Sr. Engineer, Closures Mechanisms/Plastics - Doors

About the Role
The Sr. Engineer, Closures Mechanisms/Plastics is responsible for the design intent assembly requirements of closure mechanisms/plastics on the manufacturing line. This role serves as the technical lead for all product issue root causes and deviation containment. The engineer will support product launches as the single point of engineering contact for Mechanisms/Plastics and will be responsible for sustaining engineering after the initial product launch, which includes the design and release of new parts aimed at improving quality or the assembly process. This position requires collaboration with core engineering to ensure parts meet all design and validation requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Closures Mechanisms and Plastic System Assembly Ownership

  • Solve complex component/system level problems using standard problem-solving techniques to determine root cause and provide containments.
  • Ensure design intent assembly requirements of closure systems are enforced on the assembly line.
  • Utilize data-driven proactive problem-solving and issue avoidance strategies due to process deviations or critical part quality issues.
  • Support new product launches and execute part concession deviations for Closures Mechanisms/Plastics within the manufacturing plant.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure efficient process sequence and build quality.

• Sustaining Engineering

  • Manage sustaining engineering for automotive closures hardware and mechanism parts and assemblies such as Side Door Window regulators, Handles, Latches, and Power actuators.
  • Work with other stakeholders and attribute owners across the company to validate design solutions.
  • Cross-functionally collaborate with Manufacturing, Design, and Product Development, as well as with Purchasing and Suppliers, on tool buy-offs and secondary component changes.
  • Coordinate and communicate effectively with interfacing suppliers.
  • Provide direction and negotiate balanced solutions with team members.
  • Coordinate virtual engineering and physical validation testing activities for your designs.
  • Travel domestically and internationally as required.

Skills

• Proven 3D CAD skills in modeling, kinematics, and drawings.
• Hands-on knowledge of GD&T, root cause analysis, DFMEA, PFMEA, statistical process control, and production issue resolution.
• Strong technical ownership and a data-driven decision-making mindset.
• Ability to create testing plans and conduct/coordinate physical tests to validate design concepts and performance targets.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting GD&T, determining required tolerances.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering with 5+ years of automotive experience in design and release of vehicle attributes, or a Master of Science degree with equivalent experience.
• Experience with Class A surface data.
• Professional certification in Six Sigma (Black Belt or Green Belt) or equivalent problem-solving methodology.
• Practical experience in prototype and production assembly, with a willingness to assemble parts directly.
• Familiarity with 3D CAD systems such as CATIA or similar software.
• Experience in technology, system, and supplier selection.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in high-pressure environments.
• Detail-oriented with a strong problem-solving attitude using an engineering-first principles approach.
• Proven design release engineering experience including engineering change management and project management.
• Strong background in the full life cycle of development from concept to prototype to full production.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes relevant to Closures hardware and mechanisms such as injection molding, die casting, and stamping.

Compensation & Benefits
The company offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability coverage
• Paid time off (up to 120 hours for hourly/non-exempt employees and up to 160 hours for salaried/exempt employees)
• Paid holidays and sick leave
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Eligibility for the company’s equity program and/or a discretionary annual cash incentive program based on individual performance and company results.

Equal Opportunity
The company believes diversity strengthens everything we build and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an inclusive workplace. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.

Accessibility
The company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities during the application process. If any accommodation is needed, please reach out for assistance.

Candidate Data Privacy
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