Lead Engineer - Automotive Plastics
Competitive
Birmingham
MDE has an exciting opportunity for a Lead Engineer - Automotive Plastics who is looking to take the next step in their career and lead the design and development of automotive interior and exterior trim. As the Lead Engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of robust component and assembly designs that meet and exceed the requirements of our internal and external customers.
Role Summary:
Lead the design, development, and delivery of assigned automotive projects, in accordance with customer requirements and specifications.
Chair internal and external meetings from a design perspective, providing technical knowledge and direction as required to support project objectives.
Manage the output of CAD and CAE teams, ensuring regular reviews and file updates in line with project milestones and agreements.
Identify and resolve component and system level design issues throughout the design phase.
Manage project deliverables and report status in accordance with internal and external gateways and timing requirements.
Generate concept designs and proposals to support the initial design process and continued development, including the creation of supporting CAD models as needed.
Ensure the delivery of 3D CAD and 2D drawings to industry and company drafting standards, including the development of datum strategies and GD&T annotation.
Oversee CAD file transfers and releases to internal and external customers, ensuring that all modelling and system attributes are completed.
Support cross-functional problem resolution throughout the design and production phases.
Contribute to benchmarking activities to improve component and assembly design as part of our "lessons learned" and R&D initiatives.
Ensure compliance with internal and external design rules and regulatory standards.
Write technical reports and presentations to communicate design-related issues and solutions.
Work alongside in-house Tooling Engineers to identify and design out issues prior to tool manufacture.
Liaise with suppliers to ensure that all external requirements are understood and incorporated into the component and assembly design.
Generate technical and quality documentation, including DFMEA, to support NPI and customer processes.
Support production issues and design changes, as required, working closely with plant manufacturing teams to identify and implement permanent corrective actions.
Skills Required:
A minimum of 3 years' experience in the automotive industry, leading the delivery of technical projects, ideally working for a major OEM or Tier 1 Supplier.
Practical knowledge of CATIA V5 is essential, and knowledge of 3DEXPERIENCE/CATIA V6 is beneficial.
Experience in drawing and modelling best practises and design theory.
Knowledge of materials, with an emphasis on automotive-grade and high-performance plastics, is a plus, although training will be provided.
Previous experience in injection moulded component design and the ability to design plastic parts with manufacturing, assembly, and cost in mind.
A general understanding of automotive components, systems, and subsystems is advantageous.
Familiarity with virtual development and validation techniques is preferred, as well as the ability to analyse, interpret, and implement simulation results and recommendations from our in-house Engineers and external suppliers.
Experience in programme delivery, customer milestones, and time management is essential.
Practical knowledge of injection moulding and automation processes, as well as an appreciation for tool design.
A solid understanding of Moldflow design principles and their practical application in improving and optimising component design.
Experience with GD&T (General Dimensioning and Tolerances) and the latest ISO drawing standards.
The ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, be flexible, and prioritise workload accordingly.
Experience in the automotive industry and practical "hands-on" troubleshooting skills are advantageous, but training and development will be provided.
This role is based in Birmingham, with occasional travel to manufacturing plants and customer facilities required. It offers excellent opportunities for development and career progression in a dynamic and evolving company.
Please note that all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK