Core Group Resources is America's leading recruitment company. Founded by a service academy graduate who has offshore experience, Core Group Resources' expertise is unmatched in the marine offshore market, finance, IT, renewables, & non-profit for executive search, staffing, and expertise identification.*Product Development Engineer (Automotive) Job Summary*
As an Accessory Product Development Engineer, you will play a crucial role in the engineering development and launch of automotive accessories. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Demand & Supply, Quality, Operations, Sourcing, and third-party suppliers to achieve organizational goals, encompassing cost, quality, installation, and performance targets. Leveraging your comprehensive understanding of automotive industry standards, vehicle integration, manufacturing processes, and automotive accessories, you will manage projects through the developmental process from concept to development to Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) and finally launch.
Additionally, you will contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by implementing Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VA/VE) improvements and lean initiatives. Your support will extend to vehicle and accessory launches into production, encompassing activities such as Bill of Material (BOM)/configuration management, design for manufacturability, and packaging.
*Product Development Engineer (Automotive) Responsibilities*
* Reliable, consistent, on-site attendance is a requirement. This position requires you to be punctual and dependable in order to meet the needs of the business; including attending and participating in meetings and presentations.
* Be the GST subject matter expert in mechanical or electrical automotive accessories.
* Manage Stage-Gate process throughout the accessory development cycle
* Create component and system level Design Failure Mode & Effects Analysis (DFMEA) & Design Verification Plan & Report (DVP&R) in alignment with OE industry standards, internal GST accessory product expectations, and regulatory requirements (FMVSS, DOT, etc…)
* Bill of Materials (BOM) & Management: Develop and maintain the Bill of Materials (BOM) for each vehicle model & applicable accessory. Ensure accuracy, completeness, and proper configuration management of the BOM & accessory weights throughout the product lifecycle.
* Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE): Utilize VA/VE methodologies to identify cost & installation optimization opportunities. Evaluate product designs, materials, and manufacturing processes to achieve cost & BOM time reductions while maintaining or improving product quality and performance.
* Utilize problem-solving methodologies to promptly solve issues and determine root causes as they arise. Adjust and implement policies and processes to capture lessons learned and improve best practices that pre-emptively incorporate identified root causes.
* Support new vehicle launch and model year carry-over activities
* Support GST supplier relationships Maintain engineering relationships collaborate with Quality & Sourcing to ensure supplier readiness/performance. Participate in the identification & qualification of new suppliers
* Participate in determining the direction of the accessory portfolio and help optimize the accessory product category
* Facilitate VPC readiness for the installation of accessories
* Responsibly receive, transmit, and handle consumer and customer data per applicable policies and procedures.
*Product Development Engineer (Automotive) Position Requirements*
* Bachelor’s degree from an accredited 4 year college or university (required) in an Automotive, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering related field (strongly preferred)
* At least 5-8 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
* Strong knowledge and expertise in mechanical or electrical automotive accessories
* Strong knowledge of the automotive industry and vehicle functions/systems
* Experience in managing the Stage-Gate process throughout the accessory development cycle, ensuring adherence to project milestones and deliverables.
* Experience in utilizing VA/VE methodologies to identify cost and installation optimization opportunities.
* Strong understanding of OE & regulatory automotive testing and validation requirements for accessory product categories as assigned.
* Experience in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, such as SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or CATIA, with a strong understanding of 2D and 3D modeling techniques.
* Familiarity with common manufacturing processes for accessory product categories as assigned.
* Experience in problem-solving, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement.
* Demonstrate excellent technical analysis and diagnostic skills.
* Certification or Affiliation with ASQ, SAE or other quality, engineering, or automotive associations.
* Valid Driver's license