DRE Suspension

SEGULA Technologies; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Segula Technologies is seeking a Suspension Design Release Engineer (DRE) to lead the design, development, validation, and production release of chassis suspension components for production vehicle programs in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams and external suppliers to define objectives, develop architectures, and ensure high-quality components from concept through vehicle launch.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, packaging, and engineering release of suspension components and systems (e.g., control arms, dampers, springs, knuckles, stabilizer bars, bushings, cradles, and subframes).
• Work with advanced engineering teams on the upfront development and architecture of suspension systems.
• Define kinematics and compliance concepts, suspension hardpoints, wheel alignment parameters, and packaging clearances.
• Lead part development activities with suppliers, establish technical requirements, and review RFQs.
• Manage component timing, cost, and weight targets to ensure program deliverables and quality gates are met.
• Oversee supplier readiness, tooling development, and the PPAP (Production Part Approval Process).
• Create, update, and manage DFMEA and DVP&R.
• Coordinate with Vehicle Dynamics, NVH, Brakes, Durability, and CAE teams to evaluate structural load paths, strength, fatigue life, and noise/vibration isolation.
• Address and perform root-cause analysis on plant build issues, early field/warranty concerns, and quality defects.
• Build support for prototype, pre-series, and pilot vehicle builds at assembly plant sites.
• Work with manufacturing and SQE to resolve build challenges, line fitments, and assembly process limitations.
• Propose and execute Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VAVE) and TVM ideas for cost and weight optimization.

Job description

Position Overview

The Suspension Design Release Engineer (DRE) is responsible for the design, development, validation, timing, and production release of chassis suspension components and sub-systems for production vehicle programs. This role involves working with cross-functional teams and external suppliers to establish functional objectives, develop suspension architectures, and deliver high-quality components from initial concept through vehicle launch.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Development

• Component Engineering: Lead the design, packaging, and engineering release of suspension components and systems (e.g., control arms, dampers, springs, knuckles, stabilizer bars, bushings, cradles, and subframes).

• Architecture Development: Work with advanced engineering teams on the upfront development and architecture of suspension systems.

• Vehicle Kinematics: Define kinematics and compliance (K&C) concepts, suspension hardpoints, wheel alignment parameters, and packaging clearances.

Supplier & Program Management

• Technical Sourcing: Lead part development activities with suppliers, establish technical requirements, and review RFQs.

• Target Achievement: Manage component timing, cost, and weight targets to ensure program deliverables and quality gates are met.

• Launch Readiness: Oversee supplier readiness, tooling development, and the PPAP (Production Part Approval Process).

Validation & Quality

• Risk & Verification Management: Create, update, and manage DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and DVP&R (Design Verification Plan & Report).

• Cross-Functional Integration: Coordinate with Vehicle Dynamics, NVH, Brakes, Durability, and CAE teams to evaluate structural load paths, strength, fatigue life, and noise/vibration isolation.

• Issue Resolution: Address and perform root-cause analysis on plant build issues, early field/warranty concerns, and quality defects.

Manufacturing & Plant Support

• Build Support: Support prototype, pre-series, and pilot vehicle builds at assembly plant sites.

• Process Alignment: Work with manufacturing and supplier quality engineers (SQE) to resolve build challenges, line fitments, and assembly process limitations.

• Cost & Weight Optimization: Propose and execute Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VAVE) and TVM ideas for cost and weight optimization.