design layouts, specifications, and bills of materials (BOMs) generated for these projects.

• Demonstrate experience with sheet metal or structural design through specific project examples, detailing design considerations and outcomes.

• Highlight your problem-solving approach for mechanical challenges encountered, with clear explanations of solutions implemented. Process Documentation:

• For each portfolio project, briefly outline the design process followed, from initial concept to final design package.

• Document the collaborative process, illustrating how you worked with drafters, detailers, or other team members.

• Explain the methods used to ensure customer requirements were met and how any design computations were performed and validated.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, as it will serve as the primary evidence of practical NX skills and design capabilities. The emphasis should be on showcasing complexity, problem-solving, and adherence to technical specifications, reflecting the core responsibilities of the role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Product Designers with 2-5 years of experience in the Detroit metropolitan area, a competitive salary range of $65,000 - $85,000 annually is anticipated. This estimate considers the specific CAD software expertise required, the engineering services industry, and the cost of living in Michigan.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.

• Paid Vacation and Holiday time for work-life balance.

• Employer matching contributions to a 401K retirement savings plan.

• Tuition Reimbursement program to support continuous learning and development.

• Flexible Spending Programs (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care.

• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance coverage.

• Employee Referral Program offering incentives for successful referrals.

• Access to Additional Voluntary Benefit Programs for personalized coverage.

• Opportunities for off-site company events and Employee Luncheons to foster team cohesion.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work schedule is typically 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime based on project demands and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on similar roles in the Warren, MI area, considering the experience level and specialized NX skills. The provided benefits are comprehensive and typical for a full-time engineering role in the US automotive sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Services, specializing in Automotive, Aerospace, and Defense sectors. This context implies a highly technical, deadline-driven, and quality-focused work environment.

Company Size: Waltonen Engineering is a well-established engineering firm, likely employing a significant number of engineers and technical professionals. This size suggests structured processes and opportunities for specialization within engineering disciplines.

Founded: Founded in 1957, Waltonen has a long history and deep roots in Warren, Michigan, indicating stability, experience, and a strong local presence.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team is likely composed of experienced engineers, designers, drafters, and detailers, with potential for specialization in areas like powertrain, chassis, body, or electrical systems.

• Reporting structures will probably involve a Design Lead or Engineering Manager overseeing project assignments and performance.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close work with project managers, manufacturing engineers, and potentially client engineering teams. Methodology:

• Design processes will adhere to rigorous quality system standards, emphasizing precision, documentation, and validation.

• Data-driven decision-making will be paramount, utilizing design computations and simulation results to support design choices.

• Workflow optimization will focus on efficient use of CAD tools like NX, clear communication, and streamlined review processes to meet client deadlines.

Company Website: http://www.waltonen.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Waltonen's long history and focus on critical industries suggest a culture of technical excellence, reliability, and a commitment to long-term client relationships. The emphasis on quality systems and community roots provides a strong foundation for understanding their operational ethos.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an intermediate Product Designer, requiring 2+ years of experience. It offers a solid foundation for developing expertise in NX and specific design domains (e.g., automotive components).

Reporting Structure: Designers typically report to a Senior Designer, Lead Designer, or Engineering Manager who assigns tasks, provides guidance, and reviews completed work.

Operations Impact: As an NX Product Designer, your work directly impacts the functionality, manufacturability, and overall quality of complex engineering components. Your designs are critical for the successful development and production of vehicles, aircraft, and defense systems, contributing significantly to client satisfaction and project success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deep expertise in specific areas like powertrain, chassis, body, or electrical systems design within automotive, aerospace, or defense applications.

• Advanced CAD Skills: Become a subject matter expert in NX, potentially exploring advanced modules for simulation (CAE), manufacturing (CAM), or surfacing.

• Lead Designer/Senior Engineer: Progress to roles with increased design responsibility, project leadership, and mentorship of junior designers.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Transition into roles in manufacturing engineering, systems engineering, or project management, leveraging your design background.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for an NX Product Designer at Waltonen appears to be focused on deepening technical expertise within specific engineering domains and advancing within the design hierarchy or transitioning to related engineering disciplines.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role at Waltonen's facility in Warren, Michigan. The environment is likely a professional engineering office setting, potentially with dedicated CAD workstations and collaborative workspaces.

Office Location(s): Warren, Michigan, a hub for automotive engineering and manufacturing in the United States. This location offers proximity to major automotive OEMs and suppliers.

Workspace Context:

• Expect a collaborative environment where designers work closely with peers, drafters, and engineering managers.

• Access to high-performance workstations equipped with NX software and potentially other relevant engineering tools will be standard.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with team members and cross-functional departments are inherent to the role.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, likely with some flexibility, but with the understanding that project deadlines may require extended hours. The focus will be on delivering high-quality designs within agreed-upon timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Warren, MI, places the designer within a significant automotive engineering ecosystem, facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing within the industry.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio for relevant NX experience and design qualifications.

• Technical Interview: This will likely involve discussing your past projects, demonstrating your NX proficiency, and potentially solving a design problem or discussing a design challenge. Be prepared to explain your design process and rationale.

• Skills Assessment: A practical test or a detailed review of your portfolio showcasing your ability to create complex designs, prepare BOMs, and perform design computations.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with hiring managers and potential team members to assess your communication skills, problem-solving approach, and alignment with Waltonen's culture and quality standards.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 of your strongest NX design projects that best represent your skills in complex units, mechanisms, sheet metal, or structural design.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, clearly explain the design objectives, your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented (highlighting NX usage), and the final outcome.

• Showcase Technical Documentation: Include examples of detailed drawings, BOMs, and any relevant design computations or analyses performed.

• Highlight Customer Focus: If possible, demonstrate how your designs met specific customer requirements or solved a client's problem.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design choices, trade-offs, and how you would approach new design challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with common product design challenges in automotive, aerospace, or defense.

• Practice explaining your design thought process clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a client or engineering lead.

• Be prepared to discuss your experience with quality systems and adherence to technical specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize practical NX skills and design problem-solving abilities. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates your process and impact is critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• NX: This is the core CAD software required. Proficiency in 3D modeling, assembly design, drafting, and potentially advanced features like surfacing or design analysis is expected.

• Microsoft Office Suite: For documentation, communication, and basic data management (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated, basic data analysis skills may be beneficial for design computations and BOM management. Familiarity with Excel for data manipulation is likely. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design role, but understanding how designs feed into product lifecycle management (PLM) systems or ERP for BOM management would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily centered around NX. Deep proficiency in this specific CAD package is the primary technical requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Precision: A strong emphasis on delivering accurate, reliable, and high-quality designs that meet stringent industry standards.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding ethical standards in all design work and client interactions.

• Innovation & Problem-Solving: Encouraging creative solutions to complex engineering challenges.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with colleagues and clients to achieve project goals.

• Customer Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs and specifications.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work seamlessly with drafters, detailers, project managers, and potentially client engineering teams.

• Open Communication: Encouraging clear and concise communication of design intent, challenges, and solutions.

• Feedback Loop: A culture where constructive feedback is shared and incorporated to improve designs throughout the development cycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: Waltonen's long history and focus on critical industries suggest a culture built on technical competence, reliability, and a strong client-centric approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Meeting Stringent Customer Requirements: Designing complex components that must meet very specific performance, safety, and regulatory standards across diverse industries.

• Tight Deadlines: Working within project timelines that demand efficiency and accuracy in design execution.

• Problem-Solving Complex Mechanisms: Tackling intricate mechanical issues that require innovative and robust design solutions.

• Staying Current with Technology: Keeping pace with advancements in NX capabilities and design methodologies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced NX Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific NX modules or advanced design techniques.

• Industry-Specific Knowledge: Gaining in-depth understanding of automotive, aerospace, or defense product development lifecycles and standards.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced engineers and designers within the company.

• Potential for Project Leadership: As experience grows, opportunities to lead design aspects of projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to high-stakes engineering design, requiring continuous learning and adaptability. Growth opportunities focus on technical mastery and career progression within design or related engineering fields.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex mechanical unit or mechanism you designed using NX. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your process, NX features used, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you ensure your designs meet all customer specifications and quality requirements?" (Highlight your attention to detail and adherence to standards.)

• "Walk me through your process for creating a bill of materials (BOM) and design specifications." (Demonstrate your understanding of documentation requirements.)

• "How do you collaborate with drafters and detailers to finalize design packages?" (Emphasize teamwork and communication.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working at Waltonen Engineering, given our history and focus industries?" (Research their website and mention specific aspects like their longevity, community roots, or industry impact.)

• "How do you approach working within a quality system framework?" (Show your understanding of process adherence and documentation.)

• "Describe a time you had to adapt your design approach based on feedback or new information." (Illustrate your flexibility and collaborative spirit.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Start with an overview of your role and the project's objectives, then dive into specific design details, challenges, and solutions.

• Highlight NX Usage: Clearly articulate which NX features and functionalities you utilized and why they were appropriate for the task.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved efficiency, reduced material usage, met performance targets).

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, calculations, material selections, and potential design trade-offs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to demonstrate not only your technical NX skills but also your understanding of engineering processes, problem-solving methodologies, and your ability to communicate complex technical information effectively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this NX Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Waltonen careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating proficiency in NX, complex mechanism design, sheet metal or structural design, and BOM creation. Ensure visuals are clear and explanations concise.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to prominently feature keywords such as "NX," "Product Design," "Solid Modeling," "Assembly Design," "Sheet Metal," "Structural Design," "Bill of Materials," and any relevant industry experience (Automotive, Aerospace, Defense). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and NX capabilities. Prepare specific examples from your portfolio for discussion.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Waltonen Engineering's history, core industries, and commitment to quality. Understand how your skills align with their mission and values.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.