Vehicle Senior Engineer - Exterior Systems

Job Description

Vehicle Senior Engineer - Exterior Systems Carlsbad, California | R+D | Full-time

Sr. Engineer – Exterior Systems

On-site.

Reporting to

Sr. Manager/Director Body Engineering

Position Summary

The Sr. Engineer will develop, design, engineer and lead the implementation of the vehicle exterior trim system (exterior panels, covers, badges, wheel pant cover, body shields, etc.) for the Aptera solar electric products. This role will be responsible for the technical development, design, CAD, engineering, suppliers and components manufacturing, validation and implementation in production of this system.

This role requires deep expertise in composite and body panels design, mechanical, aero-dynamic components and treatment, electromechanical interfaces and materials engineering, and integration within the vehicle. I also require a good understanding of road vehicles regulations and compliance. The Sr. Engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative, compliant, and high-performance exterior trim and panels solutions that enhance vehicle safety, aesthetics, and user experience.

This role joins a hands-on team that transforms ideas into reality. Offering a collaborative company environment, exciting projects, and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge prototypes that shape future products.

Key Responsibilities

· Design, develop, engineer and lead the vehicle exterior system and components and their full integration with the other vehicle systems (body, structure, closures, chassis, lightning and electrical/HW). Collaboration with Company’s cross-functional teams

· Coordinate and develop the interface with suppliers and manufacturers in providing guidance to functionality, performance and compliance for exterior system supply,

manufacturing and assembly/installation. Work with suppliers on outsourcing and fabrication and manufacturing of specific components

· Perform analytical studies and calculations, simulations (in-house, or with outside suppliers) to set up the correct functionality and performance of the vehicle exterior system and components

· Lead and collaborate within Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement and Quality teams to set up the critical functional parameters, installation and control, and interface of the on the vehicle exterior system with correct integration to the rest of the vehicle

· Identify the mandatory and key compliance and homologation requirements for the system and components within overall vehicle prove-out process. Ensure compliance with applicable regulations and standards

· Create and lead the design and engineering documentation, CAD, drawings and BOM’s in accordance with the Company’s systems and processes

· Conduct Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) and implement design improvements and cost reduction

· Support validation, testing, and certification activities for exterior system

· Oversee supplier development and ensure timely delivery of components

Skills + Competencies

· Experienced with automotive exterior systems and components, design, development, engineering and specific manufacturing processes and assembly for the exterior system on the vehicle

· Proficient in CAD modeling (CATIA V6), ability to read, interpret and operate CAD models, technical drawings, GD&T, documentation and layout/packaging

· Strong attention to detail and commitment to precision craftsmanship

· Familiarity with typical exterior components materials and processes with applications to prototyping and series production fabrication and assembly. Experience with composites, plastics, fiber and thermo-set and thermo-form materials and specific molding processes, metallic mounts, fastening and specific joining, aerodynamics parameters and behavior

· Experienced and knowledgeable on exterior systems structural and thermal behavior on automotive and/or motorcycles applications

· Understanding and able to develop set up a dimensional and aesthetic quality strategy for the exterior system

· Excellent communication and teamwork skills

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience with automotive, motorcycle and tri-cycle exterior systems and components for road vehicles

· Knowledge and experience with exterior system and components calculations, simulations, functionality, performance and behavior

· Experience with manufacturing and fabrication processes specific to exterior system and components: injection molding, plastics, RIM, fiber-molding (SMC, RTM, pre-form, hand lay-up and spray-up, etc.), vacuum molding, etc. and assembly of the exterior panels and components

· Familiarity with series production processes and assembly as well as rapid prototyping techniques and additive manufacturing

Team Structure

Individual contributor and leader while collaborating with other teams and individuals, as necessary with potential growth of an exterior systems team. Manager of potential outside resources (contract and consultants)

Required Experience 5 to 7 years of experience in exterior engineering with applications on automotive, or motorcycles and 3-wheeled vehicles.

Educational Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electro-mechanical, Automotive or Manufacturing Engineering

Salary + Benefits

· Market competitive compensation package

· Fully funded benefits package for employee + dependents (medical, dental, vision, etc.)

· Stock options

· Generous Flexible Time Away policy

Company Culture Built on transparency, ethical treatment of one another, a bias for action, and leading by example.