PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER SUSTAINABLE MULTI-MATERIAL BEV APPLICATIONS

Forward Engineering is a Global Engineering and Consulting Firm based in Munich, Germany with offices and representation in Japan, China and the USA, that specialize in enabling the sustainable cost-effective inclusion of fiber reinforced polymers and composites in serial mass-produced mobility applications. From concept development through series production validation of polymer intensive multi-material designs; FE supports OEMs and Tier Suppliers to enable the realization of sustainable functional lightweight solutions of increased value beyond lighter weight.

Forward Engineering North America, LLC (FENA), Headquartered in Detroit (Oak Park), Michigan is seeking a professional with the right blend of technical and consultative skills to support our growth in the North American market. This person will be responsible for leading Functional, Structural Multi-material System Design for future Sustainable E-Mobility applications. This person will interact with key accounts in the region and the FE Engineering Team globally on a daily basis.

Travel will be primarily in the Detroit Metro Area. However, key account workshops may require one- or two-day trips monthly. Presentations at, and support of, targeted trade events will also require travel to interesting destinations in North America, and abroad, based on the Marketing Planning Calendar. At least one trip annually to FE Munich Headquarters is anticipated for Training and Planning Workshops.

YOUR FUNCTIONS

• The selected candidate will be responsible for leading Functional, Structural Multi-material System Design for future Sustainable E-Mobility applications including; Concept Design, Detail Design, Prototype Design and Production, DVP&R definition and execution.
• They will be passionate about developing new and innovative solutions to complex automotive and mobility challenges. They will be excited about tackling new challenges for Vehicle End of Life and developing new solutions leveraging Design for Sustainability principles.
• This person will relish the opportunity to work with local and global teams of internal and external engineers, and end users, to advance the development of new products from concept to pre-production validation.
• They will lead Design Reviews and DFMEA and PFMEA activities and guide and support the generation of the appropriate documentation required to successfully release new products.
• A proficiency at translating customer’s requirements to actionable scopes of work and managing complex projects will be a critical strength. Coordinating project support, establishing & maintaining project schedule in MS project, tracking & meeting program milestones & to ensure customer satisfaction will be key to success.
• At various points throughout the different projects, the FE Product Development Engineer will be personally involved in every aspect of the product development process. For this role, competency in concept sketching, CAD drawing, CAE load case definition and simulation evaluation, prototype manufacturing and material and product validation testing are required.
• E-Mobility Product Development is a Global Discipline. Technical requirements and expertise come from every region of the world. The FE NA Product Development Engineer will work directly with FE engineers and partners in Germany, Japan, China and the US and collaborate with partners and clients in Europe, Asia and North America.
• This role reports to the Operations Manager, and is responsible for planning, executing and evaluating projects including estimating manpower requirements, determining schedule, and projecting budget
• The Product Development Engineer is accountable for project results and is empowered to drive the project and draw on the resources required to be successful.

YOUR PROFILE

• >7 years’ industry experience working with Materials and Manufacturing
• >3 years’ experience in managing development projects or equivalent
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME)
• Specialty in Automotive, Materials and/or Manufacturing Engineering
• Experience with and an understanding of typical manufacturing Bill of Process (BoP) and an awareness of the relevant CTQ KPIs which create barriers and opportunities for innovation.
• Proficiency in project management, product development, material technology and understanding of the respective manufacturing methods incl.; Forming, Trimming, Finishing, Joining/Fastening and Assembly
• A fundamental understanding of how Regulatory Requirements combined with Customer Requirements drive Product Technical Requirements and Standards
• A fundamental understanding of the Mechanical as well as Functional requirements for automotive and mobility applications typically captured in Sub-system Technical Specifications.
• A fundamental understanding of design philosophies which drive product design and a sensitivity to Production Based Engineering principles
• The ability to extract and define relevant load cases to support digital validation of new concepts through CAE simulation
• Excellent Listening, Written and Oral Communication Skills
• Proficient computer skills including analyzing data, creating presentations and organizing complex projects
• Goal and Solution oriented with a drive to collaborate with and motivate project teams
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to manage your time effectively, organizing tasks each day to complete work on time, prioritize, and communicate to colleagues and supervisor.
• Flexibility, willingness to adapt to requirements unique to a small organization
• Software Proficiency: MS Suite including Excel, PPT, Project. Experienced with CAD (e.g. CATIA) and understanding of application of CAE Simulation for product design
• Business fluent language skills in German, Japanese or Chinese a plus