Closures System Engineer

- Lead sub-system mechanical development and integration of closure systems, including sheet metal, door latches, hinges, hood/tailgate hardware, struts, and exterior handles.

- Design and develop closure inner and outer panels, reinforcements, and architectural interfaces using CAD (3DX/CATIA).

- Package and integrate moving mechanical components including hinges, latches, checks, and seals, ensuring proper kinematics and clearance.

- Define and execute Design Verification Plans (DVP&R). Coordinate physical testing for durability, strength, and environmental performance, and correlate results with CAE simulations.

- Work closely with Studio Design to ensure 'Class A' surface feasibility while maintaining engineering requirements for structural stiffness and water sealing.

- Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure sheet metal designs are optimized for stamping, hemming, and assembly (welding/bonding).

- Manage supplier technical delivery to ensure hardware components meet functional, weight, and cost targets.

- Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues during the development, prototype build, and vehicle launch phases.

- Own the CAD, BOM, and GD&T documentation for assigned closure sub-systems.

Bachelor's or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

- 3+ years of experience in production vehicle development and launch.

- 3+ years of experience utilizing CAD (3DX or CATIA preferred) for automotive body or closure systems.

- Demonstrated experience in the design and release of sheet metal components or mechanical hardware

- Closures Expertise: Strong understanding of closure-specific requirements, including hemming, sealing systems, and door-retention kinematics.

- Expert Mechanical Fundamentals: Deep understanding of mechanism kinematics, linkages, and electromechanical integration (e.g., e-latches and powered closures).

- Materials & Manufacturing: Strong knowledge of sheet metal stamping, casting, and materials science to facilitate seamless integration of hardware into the vehicle body.

- CAE Literacy: Ability to leverage CAE tools to drive design decisions regarding mechanism stiffness, timing, and structural integrity.

- Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with global safety standards and FMVSS requirements related to door retention and closure systems.

- Validation Knowledge: Experience with DVP&R, including cycle testing, slam testing, and environmental soak validation.

- Craftsmanship: Strong understanding of GD&T and how mechanism tolerances impact vehicle-level gaps, flushes, and user perceived quality.

- Hands-on Approach: Experience in physical prototyping and a 'boots-on-the-ground' mentality during production build events.