Senior Mechanical Automotive Engineer
Battle Creek, MI
Senior Mechanical Automotive Engineer
Full Time • Battle Creek, MI
About Freedom Motors USA
Freedom Motors USA is a nationwide, family-owned and operated company, headquartered in Battle Creek, MI, and is the leading manufacturer and retailer of wheelchair-accessible vehicles with the widest-ranging product line in the United States. Founded in 1987, we focus on providing customized options for the unique needs of our customers.
The Senior Mechanical Automotive Engineer will work closely with our Research & Development and Production teams to design, develop and test innovative automotive technologies that will drive the future of wheelchair-accessible mobility.
What you'll do:
Freedom Motors USA is a nationwide, family-owned and operated company, headquartered in Battle Creek, MI, and is the leading manufacturer and retailer of wheelchair-accessible vehicles with the widest-ranging product line in the United States. Founded in 1987, we focus on providing customized options for the unique needs of our customers.
The Senior Mechanical Automotive Engineer will work closely with our Research & Development and Production teams to design, develop and test innovative automotive technologies that will drive the future of wheelchair-accessible mobility.
What you'll do:
- Design and develop automotive structural systems and components including chassis, suspension, doors, seals, closures trim, seating with various materials including sheet-metal, stainless-steel, plastic and rubber parts ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Comprehensive understanding of design principles, DFMEA, GD&T, and CAE analysis methods.
- Comprehensive understanding of Federal and State regulatory emissions activities. Address issues related to these standards and communicate with agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), California Air Resource Board (CARB), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), and FMVSS.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate new technologies into product & prototype development and promote the culture of innovation and quality in all engineering initiatives.
- Manage crash testing and performance analysis to validate designs ensuring dimensional accuracy, flush and gap adherence, spotweld accuracy and identify and recommend areas for improvement.
- Create and review technical drawings, plans, and specifications using CAD software (SolidWorks).
- Provide on-floor support to manufacturing and production teams to ensure smooth transition from design to production.
- Hands-on skills with diagnostics software, hardware, tools, instruments, general electromechanical systems and measurement techniques
- Perform root cause analysis & hands-on corrective action for daily issues.
- Identify, recommend and execute cost-saving opportunities.
- Actively participate in the continuous improvement program and ensure all engineering activities support the identified objectives.
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative, effectively manage multiple projects and meet deadlines while maintaining the highest standards of quality and keeping the valued customer maintainng high-quality and
What you’ll need:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field (Master's degree preferred)
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical engineering, with a focus on automotive systems and components. Automotive OEM experience preferred. CARB experience a plus.
- In depth experience with drawing layouts, part detailing, and GD&T
- Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, MATLAB)
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment and lead a high-performing team.
When you join Freedom Motors USA, you do more than simply switch companies to advance your career. You become part of the Freedom Family, a team of talented people who drive innovation, embrace change, and celebrate our community that is Freedom Motors USA!
This job description is meant to provide an overview of the duties and responsibilities of this position. It is not intended to be an all inclusive listing.
Responsibilities:
- Design and develop automotive systems and components including chassis, suspension, trims, seating and seals, plastic and rubber parts ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Comprehensive understanding of design principles, FMVSS regulations , DFMEA, GD&T, and CAE analysis methods.
- Hands-on skills with diagnostics software, hardware, tools, instruments, general electromechanical systems and measurement techniques
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate new technologies into product development and drive innovation within the organization.
- Conduct performance testing and analysis to validate designs and identify areas for improvement.
- Create and review technical drawings, plans, and specifications using computer software.
- Support manufacturing and production teams to ensure smooth transition from design to production.
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative, effectively manage multiple projects, meet deadlines and lead high-performing teams.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field (Master's degree preferred)
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical engineering, with a focus on automotive systems and components
- In depth experience with drawing layouts, part detailing, and GD&T
- Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, MATLAB)
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment
Why Freedom Motors USA?
Join a team of talented and driven individuals fueled by our mission to enhance the lives of the customers we serve by producing the nation's largest variety of wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
Join a team of talented and driven individuals fueled by our mission to enhance the lives of the customers we serve by producing the nation's largest variety of wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
We're not just family-owned & operated, we're family-oriented and offer our full-time employees and their families a comprehensive benefits package and the keys to steer the direction of their overall health & well-being. The benefits listed below are effective the first of the month following your start date.
Health & Wellness
Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
Employer Paid Basic Life and AD&D, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
Voluntary Life, Accident & Critical Illness Insurance
Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care)
Gym Membership Reimbursement up to $50/month
Employee Assistance Program
Financial Incentives
Competitive Pay
Career Advancement Opportunities
Retirement Plan 401(k) including an employer match up to 4%
Identity Theft Protection Plan
Employee Perks Program
Employee Referral Bonus up to $1000
Competitive Pay
Career Advancement Opportunities
Retirement Plan 401(k) including an employer match up to 4%
Identity Theft Protection Plan
Employee Perks Program
Employee Referral Bonus up to $1000
Work-Life Balance
Paid Time Off Accrual (earned from day one)
Paid Holidays
Hybrid & Flex Scheduling (depending on position)
Uniform Rental Program
Employee Engagement Team
When you join Freedom Motors USA you do more than simply switch companies to advance your career. You become part of the Freedom Family, a team of talented people who drive innovation, embrace change, and celebrate our community that is Freedom Motors USA!
Paid Time Off Accrual (earned from day one)
Paid Holidays
Hybrid & Flex Scheduling (depending on position)
Uniform Rental Program
Employee Engagement Team
When you join Freedom Motors USA you do more than simply switch companies to advance your career. You become part of the Freedom Family, a team of talented people who drive innovation, embrace change, and celebrate our community that is Freedom Motors USA!
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