Product Engineer (On-Site)

Description

**No remote work option available for this position. Must be on-site in Marion, SC.**

Founded in 2008 DMA Industries, LLC (DMA) has quickly grown to become a trusted supplier to the North American Automotive Parts Aftermarket. DMA has a dynamic, performance-driven work culture that embodies the entrepreneurial spirit. teamwork, collaboration, and an unwavering standard of ethics. 

Position Overview:

The Product Engineer plays a critical role in DMA’s Product R&D team, supporting the development, validation, and continuous improvement of key product lines including Complete Strut Assemblies, Shock Absorbers, and Coil Springs for Passenger, Heavy-Duty, and Specialty Vehicles. This position ensures that products meet internal performance standards, customer expectations, and market demands through technical leadership, collaboration with global manufacturing partners, and deep engineering analysis. The Product Engineer is accountable for developing specifications, evaluating competitive and OE products, supporting warranty investigations, and coordinating new product introductions. This hands-on engineering role also involves maintaining engineering documentation, facilitating prototype testing, and collaborating cross-functionally with Quality, Warranty, Sales, and Product teams. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Product Development & Validation

• Lead prototype development, qualification, and approval for new parts.
• Conduct product validation activities through performance testing, design reviews, and calculations to confirm form, fit, and function.
• Develop and maintain detailed product specifications and performance requirements.

2. Engineering Documentation & Analysis

• Prepare and maintain accurate drawings, specifications, and product development records.
• Utilize 2D/3D CAD software and 3D scanning tools for design, comparison, and optimization of parts.
• Analyze test results and data to refine products and support design decisions.

3. Factory Collaboration & Quality Support

• Work directly with DMA’s approved manufacturing partners to develop and improve product designs.
• Participate in regular design and quality review meetings with DMA factory partners.
• Review quality reports and warranty data in partnership with the Warranty & Product Validation Engineer to identify areas for improvement.

4. Competitive Research & Industry Awareness

• Stay informed on competitive products and innovations in the suspension system market.
• Conduct tear-down and benchmarking of competitor and OE products for performance comparison.

5. Cross-Functional Team Support

• Collaborate with Sales and Product teams to ensure customer needs are met in new product development.
• Provide engineering insight and support for product launches, marketing, and customer presentations.
• Assist in writing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and supporting documentation as needed.

6. Technical Expertise & Continuous Improvement

• Apply knowledge of dampening, suspension design, force/stress analysis, metallurgy, and material science to optimize product performance.
• Recommend and lead cost-reduction and product improvement initiatives.
• Support APQP, DFMEA, and GD&T efforts to ensure robust product development.

7. Additional Responsibilities:

• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Reporting Structure:

• Reports directly to the Vice President of Product R&D.
• This position has direct reports.

Requirements

Key Requirements:

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years relevant experience or a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Science required. Automotive industry experience is preferred. Familiarity with manufacturing methods, suspension systems, and engineering testing equipment is essential.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; or equivalent work experience.
• Skills: Must demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to manage technical details while keeping broader business goals in focus. Effective communication skills are essential, including the ability to clearly convey complex engineering concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. Candidates should be highly organized, self-motivated, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, is required. The role also demands strong documentation and reporting skills, as well as competency in using CAD software for 2D and 3D design, including familiarity with GD&T, DFMEA, and APQP processes.
• Knowledge: The successful candidate should possess a solid understanding of suspension system design and operation, including principles of dampening, valve construction, stress and force calculations, and metallurgy. Familiarity with manufacturing methods commonly used in the automotive industry—such as stamping, welding, casting, and machining—is essential. A working knowledge of material science and product optimization under cost and performance constraints is required. Candidates should also understand the full product development lifecycle, including concept design, validation testing, and production launch. Additionally, a clear understanding of engineering quality systems and standards—such as APQP, DFMEA, and GD&T—is critical. Awareness of competitive product offerings and trends in the aftermarket or OEM space is highly valuable to ensure DMA’s products remain innovative and performance driven.
• Technology: Must be proficient with basic computer functions including email, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook), and able to learn and navigate warehouse management or order tracking systems.

Physical Requirements:

This role is physically active and requires regular movement throughout the warehouse, office, and lab during the shift.

• Mobility: Ability to move between office, lab, and warehouse environments.
• Standing and Walking: Required during inspections, testing, and prototype evaluations.
• Lifting and Carrying: Regularly required to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Posture and Motion: Regular computer and CAD workstation use; occasional bending or reaching.
• Vision and Hearing: Close and distance vision required; must be able to hear and communicate effectively in meetings and testing environments.
• Work Environment: Office, lab, and warehouse settings with moderate noise; some exposure to tools and testing equipment.

Travel Requirements:

Occasional domestic or international travel may be required to visit factory partners, attend trade shows, or support product development efforts.

FLSA Classification: Exempt 

Equal Opportunity and Accommodation Statement:

DMA Industries, LLC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are respected, valued, and empowered. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize the importance of accessibility and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process and during employment. If you require assistance or accommodation at any stage of the application or employment process, please inform us so that we may support your needs appropriately.