Senior Automotive Body & Chassis Engineer

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Performance bonuses

Flexible remote work

Online courses

Leading-edge simulation tools

Global team

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Automotive Body & Chassis Engineer to drive the conceptualization, design, and optimization of vehicle structures and suspension systems. The role emphasizes remote collaboration with a global team, advanced simulation, and virtual prototyping to meet performance, safety, and NVH targets.

The candidate will use Abaqus/ANSYS, CATIA, and SolidWorks, guiding projects from concept through validation while maintaining manufacturability and cost efficiency.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of extensive experience in automotive body and chassis engineering, with a proven track record of leading complex projects.
• Proficiency in structural mechanics, vehicle dynamics, and material science.
• Experience with FEA software (Abaqus, ANSYS) and CAD tools (CATIA, SolidWorks).

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of vehicle body structures, including frame, unibody, and safety cage components, ensuring optimal strength, stiffness, and crashworthiness.
• Develop and refine suspension and steering system designs to achieve desired handling characteristics, ride comfort, and stability.
• Utilize Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and other simulation tools to perform structural analysis, durability testing, and impact simulations.
• Optimize designs for weight reduction and material efficiency, considering manufacturability and cost constraints.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including aerodynamics, powertrain, and safety engineers, to ensure integrated vehicle performance.
• Define and document technical specifications, performance targets, and validation plans for body and chassis components.
• Stay abreast of new materials, manufacturing processes, and industry best practices in automotive body and chassis engineering.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance throughout the design and development lifecycle.
• Conduct virtual design reviews and present technical findings to project stakeholders.

Skills

Structural analysis

Vehicle dynamics

Leadership

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering

Tools

Abaqus

ANSYS

CATIA

SolidWorks

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned automotive design and engineering firm, is looking for a highly experienced Senior Automotive Body & Chassis Engineer to join their dynamic team. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere while contributing to the development of cutting-edge vehicle structures and chassis systems. You will be responsible for the conceptualization, design, and optimization of vehicle body structures, suspension systems, and steering mechanisms, ensuring they meet stringent performance, safety, and NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) targets. This role requires a deep understanding of structural analysis, material science, and vehicle dynamics. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with a global team of engineers and designers, utilizing advanced simulation tools and virtual prototyping techniques. We are seeking a visionary engineer who can drive innovation in automotive structural design and contribute significantly to the development of future vehicle platforms. Our client is committed to fostering a remote-first culture that values collaboration, autonomy, and continuous professional growth. This position represents an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of automotive engineering from the comfort of your own workspace.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of vehicle body structures, including frame, unibody, and safety cage components, ensuring optimal strength, stiffness, and crashworthiness.
• Develop and refine suspension and steering system designs to achieve desired handling characteristics, ride comfort, and stability.
• Utilize Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and other simulation tools to perform structural analysis, durability testing, and impact simulations.
• Optimize designs for weight reduction and material efficiency, considering manufacturability and cost constraints.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including aerodynamics, powertrain, and safety engineers, to ensure integrated vehicle performance.
• Define and document technical specifications, performance targets, and validation plans for body and chassis components.
• Stay abreast of new materials, manufacturing processes, and industry best practices in automotive body and chassis engineering.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance throughout the design and development lifecycle.
• Conduct virtual design reviews and present technical findings to project stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of extensive experience in automotive body and chassis engineering, with a proven track record of leading complex projects.
• In-depth knowledge of structural mechanics, vehicle dynamics, and material science.
• Proficiency in advanced FEA software (e.g., Abaqus, ANSYS) and CAD tools (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks).
• Experience with virtual simulation and testing methodologies.
• Strong understanding of automotive safety standards and regulations (e.g., FMVSS, Euro NCAP).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote team environment.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Must be eligible to work remotely.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Flexible remote work environment with complete autonomy.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development through online courses and certifications.
• Access to leading-edge simulation software and virtual design tools.
• Contribute to the design of innovative and high-performance vehicles.
• Annual performance bonuses and stock options.
• Work with a diverse and talented global team.