Applications Engineer

Optimal; Dearborn (MI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work: 4 days in the office

Job summary

Optimal is seeking a structural design engineer to lead upper body sheet metal development from concept through production. You will design, release and validate roof panels, pillars, and quarter panels while ensuring FMVSS compliance, weight, cost and durability goals.

You will collaborate with suppliers, purchasing, and manufacturing teams, run CAE reviews, and manage engineering changes to meet program targets. Hybrid work: four days in the office.

Qualifications

• Experience designing, developing, and releasing automotive sheet metal components from concept to production.
• CAD geometry review, stamping feasibility, and coordination with suppliers and manufacturing teams.
• Ability to manage engineering changes while meeting cost, weight, timing and durability requirements.
• Excellent communication skills, oral and written.

Responsibilities

• Lead design engineering activities from pre-program through launch for upper body sheet metal.
• Release 3-D CAD that meets system design requirements and supports CAE testing.
• Interface with surrounding component engineers (seats, electrical, etc.) and suppliers.
• Lead prototype vehicle level build support and final engineering sign-off at OEM plants.
• Collaborate with Purchasing, Finance, and Cost Estimating to hit program targets.

Skills

Automotive sheet metal design

CAD geometry review

Engineering changes management

Supplier coordination

DFSS & DMAIC methods

Problem solving (8D, DOE)

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CATIA V5/V6

3DEXPERIENCE (3DX)

Job description

Position Description:

The engineer will lead the following design engineering activities from pre-program through launch:

• Understand structural design to meet vehicle attributes including FMVSS, NVH and Safety
• Lead Purchasing, Finance, and Cost Estimating in supplier selection to achieve program targets
• Develop component designs that meet customer requirements, and Vehicle Operations manufacturing requirements.
• Interface with engineers of surrounding components and systems (seats, electrical, etc)
• Release 3-D CAD that meets system design requirements
• Support supplier and OEM CAE testing of structure and closure designs prior to tooling
• Kick off tooling, 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 at OEM assembly plants

Individuals in these positions will be working on: Upper Body sheet metal - Roof panel and roof ditch A, B, C and D pillar outer and inner structures Quarter panel and bodyside upper sheet metal. This requisition is intended to support a dedicated Upper Body Structure engineering position.

Skills Required:

Product Engineering - Candidate should have experience designing, developing, and releasing automotive sheet metal components from concept through production. This includes creating and reviewing CAD geometry, supporting stamping feasibility, coordinating with suppliers, and manufacturing teams, resolving quality concerns, conducting competitive benchmarking studies, and managing engineering changes while meeting cost, weight, timing, and durability requirements.

Skills Preferred:

Candidate should understand vehicle body structural performance requirements and be capable of developing upper body structures that meet roof crush, side impact, durability, and stiffness targets. Experience performing CAE correlation reviews, optimizing reinforcement strategies, working with safety and attribute teams, and developing roof and pillar structures to achieve regulatory and vehicle performance requirements is preferred.

Experience Required:

Excellent communication skills, both oral and written 5 years of experience as structures D&R Engineer

Working knowledge of Catia V5/V6 and/or 3DX CAD is preferred Recent product development experience with OEM body commodities a plus

Experience Preferred:

Should also have experience: Applying DMAIC and DFSS principles Reviewing and signing off on component drawings and gaging practices Applying 8D, fishbone, and DOE problem solving methodology Creating Boundary Diagrams, P-Diagrams, DFMEA & SCCAFs Reviewing CAE models and CAD drawings Leading design reviews based on Failure Mode Avoidance Maintaining DVP&R and signing-off on DV tests - including FMVSS requirements Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Power Point). Executing threaded fastener joint designs and tests

Education Required:

Bachelor's Degree

Additional Information :

***HYBRID: 4 days per week in the office