Senior Automotive Body & Chassis Engineer

Placements24; United States; Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive salary and benefits

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automotive Body & Chassis Engineer to design BIW structures and chassis components, perform FEA and durability assessments, and simulate vehicle dynamics for enhanced ride and safety. This hybrid role blends on-site collaboration with remote flexibility, supporting EV-related developments.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in automotive body/chassis engineering, CAD/FEA proficiency, and strong collaboration skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred.
• Proficiency in CAD/FEA tools and vehicle dynamics knowledge.
• Experience with BIW and chassis design; hybrid work readiness.

Responsibilities

• Design BIW structures and chassis components (suspension, steering, braking).
• Perform structural analysis (FEA) and durability assessments.
• Conduct vehicle dynamics simulations and analysis to optimize ride and stability.
• Specify materials and manufacturing processes for weight reduction and cost control.
• Collaborate with OEMs and engineering teams to define system requirements.

Skills

Vehicle dynamics

Cross-functional teamwork

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

Abaqus

ANSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading Tier 1 automotive supplier, is seeking an experienced Senior Automotive Body & Chassis Engineer to join their innovative team in East London, Eastern Cape. This hybrid role requires a blend of on-site presence for collaboration and development, with the flexibility of remote work. You will be instrumental in the design, development, and integration of vehicle body structures and chassis systems, focusing on performance, safety, durability, and weight optimization. The ideal candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of vehicle dynamics, structural integrity, suspension systems, steering, and braking. You will work closely with internal teams, OEMs, and suppliers to deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving demands of the automotive industry, including advancements in electric vehicles. Your expertise will be vital in ensuring our clients' vehicles offer superior handling, safety, and driving experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop vehicle body-in-white (BIW) structures and chassis components (e.g., suspension, steering, braking systems).
• Perform structural analysis (FEA) and durability assessments for body and chassis components.
• Conduct vehicle dynamics simulations and analysis to optimize ride, handling, and stability.
• Specify materials and manufacturing processes for body and chassis components, focusing on lightweighting and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with OEMs and other engineering teams to define system requirements and integration strategies.
• Develop and execute validation plans for body and chassis systems, including physical testing and simulation.
• Troubleshoot design issues and provide technical solutions throughout the development lifecycle.
• Manage supplier relationships for component development and sourcing.
• Stay current with automotive industry trends, new technologies, and regulatory requirements related to body and chassis systems.
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, and presentations for project reviews.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to team knowledge sharing.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in automotive body and/or chassis engineering.
• Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics, suspension systems, steering, braking, and BIW structures.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) and FEA tools (e.g., Abaqus, ANSYS).
• Experience with simulation tools for vehicle dynamics and structural analysis.
• Knowledge of automotive materials and joining techniques (welding, bonding, riveting).
• Familiarity with automotive development processes (e.g., APQP) and quality standards.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, essential for a hybrid work environment.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities.
• Experience with electric vehicle chassis and body requirements is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including comprehensive medical coverage, retirement contributions, and opportunities for professional development. The hybrid work model provides flexibility and supports a healthy work-life balance. You will have the chance to work on innovative automotive projects, utilize state-of-the-art engineering tools, and collaborate with a talented and dedicated team. Join a company committed to engineering excellence and shaping the future of mobility. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled engineer to advance their career in the automotive sector.