Product Development Engineer - Exteriors

About the role

Our Engineering team is expanding and looking to add a Product Development Engineer for our Plastics Business Unit. We are looking for a dynamic and driven candidate interested in being part of a fast-growing global company in the automotive sector.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of plastic injection molded parts such as fascias, spoilers, body side moldings, grilles, side appliques, license plate applique assemblies, or decorative lighting.
• Take the program from inception through launch, including design and development of the product, attending customer meetings, keeping track of program open issues, creating and being responsible for GD&T, DFMEA, and DVP&R.
• Work with OEM to consult on the development of new plastic products to ensure that the product meets all requirements of the customer specifications, manufacturability, tooling feasibility and quality objectives.
• Resolve issues and technical problems through the application of product knowledge of manufacturing process, engineering education, knowledge of industry practice and an awareness of new technologies.
• Direct and coordinate projects from design through production start-up, including prototype build, testing and establishment to specifications to achieve required performance and reliability, manufacturability and market competitiveness.
• Document technical aspects of assigned projects and ensure that data is properly retained.
• Prepare technical presentations and visit customers, virtually or in person, to address open issues, design reviews, or review proposals on an as-needed basis.
• Recommend design approaches and solutions to technical problems directly to customers on routine matters and obtain assistance from peers, other departments and engineering management on critical issues.
• Track new material, technique and technology development trends and validate their application in structures products and open issues.
• Support gate review process.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related field required; an advanced degree is highly desired.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in developing automotive plastic injection molded parts.
• Strong need for those with fascia engineering or design experience.
• Experience with front/rear fascias product design is a plus.
• Desire a variety of experience in plastic injection molding including standard injection, compression injection, reaction injection molding (RIM — especially with PUR), or other new processes.
• Understanding of assembly processes including joining technologies such as vibration, sonic, or laser welding as well as fasteners, clips, or molded snap features to support design for manufacturing.
• Ability to work with CAD software (NX, CATIA) to design parts or review data, compare data, cut sections, etc.
• Strong working knowledge of GD&T, FMEAs, DVP&Rs.

Key to success in this role

• Ability to work in a global environment coordinating between North America, Europe and China.
• A high level of self-motivation and bias for action.
• Strong communication, presentation and organization skills.
• Good interpersonal skills and strong self-learning skills.
• An innovative mindset.

Benefits

• International development platform
• Dynamic and efficient team
• All-round personal improvement
• Diversified working atmosphere
• Competitive compensation package