Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: IDEX Corporation

Location: Benton Harbor, Michigan, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering / Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-05-20

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Execute all 3D modeling needs for new product development and updates to existing engineering documentation, ensuring high standards of modeling integrity and design intent.

• Maintain and process routine engineering change documentation, including redraws, Continuous Improvement Projects (CIPs), Engineering Change Requests (ECRs), and New Product Material Requests (NMPRs) with a focus on rapid turnaround.

• Apply and interpret basic Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) for accurate design specification and manufacturability.

• Collaborate within the GAST Manufacturing engineering team to ensure designs are functional, manufacturable, and serviceable, contributing to a 90% On-Time Delivery (OTD) rate for design activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is focused on the practical application of 3D modeling and engineering documentation within a manufacturing environment, specifically for GAST Manufacturing, a unit of IDEX Corporation. The emphasis is on execution, efficiency, and adherence to design for manufacturability principles. The "Level and pay commensurate with experience and skills" suggests flexibility in hiring for either a mid-level or potentially a more senior designer depending on candidate qualifications.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create new product and component designs in SolidWorks, adhering to proper modeling techniques, detailing, and design intent to achieve 90% OTD for design activities.

• Ensure modeling integrity and detailing capabilities for design function, manufacturability, and serviceability of all created models.

• Prepare supporting documentation, including modified prints and engineering standards, as requested by engineers, to facilitate clear communication and execution.

• Apply and interpret basic GD&T, including datum placement, position/profile, and runout, to ensure design specifications are accurately represented and achievable.

• Modify existing product and component designs in SolidWorks, maintaining proper modeling, detailing, and design intent, with an aim for a 1-week average turnaround time for redraws, CIPs, ECRs, and NMPRs.

• Maintain, coordinate, and process routine engineering change documentation, performing other miscellaneous duties as required to support the engineering department's workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate between creating new designs and modifying existing ones, with specific performance metrics (90% OTD, 1-week turnaround) emphasizing efficiency and output. The mention of various engineering change processes (ECR, NMPR, CIP) indicates a need for familiarity with formal change management procedures in a product development lifecycle.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Associate's Degree in Design or a technically related field is required.

Experience:

• Minimum of four (4) years of product design experience is required.

Required Skills:

• Fluency in SOLIDWORKS with strong component and assembly modeling capabilities.

• Demonstrated ability in basic sketch functions, extrude and revolve functions, application of mates/constraints, and applying tolerancing.

• General mechanical aptitude and a natural curiosity to comprehend issues, seek understanding of challenges, and identify multiple solutions.

• Understanding of basic tolerancing (linear/angular), including its meaning, impact, and implications.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Inventor, Fusion 360, or Creo may be considered.

• Advanced SolidWorks users should demonstrate proficiency in sheet metal functions.

• Pneumatics experience is a plus.

• Advanced candidates should have knowledge of Powdered Metal, 3D Printing, Welding, Stamping/Forming, and Tool Design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualification requirements highlight a strong preference for SolidWorks expertise, with other CAD software considered secondary. The emphasis on mechanical aptitude and DFM for specific manufacturing processes points towards a practical, hands-on design engineering role. The distinction between required and advanced skills suggests a structured approach to candidate evaluation based on depth of experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of 3D models created in SolidWorks, demonstrating proficiency in both component and assembly design.

• Include examples of designs that effectively integrate design for manufacturing principles for casting, molding, machining, and sheet metal fabrication.

• Present case studies illustrating the application of GD&T and tolerancing to ensure design intent is clearly communicated and manufacturable.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in creating and managing engineering documentation, including modified prints and engineering standards.

• Show familiarity with the process of initiating and documenting engineering changes (ECRs, NMPRs) and continuous improvement projects (CIPs).

• Highlight an understanding of workflow management and the ability to meet defined turnaround times for design and documentation tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical skills. The emphasis should be on showcasing SolidWorks proficiency, DFM application, and the ability to handle engineering change processes efficiently. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their design process and articulate the rationale behind their modeling and documentation choices.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The salary for this position is commensurate with experience and skills, with an estimated range of $60,000 - $95,000 annually for a Product Designer in Benton Harbor, Michigan. This estimate is based on regional market data for similar roles, considering the specified experience level and the manufacturing industry context.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan with company match (e.g., 401k).

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and work-life support.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours.

• Potential for occasional overtime to meet project deadlines or address urgent engineering needs.

• Expected to be on-site during core business hours, with flexibility potentially available based on team needs and manager approval.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on industry benchmarks for a Product Designer role in Michigan with 2-5 years of experience. Actual compensation will depend heavily on the candidate's specific skills, qualifications, and the precise level at which they are hired. Benefits are typical for a corporation of IDEX's size and industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Manufacturing (Industrial Machinery & Equipment)

IDEX Corporation operates within the diverse industrial manufacturing sector, holding a leading position in specialized products. GAST Manufacturing, a key business unit, focuses on air-moving products for industrial manufacturing, healthcare, and environmental cleanup. This context means the Product Designer will be part of an environment that values precision, reliability, and innovation in mechanical engineering solutions.

Company Size: Large (IDEX Corporation is a global entity with multiple businesses, implying a robust corporate structure with significant resources.)

The size of IDEX Corporation suggests stability, structured processes, and opportunities for career advancement within a larger organization. GAST Manufacturing, as a specific business unit, offers a more focused operational environment.

Founded: GAST Manufacturing has a long history of leadership in air-moving products; IDEX Corporation was founded in 1988, indicating a well-established company with a strong market presence. This history suggests a culture that balances tradition with forward-thinking innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will be part of the GAST Engineering team, likely working closely with mechanical engineers, project managers, and manufacturing personnel.

• The reporting structure will likely place the designer under an Engineering Manager or Lead Engineer, with direct interaction with project leads for specific design tasks.

Methodology:

• Data analysis is integral to understanding design requirements and performance metrics, ensuring designs are optimized for function and efficiency.

• Workflow planning and optimization will be key in managing design tasks, meeting deadlines, and iterating on designs effectively.

• Automation and efficiency practices, particularly within the CAD environment and change management processes, will be leveraged to streamline operations and improve output.

Company Website: https://www.idexcorp.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding IDEX Corporation's broader scope and GAST Manufacturing's specific niche is important. The culture likely blends a corporate structure with the hands-on, problem-solving approach typical of manufacturing engineering teams.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Product Designer, requiring a solid foundation in 3D modeling, CAD software (primarily SolidWorks), and design for manufacturing principles. It involves executing design tasks with a degree of autonomy but also requires active collaboration and seeking input when needed. The scope includes both new product development and iterative improvements on existing designs.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will report to an Engineering Manager or a designated Lead Engineer within the GAST Manufacturing team. They will collaborate closely with other engineers, designers, and potentially project managers on specific product development initiatives.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly impacts the manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and performance of GAST Manufacturing's air-moving products. By ensuring accurate 3D models and supporting documentation, and by applying DFM principles, they contribute to efficient production, reduced scrap, and reliable product outcomes, which are critical for meeting customer demands and maintaining market competitiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in SolidWorks advanced features (e.g., complex assemblies, simulation, PDM integration) and gain proficiency in other CAD/CAM software.

• Specialization: Develop specialized knowledge in areas like pneumatics, specific material applications (e.g., advanced casting, metal forming), or design for specific industry standards (e.g., medical, industrial).

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and experience, opportunities may arise to mentor junior designers, lead design aspects of smaller projects, or move into roles with greater project management responsibility within the engineering team.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain exposure to other areas of the product lifecycle, such as testing, manufacturing processes, and product support, broadening overall understanding of the business.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Product Designer often involves deepening technical CAD skills, expanding knowledge of manufacturing processes, and potentially moving into project leadership or specialized technical roles within an engineering department.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role based in Benton Harbor, Michigan, within the GAST Manufacturing facility. The environment will be a combination of office-based work for CAD and documentation, and potential exposure to the manufacturing floor for understanding production processes and collaborating with production teams.

Office Location(s): Benton Harbor, Michigan. This location is within Berrien County, offering accessibility to local talent and resources.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely feature dedicated workstations equipped with industry-standard CAD software (SolidWorks) and associated hardware.

• Collaboration is a key aspect, so expect shared office spaces, meeting rooms, and potentially informal discussion areas designed to foster teamwork among engineers and designers.

• Access to engineering resources, including potentially 3D printers for prototyping, testing equipment, and manufacturing floor insights, will be available to support the design process.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday. While the core hours are expected, there may be occasional requirements for overtime to meet project deadlines or address urgent design modifications, reflecting the dynamic nature of product development in a manufacturing setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the need for physical presence within the manufacturing and engineering hub, facilitating direct collaboration and understanding of the production environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications, SolidWorks proficiency, and relevant experience in product design and DFM.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve detailed discussions about your SolidWorks skills, experience with GD&T, understanding of DFM principles for various manufacturing processes, and problem-solving approaches. You may be asked to walk through specific projects from your portfolio.

• Design Challenge/Case Study: Candidates might be given a small design problem or asked to analyze an existing design to demonstrate their thought process, CAD skills, and ability to apply DFM and tolerancing principles under timed conditions.

• Behavioral/Team Fit Interview: Focuses on your ability to work collaboratively within a team, your self-direction, integrity, and how you seek and provide help. Questions will assess your cultural fit with GAST Manufacturing and IDEX Corporation's values.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with senior engineering leadership to discuss your experience, career aspirations, and overall fit for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly state the problem, your solution, the tools used (SolidWorks features), and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., reduced manufacturing time by X%, improved part strength by Y%, met Z tolerance requirement).

• Showcase SolidWorks Proficiency: Include examples demonstrating complex assemblies, detailed part modeling, and effective use of features like surfacing, sheet metal, or weldments if applicable.

• Highlight DFM Application: Clearly explain how DFM considerations influenced your design choices for casting, molding, machining, etc.

• GD&T and Tolerancing: Present clear examples of how GD&T was applied and how tolerances were considered for manufacturability and function.

• Process Documentation Examples: If possible, include anonymized examples of engineering documentation or change orders you've managed.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and each project description is concise yet informative.

Challenge Preparation:

• SolidWorks Practice: Brush up on common SolidWorks features, especially those related to part/assembly modeling, sheet metal, and basic surfacing. Practice creating models from scratch under time constraints.

• DFM Scenarios: Review common DFM challenges for casting, molding, machining, and sheet metal. Be ready to discuss potential issues and design considerations.

• GD&T Fundamentals: Refresh your knowledge of basic GD&T symbols and their application. Understand how tolerances affect assembly and function.

• Problem-Solving Framework: Be prepared to articulate your systematic approach to solving design problems, from understanding requirements to proposing and evaluating solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes practical skills. A well-curated portfolio that directly addresses the requirements (SolidWorks, DFM, GD&T) and demonstrates problem-solving abilities will be key to progressing.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• SOLIDWORKS: This is the primary CAD software required, with expectations for strong proficiency in component and assembly modeling. Advanced users should be familiar with sheet metal functions.

• Other CAD Software (Inventor, Fusion 360, Creo): While SolidWorks is primary, experience with these alternatives can be advantageous, especially for candidates with broader 3D modeling backgrounds.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Engineering Change Management Systems: Familiarity with systems or processes for managing ECRs, NMPRs, and CIPs is crucial for maintaining design documentation integrity.

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software: Experience with PLM systems for managing design data, revisions, and collaboration (if used by IDEX/GAST) would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly customer-facing, understanding how design data integrates with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems for manufacturing and procurement is valuable.

• Automation within CAD (e.g., design automation tools, macros) or engineering workflows may be present and beneficial to know.

📝 Enhancement Note: SolidWorks is the cornerstone technology for this role. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience and proficiency with this software in detail, including specific features and workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity, Trust, and Teamwork: These are explicitly mentioned values. Expect an environment where honesty, reliability, and collaborative effort are paramount. This means being accountable for your work, trusting your colleagues, and actively contributing to team goals.

• Self-Direction and Accountability: The role requires functioning responsibly with minimal active oversight. This implies taking initiative, prioritizing tasks effectively, and proactively seeking clarification when needed, rather than waiting for instructions.

• Problem-Solving and Curiosity: A natural curiosity and a drive to comprehend issues, understand challenges, and identify multiple solutions are highly valued. This translates to a culture that encourages analytical thinking and creative problem-solving.

• Efficiency and Execution: The emphasis on OTD and turnaround times suggests a culture that values getting things done effectively and meeting deadlines.

Collaboration Style:

• Collaborative Environment: GAST Engineering is described as a collaborative environment where mutual support is expected. You will both give and receive help from colleagues.

• Open Communication: Be prepared for direct communication regarding needs for help or limitations in providing it. Clarity and honesty are key.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: Collaboration extends beyond the engineering team to manufacturing, quality, and potentially other departments to ensure holistic product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to be a blend of corporate structure and hands-on engineering teamwork, emphasizing accountability, collaboration, and a proactive approach to problem-solving within a manufacturing context.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Precision: The need to achieve quick turnaround times (e.g., 1-week for redraws) while maintaining high modeling integrity and design intent can be a significant challenge. This requires efficient workflow management and strong CAD skills.

• Interpreting Ambiguous Requirements: As with many design roles, you may encounter situations where initial requirements are not fully defined. The challenge lies in your ability to seek clarification, ask probing questions, and apply your mechanical aptitude to resolve ambiguities.

• Managing Multiple Priorities: The requirement to juggle new product development with updates and changes to existing designs means efficiently prioritizing and managing multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Manufacturing Technologies: While the core skills are established, staying aware of advancements in manufacturing processes (e.g., new materials, additive manufacturing techniques) that could impact design decisions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced SolidWorks Training: Opportunities for formal training or self-study to master advanced SolidWorks functionalities, potentially including simulation, PDM, or surfacing techniques.

• Exposure to Diverse Manufacturing Processes: Gaining deeper practical knowledge of casting, molding, machining, sheet metal, and potentially powdered metal, 3D printing, welding, stamping/forming, and tool design through hands-on project work.

• Pneumatics and Air-Moving Product Expertise: Developing specialized knowledge in the core product domain of GAST Manufacturing, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Mentorship and Project Leadership: As experience grows, opportunities to mentor junior designers or take on lead roles in specific project design phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to product design in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, offering ample opportunities for skill development and professional growth by tackling them head-on.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Problem-Solving: "Describe a complex product or component you designed in SolidWorks. Walk me through your design process, including how you addressed manufacturability, tolerancing, and any challenges you encountered." (Focus on process, DFM application, GD&T, and problem resolution.)

• Collaboration & Teamwork: "This role requires working closely with other engineers and manufacturing teams. Describe a time you had to collaborate with someone who had a different perspective on a design. How did you reach a consensus?" (Highlight your ability to give and receive help, and work within a collaborative environment.)

• Efficiency & Prioritization: "You're given a rush request for an ECR on an existing product while also working on a new product development project. How would you prioritize and manage your workload?" (Demonstrate your understanding of OTD, turnaround times, and task management.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about IDEX Corporation and GAST Manufacturing, and why are you interested in working here?" (Research the company's products, markets, and values. Connect your skills to their needs.)

• "How do you approach working in a team where self-direction and trust are important?" (Align your work style with the stated values of integrity, trust, and teamwork.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each portfolio piece, frame it as a mini-story: the problem, your approach (highlighting SolidWorks features and DFM), the solution, and the outcome (quantified if possible).

• Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your presentation explicitly covers your SolidWorks proficiency, GD&T application, and DFM knowledge for different manufacturing processes.

• Focus on Process: Be ready to explain why you made certain design decisions, not just what you designed. Discuss trade-offs considered.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Present your most relevant and impactful projects clearly and efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating practical CAD skills, a strong understanding of manufacturing principles, and an alignment with the company's collaborative and self-directed culture.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the IDEX Corporation careers portal.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest SolidWorks projects that best showcase your component and assembly modeling skills, application of GD&T, and knowledge of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) for casting, molding, machining, and sheet metal. Ensure clear documentation and explanations for each piece.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience with SolidWorks, GD&T, DFM, and any relevant manufacturing processes. Quantify your achievements where possible, such as turnaround times or design improvements.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Review SolidWorks functionalities, GD&T basics, and common DFM considerations. Practice articulating your design process and problem-solving approach.

• Research IDEX and GAST: Understand their product lines, market position, and stated company values. Prepare to articulate why you are a good fit for their culture and mission.

⚠️ 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.

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