What are the responsibilities and job description for the Design Engineer I position at Enthusiast Auto Holdings?
Description
Enthusiast Auto Holdings (EAH) is a highly successful e-commerce company in the automotive aftermarket parts industry. EAH goes to market via ten enthusiast focused websites (banners) - ECS Tuning, Turner Motorsport, Pelican Parts, Rennline, Texas Speed & Performance, Z1 Motorsports, Z1 Off-Road, RCI Off-Road, Teqsport and EVANNEX. EAH serves automotive enthusiast customers who are passionate about how their vehicle looks and performs, by providing the parts, content, knowledge and support to make their vehicle come to life. We also serve a global network of specialty installer shops that solve for customers looking for a "Do it For Me" option. EAH’s leadership team has delivered strong organic growth with market-leading profitability. EAH has also completed multiple acquisitions and plans continued expansion of its served markets via acquisition.
EAH is owned and supported by Cortec Group, a premier private equity firm. Cortec has invested millions of dollars to expand EAH’s operations, facilities, technology, and leadership. Among other investments, EAH has recently completed a significant facility expansion at its primary distribution center and is in the process of implementing enterprise-level ERP / WMS / OMS systems.
Enthusiast Auto Holdings (EAH) is seeking a Design Engineer I who has a strong understanding of how automotive systems work with an excellent mechanical aptitude. Experience in designing new parts or modifying components within a system, which will be a core function of this position. The Design Engineer I needs to be intimately aware of how each component within a system function to know how changes or upgrades will affect the rest of the system, and ultimately, vehicle safety and performance.
Responsibilities
- Perform engineering and design analysis for new product development using advanced CMM/scan equipment, 3D modeling & simulation software
- Apply engineering principles (materials science, statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, and fluids mechanics) to improve automotive performance
- Work with Purchasing team to support vendors through the manufacturing process
- Perform quality inspections and associated reporting as needed
- Review quality inspection and product test fitment results
- Develop and perform on and off vehicle durability and performance tests for product validation
- Assist technicians with product installation, documentation, troubleshooting, and analysis as needed
- Catalog growth and maintenance through completion of designs within existing product lines and improvement of existing designs
Requirements
- Associates Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Basic 3D design and drafting experience (Solidworks or equivalent)
- An understanding of drafting standards and basic manufacturing processes
- Basic knowledge of suspension, braking, exhaust, turbo, and engine/drivetrain system design and engineering principles
- Ability to research, learn, perform engineering tasks and make technical data-based decisions with minimal supervision
- Enthusiasm with a track record for innovative and creative design solutions
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent with a minimum of 2 years design engineering experience in a professional capacity in the automotive or related industry.
- Basic understanding of manufacturing processes to optimize designs (machining, sheet metal forming, plastics, composites)
- FEA / CFD / simulation experience
- Reverse engineering experience (Polyworks)
- Experience with data acquisition systems (dynamometer, flow bench, strain gauges, etc.)
- European automotive knowledge (Porsche, BMW, Audi, VW, Mercedes)
- Experience working on and modifying personal project vehicles
What Success Looks Like
- Ability to deliver world-class designs on time and within budget
- Ability to hold oneself to timelines within a quarterly project plan
- Excellent communication with cross-functional teams across the organization
- Ability to consistently maintain a positive attitude
- Ability to excel in both a collaborative environment and working solo
- Excellent problem-solving ability with a bias for action
- Consistent living and promotion of company values: communication, transparency, collaboration, trust, respect
- Eagerness to grow design skillset through feedback from a top-notch engineering team