Product Engineer

GRAMMER specializes in developing and manufacturing components and systems for car interiors, as well as driver and passenger seats for off-road vehicles, trucks, buses, and trains. As a global partner to the vehicle manufacturing industry, we are represented around the world by our Automotive and Commercial Vehicles divisions. Our employees develop and produce innovative, flexible solutions to meet challenges in today’s competitive global market. GRAMMER operates on four continents with over 50 production, distribution, and logistics sites in 20 countries.

GRAMMER is a leading North American full-service automotive supplier of highly engineered thermoplastic components and assemblies for interiors and air and fluid management systems. Our culture embraces the Grammer CODE: Collaborate in an inclusive environment, Openness in communication and ideas, Drive for results with energy, and Empower yourself and others by taking ownership of decisions and actions.

About the role

This role is located in the Plymouth, MI area. The ideal candidate will enjoy working in a team environment and will have the opportunity to make lasting and positive changes in our team.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary project-specific engineering interface for Grammer.
• Handle multiple development tasks and adapt well to constant change.
• Interface with OEM Engineering, Program Management, Design Studio, and Manufacturing to define and implement interior solutions for center consoles and other interior plastic parts.
• Work with Program Management to achieve cost, weight, timing, and investment targets for components.
• Work with internal tooling and manufacturing groups to establish feasibility and optimize designs for cost, weight, and investment.
• Support Sales in new program acquisitions and business growth opportunities.
• Negotiate Grammer best practices with customer design and manufacturing wants.
• Create and update engineering open issues list (weekly at minimum, more frequently as needed).
• Create technical specifications and requirements for products (in alignment with customer specifications, FMVSS/ECE).
• Establish material selection for components.
• Evaluate customer specifications.
• Prepare product presentations for customers.
• Lead DFMEA / DFA / DFM teams and document processes.
• Support PFMEA / Control Plan / Process Flow as a team member.
• Responsible for GD&T – design and study.
• Responsible for change management and release design reviews.
• Direct contact with product development engineering teams at the customer.
• Participate in customer design and technical reviews as required.
• Support launch builds at Grammer, supplier, and OEM assembly plants as required.
• Lead reviews and/or construction of DVP and evaluation of test results.
• Some travel required to Grammer plants (Mexico and US), Grammer global headquarters (Germany), and OEM facilities.
• Support other product lines as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of automotive interior design engineering experience; center console development is ideal.
• Working knowledge of Class A part quality requirements (grain, color, gloss, harmony, gap and flushness, perceived quality).
• Working knowledge of plastic part design, wrapped and decorative parts, plastic welding, and assembly processes and tooling construction.
• Working knowledge of automotive interior regulatory requirements.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of NX or CATIA V5.
• Working knowledge of analytical tools (FEA and Mold Flow).
• Working knowledge of FMEA software (PLATO/E1NS).
• Experience in an assembly-manufacturing environment.
• Previous work with OEM studios.
• Some German and/or Spanish is a plus.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage eligibility on day 1.
• Flex Spending Account.
• Health Savings Account.
• 401(k).
• Volunteer Life Insurance options.
• Critical Illness and Accident Insurance.
• Tuition Reimbursement Programs.
• Robust Employee Assistance Program Services.
• Individualized Developmental Opportunities.