Body Structure and Closure Design Engineer (Catia)

Detroit Engineered Products; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive engineering firm in Michigan is seeking a Body Structure and Closure Design Engineer. This full-time position involves optimizing complex sheetmetal designs, utilizing CATIA V5, and ensuring compliance with engineering specifications. The ideal candidate should have over 5 years of experience in sheetmetal design, alongside proficiency in tolerance analysis and PLM processes. Strong problem-solving and communication skills are essential. Competitive compensation is offered.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in sheetmetal design for body, closures, and hoods.
• Expert in CATIA V5 and automotive GD&T.
• Strong knowledge of stamping, forming, and material behavior.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize complex sheetmetal component designs.
• Execute CAD modeling adhering to strict Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing protocols.
• Perform tolerance stack-up analysis and variation management.

Skills

5+ years in sheetmetal design for body, closures, and hoods

Expert in CATIA V5

Strong knowledge of stamping

Skilled in tolerance analysis

Proficient with Teamcenter PLM

Experienced in welding and joining methods

Tools

CATIA V5

Teamcenter PLM

Vismockup

Job description

Role

Body Structure and Closure Design Engineer (Catia)

• Develop and optimize complex sheetmetal component designs (body panels, closures, hoods, underbody, and reinforcements) using advanced CATIA V5 Sheetmetal modeling techniques, ensuring compliance with detailed engineering specifications and manufacturing constraints.


• Execute CAD modeling adhering to strict Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing protocols to guarantee dimensional accuracy, assembly fit-up, and proper interfacing within multi-component assemblies.


• Perform tolerance stack-up analysis and variation management for critical Sheetmetal interfaces to preempt and mitigate assembly and quality issues.


• Conduct in-depth forming feasibility analyses, including material flow, thinning, springback prediction, and wrinkle prevention using simulation tools, to ensure manufacturability within stamping process capabilities.


• Interface with stamping and tooling engineering teams to review and provide technical design input for die robustness, tool clearance, blank development, and hardware integration to reduce production variability and defects.


• Lead sheetmetal joinery design, optimally specifying welds, clinches, adhesives, and mechanical fasteners aligned with structural and NVH requirements.


• Manage PLM processes within Teamcenter, encompassing design data revision control, Engineering Change Notices (ECNs), and adherence to automotive change management protocols to ensure traceability and configuration control.


• Utilize digital mockup tools such as Vismockup for integrated vehicle assembly validation, clash detection, and maintenance of digital master models throughout vehicle development cycles.


• Collaborate cross-functionally with structural engineers, CAD specialists, material engineers, and manufacturing process engineers to solve complex problems related to sheetmetal formability, tool wear, and part distortion.

Preferred Candidate Profile

• 5+ years in sheetmetal design for body, closures, and hoods.


• Expert in CATIA V5 and automotive GD&T.


• Strong knowledge of stamping, forming, and material behavior (HSS, AHSS, aluminum).


• Skilled in tolerance analysis, assembly fit, and manufacturing collaboration.


• Proficient with Teamcenter PLM and Vismockup.


• Experienced in welding and joining methods for structural integrity.


• Self-motivated with excellent problem-solving and communication skills.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Engineering and Information Technology

Industries

• Motor Vehicle Manufacturing