Application Engineer/ TenPlus

Job Summary:

The Product Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and validation of passive damper systems and sub-systems for the DRiV Ride Control (RC) Passive Product Portfolio. The Product Engineer is responsible for design and release of 3D CAD models and drawings for the products being developed. The Product Engineer is responsible for implementation and maintenance of product documentation to enable smooth transition into Customer Engineering / Applications. The Product Engineer will also be responsible as a damper systems subject matter expert. The product Engineer will lead customer technical reviews and internal management reviews during program quote stage.

The Product Engineer will provide technical knowledge in his field and will work with team members to support the execution of the project in multiple locations and cultures. Travel required by this position is approximately 5% to 10%.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Executes Product Engineering activities required to design and develop the Ride Control Products defined by Global Product Line Owners.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following:

Design and development

• Design, develop and release damper components based on customer requirements and Driv standards for damper systems in the passive product lines.
• Utilize print templates for damper systems to drive standardization, efficiency and quality improvement.
• Coordinate DVP&Rs & FMEA's and release of drawings and BOM's
• Coordinate and support prototype builds.
• Understand DRiV manufacturing damper assembly processes and the key processes that affect damper performance.
• Evaluate any deviations to the standards.
• Support maintenance of Engineering database to ensure latest templates are available.
• Ensure functional understanding of key damper attributes and tolerances.
• Supports new product SOR / DVP including the necessary deeper translation to sub-system and component level SORs.
• Independently apply expertise from a mechanical engineering discipline to enhance current product designs.
• Analyze performance of complete designs, evaluate parts, and perform designed experiments with statistical analysis
• Ad hoc support of Chief Engineers, Application Engineers, Product Line Engineers (PLE), Functional experts during customer and supplier visits.
• Support PLE’s and/or Product Management with the product portfolio strategy.
• Support year over year improvement in warranty.
• Support continuous DtC/DtV (VA/VE) culture in the Global Damper Systems teams.
• Support the development of engineering tools that drives efficiency and quality.
• Evaluate and recommend new engineering requirements and guidelines
• Recognize patent ability of concepts/designs and potential infringement of new product designs to existing patents (e.g. intellectual property issues)
• Apply engineering methods and tools (e.g., FMEA’s, 8D, stress analysis) to anticipate/prevent problems and provide innovative solutions

Team Development

• Works with other global team members (such as Systems Engineers, Core Component Engineers, and Manufacturing Engineers) when developing RC passive damper products, damper modules, and suspension systems.
• Support development of standardized training materials used by Global Product Line Owners.
• Support annual SWOT.
• Support succession planning for Product Engineering.
• Utilize structured problem solving through training and standardized tool utilization 8D, Six sigma etc.

DFMEA Culture

• Utilize the DFMEA format as specified by Global Operations and adapt to customer specific applications.
• Utilize the DFMEA as an engineering risk assessment tool; not a one-time document.
• Support manufacturing facilities in developing PFMEA's and control plans.

Design Review Culture

• Utilize the Design Review Templates specified by Global Operations for Ride Control Products.
• Support the Design Review Culture through active participation and leadership.
• Ensure cross-functional participation.

Engineering Execution Processes, Procedures, and Tools for Product Engineering

• Utilize the Engineering Execution Processes, Procedures, and Tools for Product Engineering.
• Utilize existing engineering execution systems and improve analysis techniques.
• Support the annual benchmarking plan for damping systems of competitors and analyze damper technology trends.
• Support creation of summary reports of benchmarking results.
• Support year-over-year operational efficiency improvements.

Organization & Procedures

• Collaborate with Management, Manufacturing, Quality, Operations, Program Management, Global Supply Chain, and Customer Engineering to drive cross functional execution.
• Maintains a working knowledge of safety policies and regulations to ensure safety of self and others.
• Utilize correct use of global systems, procedures (TenPLUS), processes and tools, required for the execution of product development projects.
• Support continuous improvement & lean out processes/organization, related to product development and take actions accordingly.

Competency

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information.
• Design - Generate creative solutions.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner.
• Team Work - Balances Team and individual responsibilities.
• Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality.
• Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget.
• Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity.

Qualifications

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electromechanical and/or Hydraulic Engineering. Preferably Master's degree.
• 5+ years engineering experience in automotive.
• Having experience in design and development of products from conception through production. Preferably, a background in Six Sigma methodologies, 8Ds, GD&T (ISO & ASME) and root cause analysis.

Reasoning Ability:

• Ability to define problems collects data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Strong analytical and complex problem solving ability.

Specialized Skills/Knowledge

• Fluent in English.
• Strong foundation in engineering fundamentals, especially statics, fluid dynamics, & product design
• Sound written and verbal communication skills. Ability to write concise reports for various levels of management
• Excellent organizational and team skills
• Strong background in problem solving techniques (e.g., 8D, FMEA, FTA) is preferred.
• Experience with GD&T for ISO and ASME standards
• Ability to interpret FEA and CFD results
• Result oriented + customer (internal/external) focused.
• Six sigma Green belt
• Ability and passion to learn and apply new skills

Computer Skills:

• To perform this job successfully, basic knowledge of Word, Excel, Power Point and Microsoft Project is required
• Experience in CAD software CATIA