Mechanical Engineer - Air Intake (Automotive)

Kett Engineering is assisting our client in Plymouth in their search for a Senior Engineer to integrate their NA vehicles.

The selected candidate will conduct high-level vehicle integration / engineering activities, including decision making related to product design. These activities include supporting drawing creation, engineering specification reviews, supplier issue resolution, engineering cost estimates, applicable development timing, and supporting testing for appropriate projects. Resolve engineering issues independently. These may include providing root cause analysis, compiling necessary engineering support information, problem resolutions, appropriate analysis, leading design reviews, creating an environment for consensus, and implementing engineering changes. Additionally, provides engineering assistance to related companies and departments as necessary.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Designs / integrates components or parts for commercial vehicles. Evaluates technical content, improves quality, reduces cost, makes effective decisions and meets schedules while considering all available alternatives. Reports activities and decisions to Manager for approval and guidance
• Maintains and coordinates assigned projects and schedules. Reports status to management in a timely manner.
• Communicates effectively with Japan engineering, suppliers, production facilities, joint venture partners and other parties based on teamwork concepts. Works to maintain project schedules / milestones. Creates SOR documents for suppliers.
• Assists and consults with other departments and companies, sharing technical documentation to support our company’s collective objectives.
• Analyzes new technologies and trends. Prepares various reports and research results to management in both the U.S. and in Japan.
• Attends technical events/meetings at suppliers, GM, production facilities, potential vendors, and others.
• Investigates North American Commercial Vehicle competitors’ vehicles or specific subsystems for competitive engineering research. Prepares presentations for reviews and information sharing.
• Evaluates / releases engineering design drawings. Mentors Engineer I & II team members.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & TRAINING

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (Advanced degree a plus)
• Minimum five years’ experience in automotive product design engineering or equivalent
• Must have experience with air intake systems (i.e. air filter, intake manifold, throttle body, MAF, air intake tubes, heat shields)

KNOWLEDGE

Strong knowledge of the design process for automotive components to include:

• Detailed engineering drawings and design release engineering.
• Vehicle performance & packaging
• FEA analysis (including basics of strength, fatigue, and modal analysis)
• DFMEA, FTA, QC, GD&T, & tolerance stack analysis
• Threaded fasteners, bolted joints, other mechanical attachments / joining
• Automotive parts knowledge for material selection (metal, plastic, textile), production processes, test methods, regulations, and vehicle integration of components/sub-systems
• Familiarity with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) and Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)/American Standard Test Method (ASTM)
• Basic operational skills with CAD/CAM design systems; Siemens NX & TcAE or similar
• Familiarity with simulation software and common diagnostic equipment

Additional knowledge in the following commercial vehicle sub-systems a plus:

• Frames
• Exhaust
• Suspension
• Drivelines
• Steering
• Fuel
• After Market Components
• Vocation Integration

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Proficient PC skills in Windows applications/Microsoft Office and presentation applications
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to sketch, interpret drawings and 3D virtual designs
• Investigative and research skills such as benchmarking, internet search techniques, etc.
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Must be able to obtain and keep a commercial driving license and medical certificate

PHYSICAL STANDARDS

• Must be able to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer.
• Position requires 5 – 20% domestic and international travel, including overnight stays.
• Requires occasional light lifting (5-25 lbs.) and on rare occasions, heavy lifting (60 lbs.).
• Must be able on rare occasions to bend, crawl, climb, crouch, kneel and reach above shoulder level in the performance of job duties.