Automotive Design Engineer

Job Description:

• Work as part of a 3-4 person team, utilizing Catia V5 to perform all design tasks, from initial feasibility through complete, ready-to-manufacture final parts for all major systems related to the body, chassis and interior of concept vehicles.
• Typical Design activities include: Typical section development through body and interior, hinging doors, door shut faces, lighting, grilles, fascias, chassis modifications, seating, I.P., steering wheel, interior panels, console, headliner, functioning door handles, etc.  Integration / modification of chassis, drive train components and other donor parts.
• Design Molds, tools and fixtures required to support the parts designed.
• Generate detailed assembly drawings and exploded views of the parts designed. Interface with shop personnel to ensure proper fabrication and manufacture of the parts designed.
• Typical supplied information includes detailed renderings, full-size clay exterior model, “A-surface” Catia data for exterior trim pieces and full interior.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Create High Quality designs within allotted (aggressive) timeframe. 
• Analyze all available information pertaining to a system or area of the vehicle.  Consider manufacturing methods available, time available and assembly objectives.
• Identify any missing information or assumptions to be made and propose workable design solutions.
• Responsible for designing complete automotive assemblies, creating and checking layouts for interferences with adjacent parts, final detail part designs suitable for manufacture, exploded views of assemblies, preparing designed part data for tooling or mold-making or machining.
• Capability to design functioning mechanisms that are simple, effective and robust.  Catia Kinematics experience is a strong plus.
• Works closely with Project Engineer and other designers as part of a small team that performs design part and assembly design for complete exterior and interior of concept vehicles.
• Designer should be capable of incorporating standard/commonly available components and hardware into parts designed.  Should be able to specify these parts by part number when presenting designs.
• Effectively communicate designs with other team members and to relevant downstream department personnel
• Provide follow-up support to downstream departments as required.

Skills/Education Required for Position:

• Good computer skills including demonstratable knowledge of CATIA V5. 
• Robust automotive design capabilities coupled with strong kinematics and vehicle packaging is ideal. 
• Design work is NOT typically intensive with regards to A-Class styling surface creation. 
• One to Three years related experience and/or training in CATIA.
• BSME and SAE collegiate design competition experience a plus.
• Practical and fundamental knowledge of automotive systems
• Must have positive attitude and enthusiasm when faced with a challenge
• Must be able to conceptualize designs in 3D
• Must have good time management skills
• Must be able to adapt quickly to changesMust have excellent communication skills