Design Release Engineer (Frame)

Harbinger Motors; Garden Grove (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Flexible PTO

Health insurance

Vacation stipend

Paid lunches and dinners

Job summary

Harbinger Motors seeks a structural/chassis engineer to own frame design, packaging, and integration. You will steer 3D CAD modeling and BOM management, coordinating with suppliers to hit prototype and tooling timelines.

The role requires 3+ years in automotive structural design, CATIA proficiency, and strong cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced EV startup environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in structural, chassis, or frame engineering design.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or Structural Engineering.
• Experience with Tier-1/2 supplier relationships and tooling timelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead 3D CAD modeling, packaging, and integration of frame structures and assemblies.
• Act as technical contact for frame suppliers; guide DFM challenges and quality.
• Own ECO/ECR lifecycle and manage complex BOMs in PLM system.
• Support validation and durability testing; perform root-cause analyses.
• Develop aggressive project schedules for tooling and SOP readiness.
• Lead cross-functional design reviews with HV systems, powertrain, and manufacturing.

Skills

Chassis design ownership

DFM guidance

Supplier management

Project scheduling

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s in Automotive/Structural Engineering

Related technical field

Tools

CATIA V5/V6

Teamcenter

Enovia

Arena

Job description

• Structural Design & Packaging Ownership: Lead the 3D CAD modeling, packaging, and integration of frame structures (frame rails, crossmembers, mounting brackets, subframes, and bumper assemblies). Ensure optimal structural stiffness, mass efficiency, and packaging clearance for high-voltage battery packs, e-axles, and commercial payloads
• Supplier & Manufacturing Management: Act as the primary technical point of contact for frame component, stamping, forgings, and weldment suppliers. Evaluate supplier manufacturing capabilities, guide them through DFM (Design for Manufacturing) challenges, and ensure all chassis hardware meets strict automotive quality, structural, and corrosion standards
• Engineering Release Ownership: Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of frame hardware. Responsible for creating, tracking, and executing Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and Engineering Change Requests (ECRs), while maintaining complex mechanical Bills of Materials (BOM) within our PLM system
• Validation & Durability Support: Work closely with CAE/FEA and physical validation teams to review structural analysis and support chassis durability testing (rig testing, track testing, and safety evaluations). Proactively address field or test failures with root-cause analysis and quick design updates
• Project Timeline Execution: Develop and drive aggressive, realistic project schedules for long-lead structural tooling (stamping dies, extrusions, weld fixtures). Identify critical path risks, mitigate lead-time delays, and ensure hardware delivers on time to support prototype builds, mule testing, and start of production (SOP)
• Internal Design Collaboration: Lead cross-functional design reviews with High/Low Voltage Systems, Powertrain, Thermal, and Manufacturing Engineering to ensure seamless chassis integration and optimized assembly ergonomics

Benefits

• Accelerate Your Wealth: As one of our first 100 employees, you’ll have the opportunity to rev up your financial future with early-stage stock options
• Unleash Your Time: Take control of your work-life balance. Salaried teammates receive flexible PTO and the freedom to celebrate holidays and wellness days as you see fit
• 100% Comprehensive Health Coverage: You and your loved ones are covered with top-tier medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Cruise into Vacations: Enjoy an exciting annual vacation stipend to help you recharge your batteries
• Fuel Your Day: Forget brown bag lunches; we’ve got you covered with paid lunches and dinners to keep you energized

Technical Acumen: Solid understanding of structural mechanics, materials (high-strength steel, aluminum), GD&T (ASME Y14.5), and automotive manufacturing processes (stampings, extrusions, castings, MIG/laser welding, structural riveting, and e-coat/paint processes)

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related technical field

Project Management Skills: Proven ability to manage complex Tier-1 and Tier-2 supplier relationships simultaneously, with a track record of holding vendors accountable to tight prototype and tooling timelines

Software Proficiency: Strong working knowledge of CATIA V5/V6 and PLM/BOM management tools (e.g., Teamcenter, Enovia, Arena, or similar)

Experience: 3+ years of experience in structural, chassis, or frame engineering design within the automotive, commercial vehicle, or aerospace industries

Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, capable of translating technical trade-offs between cross-functional engineering teams, executive leadership, and shop-floor technicians

Prior experience with commercial vehicles (Class 3–6 truck chassis), cab-chassis platforms, or body-on-frame architectures

Prior experience working in a fast-paced, early-stage electric vehicle or mobility startup environment

Prior experience engineering tactical, defense, or specialized off-highway ground vehicles (e.g., JLTV, FMTV, UGVs, or military prototype platforms)

Experience with electro-mechanical actuators, power-assisted hinges/ramps, or quick-disconnect mounting systems