Senior Studio Engineer

About the Role

The Studio Engineer’s primary responsibility is to creatively problem solve design issues that affect either the aesthetics and/or manufacturing goals for any given product during Phase 0, 1, and 2 in the Adient PLUS process. The role focuses on developing solutions during the design development phase to ensure that the design and Class A Surfaces created by Industrial Design are feasible and meet the expectations of both internal and OEM Design Studios.

This is accomplished by working in CAD (primarily CATIA V5/V6) with data provided by Adient/OEM Engineering alongside the Industrial Designer, who provides input on aesthetics and/or ideation for craftsmanship resolutions. The process culminates in a Pre-Surface Design Review (PSDR), where issues are discussed, and the team determines if Class A surfacing can begin.

Responsibilities

Phase 0 Duties

• Create most of the CAD data for the advanced design team to represent a new Adient process/product for target customers.
• Work closely with the Industrial Designer, ADV representative, and Product Development to determine feasibility and support functionality, as well as prototype deliverables (e.g., SLA vs. fiberglass).
• Coordinate hands-on work with prototype parts and demonstrators.
• Align work targets with multiple adjacent disciplines (CS, Trim, Foam, S&M, SMEs, Automation teams).
• Deliverables may vary depending on how they will be used.

Phase 1 and 2 Duties

• Assist in gathering data from OEM to develop a product around.
• Work with the Studio Manager to understand PHASE 1 QBOM/EBOM (Engineering Bill of Material).
• Determine if OEM Industrial Design desires are within the scope of Adient’s EBOM; highlight issues/gaps to SDT using an approved Adient issues list.
• Take an active role in creating craftsmanship/packaging criteria in the business unit’s Layout Drawing (refer to each business unit’s feasibility checklist).
• Invite SDT and conduct the PSDR (Pre-Surface Design Review) to determine if Class A surfacing can begin.
• Send a copy of the PSDR to the Studio Engineering Lead to kick-off Class-A surfacing.

Requirements

• Must be trained and proficient in an Adient-approved CAD/PC system (e.g., CATIA V5/V6).
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to create feasibility sections with minimal or no input data (experience a plus).
• Maintain issue lists for projects requiring SDT resolution.
• Ensure PSDR is completed on time in accordance with program timing.

Qualifications

• Preferably a bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field.
• Alternatively, an Associate’s/Technical Degree with four years of automotive experience.
• Or six years of experience in automotive design.

Location

Central Tech Unit, Plymouth, MI