Senior Mechanisms Engineer

IAC Group; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

IAC Group is seeking a Senior Kinematics Engineer to lead design, analysis, and validation of motion-related automotive mechanisms. The role emphasizes kinematics expertise, simulation-driven optimization, and delivering durable, high-performance components for interior systems.

Responsibilities include mechanism optimization, dynamic modeling, and close collaboration with OEM customers and internal teams to ensure robust solutions that meet durability and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• 8–10 years of automotive product development experience focusing on kinematics or mechanism design.
• Strong proficiency with CAD/CAE tools and motion simulation experience.
• Solid understanding of physics, tolerance analysis, kinematics, and motion control systems.

Responsibilities

• Mechanism design and optimization of moving components (push-push, sliding mechanisms, hinges, gear trains, springs, dampers).
• Create and analyze dynamic models using multibody simulation tools to evaluate kinematic behavior.
• Perform virtual and physical validation including FEA and hardware testing to ensure regulatory and industry standards compliance.
• Collaborate with OEM customers and cross-functional teams to deliver robust automotive solutions.

Skills

Kinematics

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Mechanical or Automotive Eng

Tools

CATIA 3DX

NX

ANSYS

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Kinematics Engineer to lead the design, analysis, and validation of mechanical systems involving motion. This role focuses on interior automotive mechanisms such as cupholder doors, sliding armrests, glovebox systems, console lids, and storage solutions. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in kinematics and compliance and excels at using simulation tools to optimize motion, durability, and overall product performance.

Key Responsibilities

Mechanism Design and Optimization
Design and develop moving components including push-push systems, sliding mechanisms, hinges, gear trains, springs, and dampers. Ensure designs meet packaging, durability, quality, and performance requirements.

Multibody Simulation
Create and analyze dynamic models using tools such as Adams, MATLAB Simulink, or similar software to evaluate kinematic behavior and system performance.

Virtual and Physical Validation
Perform simulation and physical testing including FEA and hardware validation to confirm compliance with applicable regulatory and industry standards.

Customer Collaboration
Serve as the technical subject matter expert, working closely with OEM customers and cross‑functional engineering teams to deliver robust solutions.

Qualifications

Education
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.

Experience
8 to 10 years of experience in automotive product development with a strong focus on kinematics or mechanism design.

Technical Skills
Proficiency in CAD and CAE tools such as CATIA 3DX, NX, ANSYS, or similar platforms. Experience with kinematics and motion simulation tools is highly preferred.

Core Competencies
Strong understanding of fundamental physics, tolerance analysis, kinematics, and motion control systems. Proven ability to solve complex engineering problems.

Requirements

• Willingness to travel within the United States, Canada, and Mexico
• Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently
• Strong written and verbal communication skills