Body Structure Engineer, Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicles

Freedom Motors USA, Inc.; Battle Creek (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Freedom Motors USA, Inc. in Battle Creek, MI is seeking a skilled Body Structure Engineer to design, validate, and optimize floor structures, frames and chassis components for wheelchair-accessible conversions.

You will move designs from CAD to prototype to production, ensuring crash performance and FMVSS compliance. The role requires a bachelor’s in mechanical/automotive engineering and 3–5+ years BIW/vehicle structural experience, plus proficiency in CATIA, SolidWorks or AutoCAD.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• 3–5+ years of experience in automotive body-in-white (BIW), body structures, or vehicle structural engineering.
• Proficiency in CAD software such as CATIA, SolidWorks, or AutoCAD.
• Working knowledge of sheet metal fabrication, welding processes, structural adhesives & bonding methods and automotive materials.
• Experience with engineering and quality tools such as FEA, DFA/DFM, DOE, DFMEA/PFMEA, DVP&R, 8D or similar problem solving, GD&T, and tolerance stack-up.
• Understanding of FMVSS standards relating to crash dynamics and vehicle safety testing.
• Sharp problem solving abilities and close attention to detail with clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a fast-paced environment and able to meet deadlines while under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Design conversion structures. Design and validate body and floor structure designs in CAD, starting with early concepts and physical mock-ups and carrying them through to release.
• Engineer mechanisms and components. Design steel and aluminum parts and moving components like closures, door operators, and ramp mechanisms.
• Ensure compliance. Keep every modification compliant with FMVSS, ADA requirements and safety standards.
• Build and validate. Lead prototype builds, DV/PV, and plan design, purchasing, assembly, and testing needs.
• Bring designs to production. Collaborate with purchasing, parts and production teams to meet cost, quality and timing targets.

Skills

CAD proficiency

Engineering problem solving

Communication skills

Fast-paced environment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Freedom Motors USA, Inc. in Battle Creek, MI is seeking a skilled Body Structure Engineer to design, validate, and optimize floor structures, frames and chassis components for wheelchair-accessible conversions.

You will move designs from CAD to prototype to production, ensuring crash performance and FMVSS compliance. The role requires a bachelor’s in mechanical/automotive engineering and 3–5+ years BIW/vehicle structural experience, plus proficiency in CATIA, SolidWorks or AutoCAD.