Senior Engineer

Senior Engineer Restraint System – Steering WheelsPosition: Senior Engineer Restraint System – Steering WheelsSector: Interior & Exterior SystemsLocation: Newark, CA or Southfield, MI USAApplicants MUST have proof of immediate, on-going and valid eligibility to work full time in the United StatesAbout the companyMy 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 customisation.They are looking for a Senior Engineer - Interior Trim to join their expanding team on a Contract basis. The role will be based in Newark, CA or Southfield, MI.Job Description:Our Client are currently seeking a Senior Engineer, Restraint System – Steering Wheels.This position requires an excellent understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals and prior experience in automotive engineering.The ideal candidate demonstrates strong problem-solving skills, ownership, technical curiosity, and a desire to work in a fast-paced product development environmentThis is a unique opportunity to own steering wheel development from concept through production while partnering with design, engineering, safety, and supplier teams to deliver innovative solutions that enhance vehicle safety, quality, and user experience.The Role:Perform the design release of steering wheels across the whole product lifetime: from system specification development, sourcing, packaging, drawing release, design validation to ramp up, manufacturing support to post SOP maintenanceWork closely with the Design Studio, Attributes (e.g. NVH, UX), Digital, and Interior engineering teams to develop the optimal solutions to fulfil 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 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 right pedigrees for all crash test vehicles and other vehicle level validation and homologation needs.Minimum Qualifications:Knowledge about the design and engineering of steering wheel, driver airbag, and/or interior or consumer mechatronics, direct experience in automotive OEM or Tier 1 suppliersBachelor's degree and above in Mechanical Engineering or other related fieldsDeep 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 about metal parts forming, plastic injection molding and associated design rulesExperience using GD&T and tolerance stack analysis (ASME or ISO)Basic understanding of electronics and automotive networkingEnough 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, ensure timely delivery of all componentsHave strong ethics and diligenceAbility to make efficient reporting, both oral and writtenPreferred:5+ years industry experience with >1 project from cradle to graveExperience in program managementExperience in steering wheel, other restraints, and/or interior product manufacturingDeeper experience with Diagnostics, software updatable ECUs, Cybersecurity, software developmentExperience with systems engineering and requirement managementKnowledge of CAE analysis and restraint system integration and optimizationKnowledge of latest technology advancement in the field of passive safety and interior electronicsExperience in crash testsAbility 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, ensure timely delivery of all componentsExperience using APQP processes (8D, DFMEA, DRBFM, GR&R, SPC)6 sigma Green or Black BeltWork Authorization Requirement:Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis.Our Client are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.Why work through Contechs?Contechs is a strategic partner to the automotive industry, providing innovative design and engineering services to global OEMs, from concept to production.We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.Employment is at will and may be terminated by either party at any time.We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact us if you need assistance in the application processHow to Apply:If you're interested in applying for this position, submit your application and one of our recruiters will be in touch.