Body Exterior Systems Engineer

Meyers Manx; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Meyers Manx is seeking a Body Exterior Systems Engineer in California to lead design, development, validation, and release of exterior components across multiple commodities. You will balance crashworthiness, aesthetics, aerodynamics, and manufacturability while collaborating with suppliers, styling, and vehicle teams.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with front-end components, glazing, lighting, and weather sealing, plus strong CAD proficiency and cross-functional coordination

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of automotive exterior component design experience.
• Proficiency in CAD tools (CATIA V5/3DEXPERIENCE, NX) and GD&T knowledge.
• Understanding of FMVSS regulations for exterior safety and lighting.

Responsibilities

• Design and release front-end structure components and exterior panels.
• Coordinate with styling, suppliers, and vehicle teams across programs.
• Perform CAE analyses for stiffness, durability, and fit/finish targets.
• Ensure compliance with FMVSS regulations for exterior systems.
• Lead integration of glass, lighting, closures, and sealing systems.

Skills

Exterior design coordination

Structural analysis

Cross-functional teamwork

Supplier management

DFA/DFM principles

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5/3DEXPERIENCE

NX

Job description

Meyers Manx embodies the quintessential California lifestyle—an odyssey marked by adventure, exploration, and an unwavering commitment to fun. With a legacy spanning over six decades, our name is synonymous with the spirit of sun-soaked landscapes and the visionary craftsmanship of our founder, Bruce Meyers. Today, as we chart a course into the future, Meyers Manx is not merely about vehicles; it's about pioneering innovative, enjoyable products that encapsulate the very essence of our brand.

Our story echoes with triumphs like conquering the Baja 1000—a testament to our commitment to pushing boundaries. As we redefine our narrative, each product becomes a chapter in a continuing journey, seamlessly blending innovation with the timeless thrill of the Manx way. Join us in this exciting exploration where every creation reflects the enduring connection between Meyers Manx, California, and the enthusiasts who embrace life with the same spirit that has defined us for generations.

Job Description

As Body Exterior Systems Engineer you are responsible for the design, development, validation, and release of front-end structure, exterior composite/plastic panels, glass systems, headlamps, wiper systems, closures, and body sealing for vehicle program. This is an all-inclusive exterior engineering role, owning component and system-level engineering from concept through production launch across multiple exterior commodities, balancing crashworthiness, pedestrian safety, aerodynamics, water management, appearance (fit/finish), durability, cost, and manufacturability targets. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience across structural front-end components, composite exterior panels, glazing systems, lighting, wiper/washer systems, door/hood, and weatherstrip/sealing systems, along with strong cross-functional coordination skills with suppliers, styling/design, and vehicle-level teams.

Key Responsibilities

Front-End Structure Design & Development

• Design and release front-end structure components: front/Rear rails, crush cans, Bumper Assy (Front/Rear)
• Develop crash management system (CMS) architecture for frontal impact energy absorption, including compatibility with pedestrian protection and low-speed damageability requirements.
• Support integration of front structure with powertrain cooling package, headlamps, fascia, and hood latch/striker systems.
• Conduct structural CAE analysis (stiffness, durability, NVH) for front-end components in coordination with CAE/simulation teams.
• Design exterior composite and plastic panels: front/rear fascias, fender extensions or composite fenders, Rear exterior outer panels, molding, and cladding
• Specify composite materials (SMC, TPO, PP-based composites, etc.) and manufacturing processes (compression molding, injection molding) for exterior panels
• Manage Class-A surface quality, panel fit/gap/flush targets, and paint compatibility for composite exterior components
• Support attachment strategy (fasteners, adhesives, clips) between composite panels and body structure

Glass/Mirrors System Design & Development

• Design and release windshield, inside and outside mirrors,
• Manage glass bonding/adhesive systems, encapsulation, and moldings integration for windshield and backlite
• Support glass optical quality, acoustic (laminated) glass, solar/IR-reflective coatings, and defrost/defog grid integration for backlite
• Coordinate glass sealing and water management strategy with body sealing engineering to prevent leaks and wind noise

Headlamp System Design & Development

• Design and release headlamp assemblies, including housing, lens, reflector/projector optics, and light source selection (halogen, HID, LED, matrix/adaptive LED)
• Support photometric performance requirements (FMVSS 108/SAE beam pattern compliance) and thermal management of LED headlamp systems
• Coordinate headlamp aim, mounting, and adjuster mechanism design with front-end structure and fascia
• Design and release windshield wiper systems: wiper linkage, motor, arms, blades, and washer fluid delivery (nozzles, reservoir, pump, hoses)
• Support rear wiper/washer system design and integration for liftgate applications
• Ensure wiper wipe pattern coverage meets FMVSS 104 requirements and driver visibility targets
• Support heated wiper park/washer nozzle features for cold-climate performance

Closures Design & Development

• Design and release closure systems: front doors, rear doors, hood, and liftgate/tailgate, including outer/inner panel structure, reinforcements, and hemming
• Design and integrate hinges, latches, strikers, check arms/check links, and power liftgate/power door actuation systems
• Develop closure fit/finish strategy (gaps, flushness, panel alignment) and closure effort/slam performance targets
• Support hood latch/safety catch, fuel/charge door, and liftgate/tailgate glass (if separately hinged) integration
• Ensure closure systems meet durability targets for cycle life, sag, and corrosion resistance

Sealing System Design & Development

• Design and release body sealing systems: door weatherstrips (primary and secondary), hood-to-cowl seals, liftgate/tailgate seals, and glass run channels
• Develop sealing cross-section design and compression load deflection (CLD) targets for water sealing, wind noise, and closing effort balance
• Coordinate sealing material selection (EPDM, TPV) and sealing attachment strategy (adhesive, clip, co-extrusion) with suppliers
• Support body sealing strategy across glass, fascias, closures, and composite panel interfaces to prevent water leaks and wind noise

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure front structure and fascia designs meet FMVSS 208/frontal crash, FMVSS 581 bumper, and pedestrian protection requirements (GTR 9 / applicable regional standards)
• Ensure glass systems comply with FMVSS 205/ANSI Z26.1 glazing requirements
• Ensure headlamp systems comply with FMVSS 108 photometric and mounting height requirements
• Ensure wiper systems comply with FMVSS 104 windshield wiping/washing requirements
• Ensure closure systems comply with FMVSS 206 door locks and door retention, FMVSS 401 interior trunk/liftgate release, and hood latch (secondary catch) requirements
• Support IIHS small-overlap and pedestrian protection rating targets in front structure and hood/fascia design

CAE & Simulation

• Perform or coordinate structural, crash, and durability CAE for front structure and composite panel components (LS-DYNA, ABAQUS, or similar)
• Support pedestrian protection head-impact and leg-impact CAE simulation for hood, fascia, and front structure
• Support optical/photometric simulation for headlamp beam pattern development
• Support closure durability CAE (sag, torsional stiffness) and seal compression load deflection (CLD) simulation

Testing & Validation

• Develop and execute DVP&R test plans across front structure, composite panels, glass, headlamps, and wiper systems
• Support physical crash testing, pedestrian impact testing, and component durability/environmental testing (thermal cycling, UV/weathering, stone chip)
• Support photometric bench testing and field aim verification for headlamps

Supplier & Cross-Functional Management

• Manage Tier 1 suppliers across front structure/CMS, composite panels, glass, headlamps, wiper systems, closures/latches, and sealing systems
• Coordinate with body-in-white, styling/design, safety/restraints, aero, and electrical (lighting controls, wiper controls, power closure actuation) teams on interface requirements
• Support PPAP, supplier quality reviews, and production readiness activities
• Participate in design reviews, DFMEA, and change control processes

Cost & Program Management

• Support cost target management and value engineering across front structure, composite panel, glass, headlamp, wiper, closure, and sealing BOMs
• Track program timing milestones and deliverables (concept, prototype builds, validation, launch) across multiple exterior commodities
• Support mass reduction initiatives (e.g., composite vs. metal panel trade studies) balanced against cost, safety, and performance targets
• Own body and exterior engineering including panels, closures, glazing, sealing, trim, attachments, and structural interfaces.
• Coordinate crashworthiness and occupant‑protection interfaces, intrusion, locking, access, theft prevention, vehicle security, supplier development, dimensional quality, water management, release, and validation.

Experience / Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in automotive exterior component design (structure, composite panels, glass, lighting, wiper, closures, or sealing systems) either at OEM or Tier 1 Supplier
• Proficiency in CAD software (CATIA V5/3DEXPERIENCE, NX, or similar)
• Understanding of relevant FMVSS regulations for exterior/occupant and pedestrian safety (FMVSS 104, 108, 205, 206, 208, 401, 581)
• Experience with GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and DFM/DFA principles
• Familiarity with composite/plastic materials and processes (SMC, injection molding, compression molding) and/or automotive glazing and lighting systems

Why Join Us?

If you're ready to bring your expertise to Meyers Manx and help shape the future of Vehicle Program, we'd love to hear from you. Join our team and help write the next chapter of an iconic California brand.