Product Development Engineer

Seat complete engineers are responsible to Design, Release and integrate all components and assemblies for seat systems.

This includes leading and coordinating the development of the various components to meet the system level requirements of design, performance, cost, weight, quality, and craftsmanship, ensuring that the engineering deliverables in our Global Product Development System are met with excellence in support of program timing.

Seat complete engineers are responsible for communicating accurately at different layers of the organization including pairs, managers, chiefs, etc. 

Seat complete engineers normally travel to the JIT plant to resolve issues on site, and they are close to the product, especially when building phases start.

• Complete engineering deliverables throughout the complete GPDS (Global Product Development Process) on time with high quality for all gateways/milestones, from Product definition, Target setting, Supplier sourcing, Engineering development, Validation, and testing, and up to Launch and production stages.
• Manage Quality, Weight, Cost, and Timing for assigned parts throughout the product lifecycle.
• Actively participate in and lead program-related meetings, including To4, Seat Complete, EMMs, TDRMs, supplier meetings, and purchasing meetings, as required.
• Develop and execute Seat system/component level Design Verification Plans (DVP), support vehicle/system level DVP, and ensure full compliance with all System Design Specifications (SDS) and Federal Regulations, including unique Export Market Requirements.
• Coordinate effectively with various internal and external stakeholders, including Seat Complete, Seat Structure, Seat Features, Studio, Safety, Craftsmanship, Vehicle Operations (VO), Product Verification & Test , Suppliers, Tool shops, Purchasing, Finance, and Program teams, to ensure design intent meets all requirements.
• Lead issue resolution to ensure deliverables are met throughout the various GPDS milestones.
• Coordinate effectively with various internal and external stakeholders, including Seat Complete, Seat Structure, Seat Features, Studio, Safety, Craftsmanship, Vehicle Operations (VO), Product Verification & Test , Suppliers, Tool shops, Purchasing, Finance, and Program teams, to ensure design intent meets all requirements.
• Lead the integration of seating components into the overall seat system, ensuring seamless functionality and performance.
• The Seat Complete Engineer is responsible for managing product release CAD and BOM structures, including assembly positioning and mass attribute analysis. This role also includes facilitating supplier data integration and developing CAD studies to support and drive design improvements.
• Lead financial status-to-target for the seat system.
• Lead execution of Target Delivery and Target Confirmation for cost, weight, and quality.
• Lead/support cost process to deliver sourcing packages to the supply base.
• Manage tools and processes to track and follow up engineering and program delivery.
• Provide on-site support for all prototype and pre-production build phases.
• Provide on-site support for vehicle launch through Ok to Buy at Final Vehicle Assembly Plant.
• Lead resolution of prototype and final assembly build issues.
• Must be available to travel as required in support of the program deliverables (studio collaboration, testing, prototyping, launch).

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering or a related field. 
• 2+ years of experience with complete seat system and/or components in the automotive industry or similar. 
• Design and Release engineering and parts verification/validation experience/background.
• Experience in full product development cycle, including launch experience in at least one vehicle.
• 1+ year of CAD experience. 2D/3D CAD capable on parametric software and Teamcenter, VisMockup, CATIA, Solid Edge, Solid Works, or equivalent.
• Knowledge and experience with Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) and problem solving tools such as 8D, root cause analysis, etc. 
• Ability to read and conceptualize 2D and 3D Engineering Drawings, including Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Proficiency in MS Office applications, including MS Project.
• Master’s degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering or a related field preferable.
• Strong communication and presentation skills required. Ability to communicate ideas concisely and effectively in verbal and written form, and to all levels of the organization.
• Advanced people skills required. Ability to get solutions and/or recommendations for issues aligned with cross functional teams, and willingness to take accountability of the issue during early stages of resolution. Ability to build effective teams and work relationships. 
• Project management skills required. Ability to create and execute timing plans to ensure product delivery. Create and maintain issue resolution trackers to make sure the plans are followed.