Application Engineer (DAB / SW) - Mechanical

ZF LIFETEC; Northern (KY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Innovative impact

Dynamic workplace

Culture of excellence

Growth & empowerment

Job summary

ZF Lifetec in the United States seeks an Application Engineer (DAB / SW) - Mechanical to design and validate airbag and steering wheel components. You will author and release engineering documents for North American production, manage timing for development activities, and lead DFMEA/PFMEA activities with internal teams and customers.

Applicants should have a Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics or Mechanical Engineering, with 5+ years in automotive interior design, and strong communication and

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Mechatronics or Mechanical Engineering; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of engineering design experience in automotive interior systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, validate, and release steering wheel and/or driver air bag product designs per GDPEP.
• Create and release engineering docs into NA systems (CRs, BOMs, DFMEAs, DV/ PV tests).
• Lead root cause analysis and DFMEA/PFMEA development.
• Lead DV and PV testing and required design changes.
• Lead technical communication with customer engineering and plants.

Skills

CAE

GD&T

DFMEA

PFMEA

Six Sigma

DOE

Airbag/Steering wheel experience

Communication skills

Technical writing

Multi-tasking

MS Teams

Office

Team interfacing

Customer relations

Education

BSME (Mechatronics or Mechanical)

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

None specified

Job description

Your journey to a meaningful career starts with ZF LIFETEC

Your Tasks

• Design, validate, and release steering wheel and/or driver airbag air bag product designs in accordance to ZF LIFETEC Global Development Process (GDPEP)
• Create and release accurate engineering documentation into ZF LIFETEC North American systems used in design and production including CR’s, BOM’s, DFMEA’s and DVP&R’s in a timely manner.
• Establish and manage detail engineering development timing to support program deliverables
• Lead problem root cause analysis and development of DFMEA’s
• Lead design validation (DV) and production validation (PV) including development of required design changes
• Lead technical member of ZF Simultaneous Engineering Team (SET) and customer Product Development Team
• Lead technical communication with customer engineering and plants and ZF CUU plants.
• Support implementation of VA changes
• Support supplier selection process, design reviews, tool designs, process changes and PPAP requirements as needed
• Lead fabrication, ordering and follow on-time delivery of prototype samples in support of customer deliverables and DV testing
• Perform other duties as requested by engineering management
• Occasional travel to ZF or customer plants in North America as required

Your Profile

• Bachelor degree in Mechatronics or Mechanical Engineering (BSME) (Master’s preferred)
• Minimum 5 years of engineering design experience that may include experience in automotive interior systems, plastic moldings, diecasting, stampings, fastener applications & safety restraints
• Analytical capabilities (e.g. CAE, GD&T, DFMEA, PFMEA, Six Sigma, DOE)
• Experience with driver airbag and/or steering wheels (preferred)
• Excellent communications skills including technical writing skills
• Able to multi-task, work independently with good organization and documentation
• Efficient in use of computer and software including MS Teams and Office
• Ability to interface well with technical staff and functional department personnel
• Strong customer relations skills

Be part of our ZF Lifetec team as Application Engineer (DAB / SW) - Mechanical

Contact

DIVERSITY COMMITMENT:
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are more than just words for us. They are at the core of the ZF Way that propels our team members towards their utmost success. We strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is a natural reflex. We actively seek ways to remove barriers so that every member of ZF can rise to their full potential. We aim to embed this in our legacy through how we operate and build our products as we shape next generation mobility, safety, sustainability and social justice.

With four generations across 118 nationalities in 41 countries, ZF combines a unique variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas. Together, we solve problems, drive innovation and shape next generation mobility.

Our company is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity and to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment with us and are in need of accommodation or special assistance to navigate our website or to complete your application, please contact us. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. ZF is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/Disability/Veteran

• Innovative Impact: Shape the future of safety with life-saving technology that truly matters.
• Dynamic Workplace: Thrive in an agile, collaborative environment where every idea counts.
• Culture of Excellence: Be part of a team with over 60 years of high standards and groundbreaking achievements.
• Growth & Empowerment: Advance your career with strong support for personal and professional development.

Diversity & Inclusion

At ZF LIFETEC, we are committed to building a culture where inclusiveness thrives and diversity is valued. We welcome unique perspectives and actively work to remove barriers, empowering all employees to reach their full potential. Guided by this vision, we innovate and create life-saving technology that makes a real impact on automotive safety.