Mechanical Engineer - Automotive Closures

We are seeking a highly skilled Closures Engineer with a strong technical background in automotive closures and a passion for driving innovation in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. The ideal candidate will come from a Tier 1 supplier or a startup, rather than an OEM, and be excited about shaping the next generation of vehicle closures. This is an on-site position, and we are unable to offer sponsorship.

Responsibilities:

• Design Leadership: Own and drive the design and development of closure components, from concept to production, ensuring optimal performance in NVH, durability, and crashworthiness.
• System Integration: Develop part designs based on master sections and design surfaces, integrating closure systems such as doors, hoods, decklids, and sealing systems with the vehicle’s overall structure.
• Manufacturing Feasibility: Work closely with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are feasible for production using various methods like sheet metal forming, roll forming, casting, and modern joining technologies.
• Supplier Collaboration: Partner with global suppliers (India, Europe, and the USA) to ensure materials and designs meet performance and cost targets.
• Testing & Validation: Lead the creation of testing plans to validate design concepts, conduct physical testing, and ensure designs meet performance targets.
• Change Management: Oversee engineering releases and manage change control processes, including BOM management, PLM activities, and cross-functional communication to ensure alignment throughout the development lifecycle.
• Material Expertise: Apply knowledge of various materials (steel, AHSS, aluminum, adhesives/sealers) to create efficient, lightweight designs that meet performance and cost requirements.
• Packaging & Compliance: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with packaging requirements, clearance standards, and vehicle integration.
• Collaboration in a High-Speed Environment: Work within a fast-paced hardware engineering department, managing multiple tasks and tight deadlines, and engaging in cross-functional collaboration with CAE, manufacturing, and suppliers to drive design performance.

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate will demonstrate an unwavering can-do attitude and thrive in a rapidly changing environment. You are someone who learns quickly, adapts to new challenges, and works well under pressure while maintaining a focus on quality and detail.

Key Skills and Experience:

• Experience: 5 years of experience in vehicle body engineering, particularly with closure systems such as doors, hoods, decklids, and sealing systems.
• Design & Engineering: Proficient in closure swing studies, component design, and system integration. Experience in creating packaging models and optimizing designs for weight, performance, durability, and cost.
• CAE Knowledge: Strong understanding of CAE tools and analysis to improve body design, with a track record of leveraging CAE outputs for design refinement.
• Problem-Solving: Expertise in system analysis, system interfaces, and component-level integration to solve complex engineering problems.
• Testing & Validation: Extensive experience in creating and executing DVP&R (Design Verification Plan and Report) and DFMEA (Design Failure Modes and Effects Analysis) to ensure system performance and reliability.
• Global Collaboration: Proven experience working with global suppliers and teams in different cultural settings (India, Europe, and USA), with a deep understanding of the diverse automotive requirements in these regions.
• Leadership & Communication: Ability to manage engineering releases, BOMs, and other PLM activities while leading cross-functional teams to ensure successful project delivery.

Education & Requirements:

• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Automotive, or related field). A Master's degree is preferred.
• Industry Experience: 5 years in automotive vehicle design and development, with a focus on closure systems, mechanisms, CAE, testing, and quality assurance.
• Cultural Competency: Comfort working in a culturally diverse team environment, with a willingness to learn new ways of interacting and collaborating effectively across global teams.

Why Join Us?

• Innovative Environment: Join a fast-paced, cutting-edge engineering team where your ideas and contributions will have a direct impact on vehicle design.
• Global Exposure: Work with international teams, gaining valuable experience and insight into global automotive requirements.
• Career Growth: We offer opportunities for professional development and career advancement in a rapidly evolving industry.

If you're an experienced Closures Engineer who thrives in a high-energy environment and is looking to make an impact in the automotive industry, we want to hear from you!