Engineer - Design Engineering & Feasibility Support

Sumitomo Electric; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Sumitomo Electric in Long Beach, CA is seeking an Engineer - Design Engineering & Feasibility Support on a contract basis. The role focuses on exterior lighting, front/bodyside/rear end development, and interior studio engineering, with onsite preference and remote considered if PST hours align.

The position requires a strong CAD background, experience in design feasibility, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to drive feasibility from concept to production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or automotive equivalent.
• 10+ years supplier quality/engineering or 5+ years in a startup automotive context.
• CAD literate with experience in vehicle layout and design feasibility progression.
• Experience with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, APQP/PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, lean principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead feasibility development from concept to production surface.
• Develop proposals enabling design leadership for new vehicles.
• Balance functional and attribute trade-offs during feasibility progression.
• Lead design deliverables for feasibility progression in Studio Design.
• Provide conceptual support and integration of upper body functional requirements.
• Develop CAD-based zone layouts with integrated functional feasibility.
• Create feasibility surface proposals during theme and surface development.
• Support design leadership with system-level studies and trade-offs.

Skills

CAD literacy

Feasibility leadership

Vehicle layout

Design Studio process

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Strong QA mindset

Education

BS Mechanical Engineering or Automotive Equivalent

Four-year engineering or related degree

Tools

ERP

eQMS

Job description

Position: Engineer - Design Engineering & Feasibility Support

Sector: Design Studio

Location: Long Beach, CA - (Onsite is preferred / Remote entertained as long as work can be done during the PST core hours of 9am–3pm)

*Applicants MUST have proof of immediate, on-going and valid eligibility to work full time in the United States*

About the company

My client is an innovative American automotive manufacturer focused on redefining affordable electric mobility. They are developing a new generation of purpose-built electric vehicles with an emphasis on simplicity, modular design, and customer customisation.

They are looking for a Engineer - Design Engineering & Feasibility Support to join their expanding team on a Contract basis. The role will be located in Long Beach, CA - (Onsite is preferred / Remote entertained as long as work can be done during the PST core hours of 9am–3pm)

Job Description:

We are seeking a dedicated team supporting 1 program:

• Exterior Lighting
• Exterior Development– leading development of either the Front End, Bodyside, or Rear End
• Interior– If you're a strong Interior Studio Engineer, there is flexibility to reorganize the team structure around that

Position Duties

• Lead Feasibility development anywhere from concept to production surface.
• Develop proposals for new vehicles that enable design leadership.
• Lead the balancing of functional and attribute trade-offs within the design feasibility progression.
• Lead the Design deliverables for feasibility progression through the Studio Design feasibility process.
• Lead the up-front design feasibility engineering activity by providing conceptual support and feasibility integration of upper body functional requirements in support of design and design feasibility development.
• Lead the development of CAD Based Zone Layouts for Studio Design Feasibility with integration of functional feasibility and Design requirements in support of the design and design feasibility progression.
• Lead the development of feasibility surface proposals throughout theme and surface development.
• Provide a functional and appearance focus to enable creative solutions & alternatives to engineering and vehicle package issues in support of Design Leadership.
• Provide system level studies of Design Studio & program alternatives in advance of functional and/or supplier support.

Position Qualifications

• Design articulate, self-initiated, fully CAD literate Engineer with proven experience in complete vehicle layout/package, Body and Trim, Design Studio procedures, and design feasibility progression.
• Strong familiarity with legislative requirements affecting the Design Feasibility process.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and presenting to decision making forums.
• Demonstrated understanding of feasibility tools and design studio feasibility progression.
• Strong understanding of the production processes.
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Automotive Equivalent.
• Four-year degree or higher in Engineering, Industrial Technology, Materials Science, or Supply Chain Management.
• 10+ years of direct Supplier Quality Engineering or Development experience, or 5+ years at a start-up preferably with automotive accessories.
• Excellent working knowledge of quality systems, processes, methods, tools and standards, such as ISO 9001, IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, lean principles, and continuous improvement.
• Hands-on experience with low-voltage systems, exterior/ interior accessory integration, and smart tech features is a strong plus.
• Strong working knowledge of supplier KPIs, scorecard development, and holding suppliers accountable for quality and delivery.
• Familiarity with automotive safety, mechanical and electrical integration standards, especially as they relate to EV accessory systems.
• Ability to interpret and review technical drawings and GD&T standards for accessory fitment and installation.
• Experience working with ERP and eQMS systems to track supplier performance and part traceability.
• Very strong problem-solving capabilities with good working knowledge of 8Ds, 6Sigma, Shanin etc.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills.
• High level of integrity and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced startup environment.

Work Authorization Requirement:

• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis.
• Our Client is unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Employment is at will and may be terminated by either party at any time.

We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact us if you need assistance in the application process