Steering Wheel Engineer

Dew Software; Newark (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Dew Software in Newark, CA is seeking a Sr. Engineer, Restraint System – Steering Wheels to own steering wheel development from concept through production, partnering with design, engineering, safety and supplier teams to deliver innovative solutions that enhance vehicle safety, quality and user experience.

You will lead design releases, balance performance, mass and cost, manage Tier 1 suppliers, and support integration, crash testing and vehicle homologation during the development lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years automotive product development, preferably steering wheels or restraint systems.
• Experience delivering a product or program through full development lifecycle.
• Strong understanding of mechanics of materials, GD&T, and tolerance analysis.
• CAD proficiency with ability to review packaging and interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Design release of steering wheels throughout the product lifecycle, including system specification development, sourcing, packaging, drawing release, design validation, manufacturing support, and post-SOP maintenance.
• Collaborate with Design Studio, NVH/UX, Digital, and Interior Engineering teams to balance performance, mass, and cost.
• Manage Tier 1 suppliers for engineering development and program timing while serving as the primary supplier interface.
• Support restraint system integration activities and collaborate with CAE teams to optimize component design.
• Support crash testing and vehicle homologation activities, ensuring components are available and validated for testing needs.
• Drive engineering ownership through all phases of development, from concept through production launch and ongoing support.

Skills

CAD proficiency

GD&T

Tolerance analysis

Mechanics of materials

Materials selection

Metal forming/injection molding

Supplier management

Design release

Automotive mechatronics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Job description

We are currently seeking a Sr. Engineer, Restraint System – Steering Wheels. This position requires an excellent understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals and prior experience in automotive engineering. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong problem-solving skills, ownership, technical curiosity, and a desire to work in a fast-paced product development environment

This is a unique opportunity to own steering wheel development from concept through production while partnering with design, engineering, safety, and supplier teams to deliver innovative solutions that enhance vehicle safety, quality, and user experience.

The Role

• Perform the design release of steering wheels throughout the entire product lifecycle, including system specification development, sourcing, packaging, drawing release, design validation, manufacturing support, and post-SOP maintenance.
• Work closely with Design Studio, Attributes (NVH, UX), Digital, and Interior Engineering teams to develop optimal solutions balancing performance, mass, and cost.
• Manage Tier 1 suppliers for engineering development and program timing while serving as the primary supplier interface.
• Support restraint system integration activities and collaborate with CAE teams to optimize component design.
• Support crash testing and vehicle homologation activities, ensuring components are available and validated for testing needs.
• Drive engineering ownership through all phases of development, from concept through production launch and ongoing support.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.

5+ years of automotive product development experience, preferably with steering wheels, restraint systems, interior systems, automotive mechatronics, or related components.

Experience supporting at least one product or vehicle program through the complete development lifecycle from concept through production launch.

Strong understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals, including:

Mechanics of materials

Material properties and material selection Kinematics Failure analysis and root cause investigation Application of engineering fundamentals to solve technical challenges Knowledge of metal forming, stamping, and plastic injection molding processes, including associated design rules.

Experience using GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis (ASME or ISO standards).

Basic understanding of electronics and automotive networking.

CAD proficiency with the ability to review packaging, check interfaces, and make engineering modifications as needed.

Demonstrated ability to manage suppliers, drive technical solutions, and ensure timely delivery of engineering deliverables.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.