Leader, Product Development. (Rochester Hills, MI). Proactive technical customer contact; Development of an understanding of requirements; Ensuring framework conditions (standards, specifications, requirement specifications); Initial analysis of customer specifications; Creative initial concept development; Collaboration with the development team in the head office; Internal contact person for our account managers. Attend trade shows and conferences, make site visits to suppliers and customer facilities. Engage with OEM and Tier 1 automotive customers, gather technical requirements for electrical connector systems used in vehicle power distribution and signal transmission. Participate in customer technical meetings to review and clarify specifications, propose engineering solutions; present 3D CAD models, Finite element analysis to describe mechanical capabilities of design made for automotive plastics, obtain customer feedback. Analyze and interpret customer-supplied documentation such as technical drawings, 3D models, environmental and electrical performance requirements. Translate requirements and specifications into internal design specifications to guide the development of customized automotive connector solutions, particularly for high-voltage, low voltage, and data transmission systems in Combustion and EV platforms. Establish and maintain design control documents e.g. Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA), and Design Verification Plans (DVP&R). Ensure all designs comply with automotive industry standards. Coordinate with internal quality and regulatory departments to confirm compliance e.g. USMCA compliance, ROHs, etc. Perform evaluations of customer specifications. Utilize engineering analysis tools to assess the feasibility of connector designs e.g. injection molding best practices, Conduct tolerance stack-up analysis, manufacturability assessments, and review of standards to determine feasibility and risks. Develop early-stage 3D CAD models and connector assembly concepts using CATIA V5 or similar CAD software, Use FEA (Finite Element Analysis), Moldflow simulations, and Design for Manufacturability (DFM). Use Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems, such as SAP and Cenit Connect, for tracking design revisions, BOMs, and data exchange. Lead Technical Design Reviews (TDRs). Qualified candidates will possess a Master’s Degree in Mechatronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or closely related field + 1 year of experience as a Development Engineer or any related position in engineering design. Must have one year of experience in preparation of 3D models using CAD and PDM, tool design, sales, production, and quality, and implementing DFMEA, plug connectors, and finite element simulations. Must be willing to travel domestically and internationally, travel required up to 15%. To apply mail resume to Attn: Hector Mayerstein, Hirschmann Automotive, 2927 Waterview Drive, Rochester Hills, MI 48309. Use Ref. Code HG1.
