Accessory Product Engr.

Gulf States Toyota; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Gulf States Toyota seeks an Accessory Product Development Engineer to lead automotive accessory programs from concept to production. You will manage Stage Gate processes and collaborate with Demand & Supply, Quality, Sourcing, and suppliers to meet cost, quality, and delivery targets.

The role requires CAD expertise (SolidWorks/Fusion 360/CATIA), experience with VA/VE, and strong problem-solving and communication skills. A Bachelor’s in engineering and 5–7 years’ related experience are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Automotive, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 5–7 years of related experience or training.
• Experience managing the Stage Gate process in accessory development.
• Experience using VA/VE to cut cost and optimize installations.
• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks/Fusion 360/CATIA).
• Strong knowledge of automotive accessories, OE testing, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience in problem solving, root-cause analysis and continuous improvement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication across teams and leaders.
• Driver License (DL) required; ASQ CQE preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead Stage Gate processes for accessory development from concept to PPAP.
• Develop and maintain BOM/configuration management for each model.
• Apply VA/VE to reduce cost while ensuring quality and performance.
• Create DFMEA/DVP&R aligned with OE standards and GST expectations.
• Collaborate with Quality, Sourcing, and suppliers for readiness and performance.
• Support vehicle launches and carry-over activities across models.
• Drive continuous improvement in accessory development and launch processes.
• Review warranty data and field performance to steer portfolio direction.

Skills

Stage Gate management

VA/VE methodologies

Mechanical engineering

Electrical engineering

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Automotive/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

CATIA

Microsoft Office

Job description

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and must not require employer sponsorship now or in the future. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship, and the company will not assume sponsorship obligations for existing visa holders.
Living Our Values
All associates are guided by Our Values. Our Values are the unifying foundation of our companies. We strive to ensure that every decision we make and every action we take demonstrates Our Values. We believe that putting Our Values into practice creates lasting benefits for all of our associates, shareholders, and the communities in which we live.
Why Join Us?

• Career Growth: Advance your career with opportunities for leadership and personal development.
• Culture of Excellence: Be part of a supportive team that values your input and encourages innovation.
• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that looks after both your professional and personal needs.
  

Total Rewards
Our Total Rewards package underscores our commitment to recognizing your contributions. We offer a competitive and fair compensation structure that includes base pay and performance-based rewards. Compensation is based on skill set, experience, qualifications, and job-related requirements. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, wellness programs, retirement plans, and generous paid leave. Discover more about what we offer by visiting our Benefits page.
A Day In The Life
As an Accessory Product Development Engineer at Gulf States Toyota, you will play a crucial role in the engineering development and launch of automotive accessories. Under the guidance of the Sr., Manager, Acc Prod Engineering, you will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Demand & Supply, Quality, Operations, Sourcing, and third-party suppliers to achieve organizational goals, encompassing cost, quality, installation, and performance targets. Leveraging your comprehensive understanding of automotive industry standards, vehicle integration, manufacturing processes, and automotive accessories, you will manage projects through the developmental process from concept to development to Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) and finally launch. Additionally, you will contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by implementing Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VA/VE) improvements and lean initiatives. Your support will extend to vehicle and accessory launches into production, encompassing activities such as Bill of Material (BOM)/configuration management, design for manufacturability, and packaging.As a Engr., Prod Acc. Dev You Will

• Reliable, consistent, on-site attendance is a requirement. This position requires you to be punctual and dependable in order to meet the needs of the business; including attending and participating in meetings and presentations
• Be the GST subject matter expert in mechanical or electrical automotive accessories.
• Manage Stage Gate process throughout accessory development cycle
• Create component and system level Design Failure Mode & Effects Analysis’ (DFMEA) & Design Verification Plan & Report’s (DVP&R) in alignment with OE industry standards, internal GST accessory product expectations, and regulatory requirements (FMVSS, DOT, etc.)
• Bill of Materials (BOM) & management: Develop and maintain the Bill of Materials (BOM) for each vehicle model & applicable accessory. Ensure accuracy, completeness, and proper configuration management of the BOM & accessory weights throughout the product lifecycle
• Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE): Utilize VA/VE methodologies to identify cost & installation optimization opportunities. Evaluate product designs, materials, and manufacturing processes to achieve cost & BOM time reductions while maintaining or improving product quality and performance
• Utilize problem solving methodologies to promptly solve issues and determine root cause as they arise. Adjust and implement policies and processes capture lessons learned and improve best practices that pre-emptively incorporate identified root causes
• Support new vehicle launch and model year carry-over activities
• Support GST supplier relationships - Maintain engineering relationships + collaborate with Quality & Sourcing to ensure supplier readiness / performance. Participate in identification & qualification of new suppliers
• Participate in the continual improvement of accessory development and launch processes
• Participate in review of warranty and other indicators of field performance and customer satisfaction
• Participate in review of warranty and other indicators of field performance and customer satisfaction
• Participate in determining the direction of the accessory portfolio and help optimize accessory product category
• Facilitate VPC readiness for installation of accessories
• Responsibly receive, transmit, and handle consumer and customer data per applicable policies and procedures
• Review and follow data privacy practices, policies, and guidelines.
• Other duties as assigned

What We Need From You

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four year college or university (required) in Automotive, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering related field (strongly preferred); Req
• 5-7 years Related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Required and
• Experience in managing the Stage Gate process throughout the accessory development cycle, ensuring adherence to project milestones and deliverables. Required and
• Experience in utilizing VA/VE methodologies to identify cost and installation optimization opportunities. Required and
• Experience in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, such as SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or CATIA, with a strong understanding of 2D and 3D modeling techniques. Required
• Strong knowledge and expertise in mechanical or electrical automotive accessories
• Strong knowledge of automotive industry and vehicle functions/systems
• Strong understanding of OE & regulatory automotive testing and validation requirements for accessory product categories as assigned
• Familiarity with common manufacturing processes for accessory product categories as assigned
• Experience in problem solving, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement.
• The ability to effectively communicate and interface with diverse audiences is critical. Some experience leading and coaching work team(s) is necessary as is the ability to motivate and inspire others to take the initiative to make improvements
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite is necessary
• Demonstrate excellent technical analysis and diagnostic skills
• Excellent judgment, analytical, and interpersonal skills, including written and verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with all levels of executives, associates and other contacts
• DL NUMBER - Driver License, Valid and in State Valid Drivers License Required
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer Preferred

Physical Requirements
The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly and repeatedly required to talk; hear; stand; walk; stoop; kneel/squat, climb, use hands and fingers, to handle, grip/squeeze and/or feel; push/pull and reach with hands and arms. The associate will be frequently required to balance; crouch, or crawl; reach over-head and taste or smell. The associate must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, night vision, and ability to adjust focus.Work Environment

• Extreme cold - Rarely
• Extreme heat - Rarely
• Humidity - Rarely
• Wet - Rarely
• Noise - Occasionally
• Hazards - Rarely
• Temperature Change - Rarely
• Atmospheric Conditions - Rarely
• Vibration - Rarely

Travel Requirements

• 10% Minimal travel is required for this position (up to 10% of the time and on a domestic basis)

Join Us
The Friedkin Group and its affiliates are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities, including providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation, please contact us at [e-mail]. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all associates.
We are seeking candidates legally authorized to work in the United States, without Sponsorship.