Senior Automotive Structures Design & Release Engineer

Overview / Summary

We are seeking an experienced Structures Design & Release Engineer to lead design engineering activities from pre-program through vehicle launch. The engineer will be responsible for developing automotive sheet metal components and upper body structures that meet customer, manufacturing, regulatory, durability, cost, weight, and timing requirements.

The role focuses on upper body sheet metal, including roof panels and roof ditch, A/B/C/D pillar inner and outer structures, and quarter panel and bodyside upper sheet metal.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead structural design activities from pre-program through vehicle launch.

• Develop component designs that meet customer requirements and vehicle manufacturing requirements.

• Understand structural design requirements related to vehicle attributes, including FMVSS, NVH, and safety.

• Lead Purchasing, Finance, and Cost Estimating activities related to supplier selection and program targets.

• Interface with engineers responsible for surrounding components and systems, including seats and electrical systems.

• Create and release 3-D CAD designs that meet system design requirements.

• Support supplier and CAE testing of structural and closure designs prior to tooling.

• Support tooling kickoff, supplier part manufacturing, part layout, and part testing.

• Lead prototype vehicle-level build support for structures.

• Manage final engineering sign-off and production vehicle launch activities.

• Design, develop, and release automotive sheet metal components from concept through production.

• Create and review CAD geometry and support stamping feasibility.

• Coordinate with suppliers and manufacturing teams.

• Resolve quality concerns and support competitive benchmarking studies.

• Manage engineering changes while meeting cost, weight, timing, and durability requirements.

• Develop upper body structures to meet roof crush, side impact, durability, and stiffness targets.

• Conduct CAE correlation reviews and optimize reinforcement strategies.

• Work with safety and attribute teams to develop roof and pillar structures that meet regulatory and vehicle performance requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Structures Design & Release Engineer.

• Experience designing, developing, and releasing automotive sheet metal components from concept through production.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of CATIA V5/V6 and/or 3DX CAD.

• Experience with automotive body structure development.

• Understanding of vehicle body structural performance requirements.

• Experience with roof crush, side impact, durability, and stiffness requirements.

• Experience performing CAE correlation reviews.

• Experience optimizing reinforcement strategies.

• Experience working with safety and attribute teams.

• Experience applying DMAIC and DFSS principles.

• Experience reviewing and signing off on component drawings and gauging practices.

• Experience applying 8D, fishbone, and DOE problem-solving methodologies.

• Experience creating Boundary Diagrams, P-Diagrams, DFMEA, and SCCAFs.

• Experience reviewing CAE models and CAD drawings.

• Experience leading design reviews based on Failure Mode Avoidance.

• Experience maintaining DVP&R and signing off on DV tests, including FMVSS requirements.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Experience executing threaded fastener joint designs and tests.

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