Design Engineer Body Exterior - Trim (C-Pillar, D-Pillar, Roof, Tailgate, Spoiler, Wheel Arches, Rear Fascia)

Location: Long Beach, CA

As our Design Engineer Body Exterior - Trim (C-Pillar, D-Pillar, Roof, Tailgate, Spoiler, Wheel Arches, Rear Fascia) will be responsible for the end‑to‑end development of vehicle components and systems, from concept through production release. This role requires strong 3D design capability, deep understanding of engineering requirements, and the ability to collaborate across cross‑functional teams to deliver high‑quality, manufacturable, and cost‑effective solutions.

 

Key Responsibilities

CAD & Technical Design

• Create and develop components using 3DX CAD with the ability to design parts independently.
• Apply GD&T principles and perform dimensional variation analysis to ensure robust designs.
• Conduct system and component-level design aligned with all program requirements.

Requirements & Validation

• Design to meet Voice of Customer, regulatory, functional, quality, DFA (Design for Assembly), DFS (Design for Service), packaging, and clearance requirements.
• Utilize validation methods including CAE, physical testing, and analytical techniques to confirm design integrity.

Feasibility & Manufacturing

• Assess tooling, manufacturing, supplier sub‑assembly, and vehicle assembly feasibility.
• Evaluate surface feasibility, fit & finish, and craftsmanship considerations when applicable.
• Perform interface and assembly feasibility studies, including packaging, static/dynamic clearances, joint analysis, GD&T datum schemes, and dimensional variation analysis.

Quality & Documentation

• Maintain comprehensive design documentation and quality history.
• Support technical reviews using DFMEA, DVPR, SCCAF (SC & CC), PFMEA, Control Plans, Robustness Checklists, Demonstration Matrices, Boundary Diagrams, Interface Matrices, and P‑Diagrams.

Electrical & Software Integration

• Develop and manage engineering transmittals, feature definitions, and related documentation for electrical and software interfaces.

Project Management

• Utilize PLM systems (including BOM management) to control design data and release processes.
• Manage engineering timing to support prototype builds, validation phases, and overall program milestones.
• Prepare RFQ packages and support sourcing activities with purchasing and supplier teams.

Program Financials

• Evaluate and track landed cost, vendor tooling (F&T), ED&T (as applicable), and other financial impacts to the program business case.

Engineering Budget Management

• Oversee development expenses including prototype parts, tooling, and other engineering-related costs.

 

Salary:

• $115,000-135,000
• The actual salary offered is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, location, the candidate’s combination of job-related knowledge, qualifications, skills, education, training, and experience