Structural Design Engineer – Automotive NPD (Creo)

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop automotive structural components and assemblies using Creo/Creo Parametric.
• Support NPD programs from concept and feasibility through prototype, validation, and production release.
• Create accurate 3D models and 2D manufacturing drawings with GD&T, tolerances, and engineering specifications.
• Design structural components including:
• Structural brackets and reinforcements
• Cross members and support structures
• Subframes and mounting structures
• Chassis structural components
• Sheet metal structures
• Welded assemblies
• Suspension and powertrain mounting structures
• Other body/chassis structural components
• Develop sheet metal components and welded structures, considering material, thickness, bending, forming, welding, and assembly requirements.
• Design and model plastic injection-molded components, considering draft angles, wall thickness, ribs, bosses, parting lines, and manufacturability.
• Perform vehicle packaging and structural integration studies to ensure proper fit, interfaces, clearances, and assembly.
• Apply DFM/DFA, GD&T, and tolerance stack-up principles to ensure production-ready designs.
• Collaborate with CAE, testing, manufacturing, quality, suppliers, and cross-functional engineering teams.
• Review CAE results and prototype/test feedback and implement necessary design improvements.
• Conduct design reviews and support root-cause analysis and corrective actions for structural/design-related issues.
• Manage engineering changes and support design release/change control using PLM systems such as Windchill.
• Ensure designs meet applicable engineering, safety, quality, and manufacturing requirements.

Required Skills & Experience

• 5–7+ years of experience in automotive structural design or product design.
• Strong hands-on experience with Creo / Creo Parametric.
• Proven experience in automotive NPD / New Product Development.
• Strong experience designing structural components and assemblies.
• Hands-on experience with sheet metal and welded structure design.
• Experience with plastic injection-molded component design/modeling is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T, DFM/DFA, tolerance stack-up, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience creating production-ready 3D models and 2D drawings.
• Strong understanding of design release and engineering change processes.
• Experience working with CAE and testing teams and implementing analysis/test feedback.
• Understanding of structural load requirements, packaging, interfaces, and vehicle integration.
• Windchill or other PLM experience is preferred.
• Automotive standards/regulations knowledge such as AIS, ECE, and FMVSS is a plus.