Design Engineer - Body

Design Engineer – Body

The Design Engineer – Body will conceptualize and develop mechanical designs for body systems and components used in late model air-cooled Porsche vehicles. Using Catia V5 and other CAD tools, this role focuses on body-in-white, exterior, closures, exterior trim, and glass systems, ensuring designs meet performance, cost, timing, and manufacturing requirements. The engineer will lead component and system development from concept through release, collaborate closely with cross-functional and global teams, manage suppliers, and mentor junior engineers while driving continuous improvement in product quality and engineering processes.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and create mechanical designs for new products using Catia V5 and other CAD software for late model air-cooled Porsche body systems.
• Develop deep expertise in assigned body systems and components, including body-in-white (BIW), exterior, closures, exterior trim, and glass systems.
• Understand the packaging environment, mounting strategies, and load conditions of automotive components and systems, and design effectively even with limited initial information.
• Plan and execute part evaluations on vehicles, as well as component and system validation plans to confirm performance and durability.
• Interface with and manage suppliers to ensure timely and accurate execution of project deliverables and technical requirements.
• Collaborate closely with global Design, Production Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Production teams to ensure integrated and manufacturable solutions.
• Plan, execute, and initiate process improvement activities, including the application of Lean or Six Sigma methodologies where appropriate.
• Evaluate existing drawings and 3D models of assemblies and processes to identify design improvements and ensure consistency with current standards.
• Develop testing processes and perform testing and validation of new designs to verify fit, function, and performance.
• Create working prototypes and first article parts for fit and function testing, and incorporate test findings into design refinements.
• Review and approve 3D models, 2D drawings, and specifications created by junior engineers to ensure accuracy and compliance with standards.
• Complete part release responsibilities in accordance with established company processes and engineering change procedures.
• Prepare and maintain documentation to track project development, design decisions, and engineering changes throughout the product lifecycle.
• Monitor project timelines and budgets, ensuring projects remain on schedule and within agreed cost targets.
• Identify and track indicators for improvement and cost reduction opportunities, and implement design changes that enhance value.
• Create product introduction materials such as work instructions, exploded view parts manuals, and related documentation to support manufacturing and service.
• Mentor and assist junior engineers by providing technical guidance, design reviews, and support in engineering best practices.
• Apply knowledge of design for manufacturability and DFMEA concepts to reduce risk and improve product robustness.
• Use data analysis tools to monitor, track, and continually improve the total cost equation of components and systems.
• Learn and apply new test and development equipment, such as 3D scanners, 3D printers, and data acquisition systems, to enhance design and validation capabilities.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or industrial engineering with an emphasis in automotive, mechanical, manufacturing, or industrial engineering required.
• 3–5 years of mechanical design and drafting experience using CAD software such as Solid Works, Catia, or equivalent required.
• Experience in the automotive industry required, with exposure to vehicle body systems or related components.
• Experience with engineering development processes and the design and release of components and systems required.
• Proficiency in creating 2D drawings and 3D models of advanced mechanical components and assemblies.
• Ability to reverse engineer components with limited information and derive accurate design intent.
• Ability to solve complex problems under…