Applications Engineer General

Position: Structures Design & Release Engineer

Location: Dearborn, MI (Hybrid)

Employment Type: Full-Time Contract

Pay: $40-42 per hour 

Description: We are seeking an experienced Design & Release (D&R) Engineer to lead the design, development, and launch of automotive body structure components from pre-program through production launch. This role will focus on upper body sheet metal systems, including roof structures, pillars, quarter panels, and bodyside upper components, ensuring all designs meet vehicle performance, safety, manufacturing, and cost objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Understand structural design to meet vehicle attributes including FMVSS, NVH and Safety 
• Lead Purchasing, Finance, and Cost Estimating in supplier selection to achieve program targets 
• Develop component designs that meet customer requirements, and Vehicle Operations manufacturing requirements
• Interface with engineers of surrounding components and systems (seats, electrical, etc) 
• Release 3-D CAD that meets system design requirements 
• Support supplier and CAE testing of structure and closure designs prior to tooling
• Kick off tooling, supplier part manufacturing, part layout, and part testing 
• Lead prototype vehicle level build support for structures 
• Manage Final Engineering Sign-off and production vehicle launch at assembly plants 

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in mechanical engineering 
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written 
• 5 years of experience as Structures D&R Engineer 
• Experience designing, developing, and releasing automotive sheet metal components from concept through production
• Additional experience includes: creating and reviewing CAD geometry, supporting stamping feasibility, coordinating with suppliers, and manufacturing teams, resolving quality concerns, conducting competitive benchmarking studies, and managing engineering changes while meeting cost, weight, timing, and durability requirements.
• Understanding of vehicle body structural performance requirements and development of upper body structures that meet roof crush, side impact, durability, and stiffness targets.

Preferred:

• Skills: 
  o    DMAIC and DFSS principles 
  o    Review and sign off of component drawings and gaging practices 
  o    8D, fishbone, and DOE problem solving methodology 
  o    Boundary Diagrams, P-Diagrams, DFMEA & SCCAFs 
  o    CAE models and CAD drawings review 
  o    Failure Mode Avoidance 
  o    DVP&R maintenance and sign-off on DV tests – including FMVSS requirements 
  o    Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Power Point)
  o    Executing threaded fastener joint designs and tests
• Experience performing CAE correlation reviews, optimizing reinforcement strategies, working with safety and attribute teams, and developing roof and pillar structures to achieve regulatory and vehicle performance requirements
• Working knowledge of Catia V5/V6 and/or 3DX CAD 

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