DRE Air springs

Product Design & Development Lead

Develop the design and release of air spring systems, including rolling lobe air springs, convoluted air springs, air spring assemblies, air spring pistons, top and bottom retainers, integrated jounce systems, protective sleeves and covers, air line interfaces and fittings.

• Create and maintain component Design Verification Plans (DVP&R).
• Perform engineering analysis to support design decisions and optimization.
• Ensure compliance with internal engineering standards and regulatory requirements.

Component Release Ownership

• Manage component releases within PLM systems (Teamcenter).
• Create and maintain: DFMEA, Engineering change notices (ECN/ECR), GD&T requirements, drawings and specifications, Bill of Materials (BOM).
• Coordinate part number creation, revisions, and design changes.
• Support supplier APQP activities.
• Conduct technical design reviews and issue resolution meetings.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality and durability concerns.

Validation & Testing

• Develop and execute validation plans to ensure component robustness.
• Analyze results from: Durability testing, Environmental testing, Corrosion testing, Pressure cycle testing, Vehicle ride evaluations, Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) testing.
• Investigate failures and implement corrective actions.
• Support vehicle-level development and sign-off activities.

Vehicle Integration

• Work closely with chassis and vehicle integration teams to ensure proper packaging and performance.
• Support suspension tuning activities related to: Ride comfort, Load leveling, Vehicle handling, Ground clearance management, Off-road performance.
• Validate air spring system compatibility with surrounding suspension components.

Lunch Support

• Support prototype, pilot, and production builds.
• Resolve manufacturing and assembly issues during vehicle launches.
• Provide rapid problem resolution for supplier and assembly plant concerns.
• Track open issues through launch and production stabilization.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify cost reduction and weight reduction opportunities.
• Implement lessons learned from warranty and field data.
• Support development of next-generation air spring technologies and design standards.

Technical Skills

• Understanding of automotive suspension systems.
• Knowledge of: Air spring design principles, Rubber and elastomer materials, Pressure vessel fundamentals, Fatigue and durability analysis, GD&T, DFMEA and DVP&R processes, APQP and PPAP.
• Ability to interpret CAE results and engineering analyses.
• Proficiency with CAD systems such as CATIA, NX, or Creo.
• Experience with PLM systems such as Teamcenter.

Analytical Skills

• Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
• 8D Problem Solving
• Statistical analysis tools
• Data-driven decision making

Key Competencies

• Technical leadership
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Project management
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Supplier management
• Effective communication and presentation skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced product development environment
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of automotive engineering experience.

Prior Experience

• Experience managing supplier technical activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering.
• Experience with suspension systems, air springs, chassis systems, or ride-leveling systems.
• Experience with active and adaptive suspension systems.
• Knowledge of air compressors, reservoirs, valve blocks, and air management systems.
• Experience supporting vehicle launches.
• Knowledge of ride and handling development processes.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent quality certification.