Senior Exterior Trim Engineer

My client is an innovative American automotive manufacturer focused on redefining affordable electric mobility. They are developing a new generation of purpose-built electric vehicles with an emphasis on simplicity, modular design, and customer customization. This is a contract-based role located in Phoenix, AZ.

About the role

This position requires an experienced professional responsible for designing and developing parts of the exterior systems of a world-class vehicle in terms of both styling and function. The ideal candidate exhibits a can-do attitude and approaches work with vigor and determination, demonstrating excellence, quick learning, and a drive for perfection in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead or play a leading role in the packaging, engineering design, release, and launch of exterior trims for a state-of-the-art vehicle.
• Create cutting-edge exterior systems focusing on quality, reliability, functionality, mass, and cost efficiency.
• Work interactively within a cross-functional studio and vehicle engineering team, prioritizing the greater benefit of the vehicle above any individual system.
• Employ and develop world-class engineering tools and innovative approaches to support systems generation.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in vehicle exterior trim design and development, including design experience with at least some of the following areas:
  • Side valences
  • Sill trims
  • Underbody aero shields
  • Wheelhouse liners
  • Spoilers / Appliques
  • "Frunk" / "Froot"
  • Rocker panels
• Proven experience creating complex CAD schemes and models to an excellent standard, preferably using CATIA V5 or V6.
• Proven experience with thermoplastic and thermoset resin materials and Class A manufacturing technologies (including painting).
• A good understanding of computational tools available to design engineers.
• Launch experience (required).
• Supplier base knowledge (e.g., Magna, Rivian).
• Specifically designing plastic parts (interior or exterior).

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant engineering discipline.
• Advantageous skills:
  • A flair for creative engineering and 3D problem solving.
  • Five or more years of experience with plastics design, Class A surfaces, front crash, aero features, lighting integration, module integration, tooling, resins, supply base, fit and finish, gap and flush, module concept, thermal expansion, structural design, and paint (matching).
  • A strong desire to create the very best product as part of a capable team.
  • Well-developed teamwork and interpersonal skills.
  • A great work ethic.