Engineer - Closures Plastics

Automotive Plastic Part Design Specialist

Responsible for the design and development of automotive closures plastic trim parts and assemblies such as side door exterior rocker trims, side door functional plastic parts, hood trims, liftgate trims, spoiler systems, and owning polymer-related aspects from a blank page into production.

Design with excellence at system and component level with great attention to every detail creating optimized for performance, size, weight, durability, and cost.

Work closely with both internal teams and external suppliers using creativity and teamwork to integrate multiple systems in the most efficient way possible.

Work closely with other stake owners and attribute owners across the company such as vehicle safety, vehicle dynamics, NVH, durability, manufacturing, design studio, etc. to create world class designs.

Collaboration with cross functional teams such as CAE by interpreting and using analysis results to guide and evolve the design.

Collaboration with manufacturing to ensure efficient process sequence and build quality.

Cross functionally works with manufacturing, design and product development as well as with purchasing, supplier quality, stamping and suppliers on items such as tool buy-offs and secondary component changes.

Ability to create testing plan and conduct/coordinate physical tests to prove out design concepts and ensure performance targets are being achieved.

Perform detailed analysis of section properties, materials, and manufacturing processes through benchmarking activities to understand competitiveness of designs.

Coordinate virtual engineering and physical validation testing activities for your designs.

Coordinate and communicate with interfacing suppliers.

Effectively provide direction to others and negotiate a balanced solution.

Determine required tolerances using GD&T.

Travel domestically and internationally as required.

Qualifications:

5+ years of expertise in automotive plastic part design including thermal expansion impacts to part matching gap and flushness and paint matching at OEM or supplier is desired.

Solid track record of successful system level integration.

Experience working with Class A surface data.

Proven 3D CAD skills, proficient with CATIA V5/V6 or similar software.

Hands-on practical experience in prototype assembly and production assembly with the willingness to assemble your own parts.

Experience in technology, system, and supplier selection.

Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment is crucial.

Detail oriented personality with a determined problem-solving attitude using an engineering first principles approach.

Design release engineering experience including engineering change management and project management experiences.

A strong understanding of various analysis tools such as ANSYS, Opti Struct, Mat Lab, ADAMS, etc.

Proof of excellence in your past position, while demonstrating profound creativity in resolving mechanical design problems.

Experience in full life cycle development from concept to prototype to full production.

Ability to understand material requirements from part specifications and material selection after holistic evaluation of plastic grades.

Knowledge of manufacturing processes applicable for closures plastic parts such as injection moldings, ultrasonic welding, bonding, etc.

Education:

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or equivalent from ABET accredited institution or equivalent closures automotive experience.