Steering Wheel Engineer

The Role: Perform the design release of steering wheels across the whole product lifetime: from system specification development, sourcing, packaging, drawing release, design validation, ramp-up, manufacturing support, to post-SOP maintenance. Work closely with the Design Studio, Attributes (e.g., NVH, UX), Digital, and Interior engineering teams to develop the optimal solutions to fulfill the required features with the best balance of mass and cost.

JOB TITLE: Steering Wheel Engineer
LOCATION: Newark, CA or Southfield, MI
DURATION: Through 12/31/2026 (potential conversion)
PAY RANGE: $45 - $51/hr.

Job Description:
We are currently seeking a Sr. Engineer, Steering Wheel Unit. This position requires an excellent understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals with a first experience in Automotive Engineering. Our ideal candidate exhibits a can-do attitude and approaches his or her work with vigor and determination. Candidates will be expected to learn quickly and to strive for perfection within a fast-paced environment.

The Role:

• Perform the design release of steering wheels across the whole product lifetime: from system specification development, sourcing, packaging, drawing release, design validation, ramp-up, manufacturing support, to post-SOP maintenance.
• Work closely with the Design Studio, Attributes (e.g., NVH, UX), Digital, and Interior engineering teams to develop the optimal solutions to fulfill the required features with the best balance of mass and cost.
• Manage Tier 1 suppliers for both engineering development and program timing. Function as the main point of contact for all supplier interfaces.
• Support restraint system integration work. Work closely with the CAE team to provide design inputs and utilize CAE results to optimize the component design.
• Support crash tests and vehicle homologation. Make sure parts are supplied with the correct pedigrees for all crash-test vehicles and other vehicle-level validation and homologation needs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the design and engineering of steering wheels, driver airbags, and/or interior or consumer mechatronics; direct experience in automotive OEM or Tier 1 suppliers.
• Bachelor s degree and above in Mechanical Engineering or other related fields.
• Deep understanding of Mechanical Engineering fundamentals: mechanics of materials, materials properties and engineering of materials, kinematics of solids, failure mechanics, and capacity to apply those fundamentals in problem solving.
• Knowledge of metal parts forming, plastic injection molding, and associated design rules.
• Experience using GD&T and tolerance stack analysis (ASME or ISO).
• Basic understanding of electronics and automotive networking.
• Enough CAD skills to package the component models into vehicle models, check interfaces with the rest of the vehicle, and make small modifications if necessary. The ideal candidate should possess enough CAD skills to modify Tier 1 CAD with change proposals and give proposals and packaging envelopes to Studio.
• Excellent people skills to manage suppliers, push the envelope to develop optimal technical solutions, and ensure timely delivery of all components.
• Have strong ethics and diligence.
• Ability to make efficient reports, both oral and written.

Preferred:

• 5+ years of industry experience with > 1 project from cradle to grave.
• Experience in program management.
• Experience in steering wheel, other restraints, and/or interior product manufacturing.
• Deeper experience with Diagnostics, software-updatable ECUs, Cybersecurity, and software development.
• Experience with systems engineering and requirement management.
• Knowledge of CAE analysis and restraint system integration and optimization.
• Knowledge of the latest technological advancements in the field of passive safety and interior electronics.
• Experience in crash tests.
• Ability to articulate highly technical issues to audiences not in the crash safety field, such as top management, design studio, purchasing team, etc.
• Skills to manage suppliers, push the envelope to develop optimal technical solutions, and ensure timely delivery of all components.
• Experience using APQP processes (8D, DFMEA, DRBFM, GR&R, SPC).
• 6 Sigma Green or Black Belt.

BENEFITS SUMMARY: Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate or annual salary on ly, unless otherwise stated. In addition to base compensation, full-time roles are eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision, Commuter and 401K benefits with company matching.

IND123BENEFITS SUMMARY:
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate or annual salary only, unless otherwise stated. In addition to base compensation, full-time roles are eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision, Commuter and 401K benefits with company matching.