Exceptional communication skills across technical and non-technical teams.
Responsibilities
Lead 3D CAD modeling and integration of frame structures.
Act as the primary technical liaison for frame components.
Manage the lifecycle of frame hardware and engineering documentation.
Collaborate with validation teams for durability testing support.
Develop and execute project schedules for structural tooling.
Conduct cross-functional design reviews for chassis integration.
Benefits
100% employee-covered comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
Early-stage stock options available for employees.
Robust retirement savings options including 401k, HSA, and FSA.
Generous paid time off and parental leave policies.
Annual vacation bonus provided to employees.
Wellness and fertility benefits included.
Cell phone stipend for work-related expenses.
Complimentary meals and stocked kitchens for employees.
Full Job Description
Design Release Engineer, Frame
Garden Grove, CA
Design Release Engineer, Frame What You'll Do
Structural Design & Packaging Ownership: Lead the 3D CAD modeling, packaging, and integration of frame structures (frame rails, crossmembers, mounting brackets, subframes, and bumper assemblies). Ensure optimal structural stiffness, mass efficiency, and packaging clearance for high-voltage battery packs, e-axles, and commercial payloads.
Supplier & Manufacturing Management: Act as the primary technical point of contact for frame component, stamping, forgings, and weldment suppliers. Evaluate supplier manufacturing capabilities, guide them through DFM (Design for Manufacturing) challenges, and ensure all chassis hardware meets strict automotive quality, structural, and corrosion standards.
Engineering Release Ownership: Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of frame hardware. Responsible for creating, tracking, and executing Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and Engineering Change Requests (ECRs), while maintaining complex mechanical Bills of Materials (BOM) within our PLM system.
Validation & Durability Support: Work closely with CAE/FEA and physical validation teams to review structural analysis and support chassis durability testing (rig testing, track testing, and safety evaluations). Proactively address field or test failures with root-cause analysis and quick design updates.
Project Timeline Execution: Develop and drive aggressive, realistic project schedules for long-lead structural tooling (stamping dies, extrusions, weld fixtures). Identify critical path risks, mitigate lead-time delays, and ensure hardware delivers on time to support prototype builds, mule testing, and start of production (SOP).
Internal Design Collaboration: Lead cross-functional design reviews with High/Low Voltage Systems, Powertrain, Thermal, and Manufacturing Engineering to ensure seamless chassis integration and optimized assembly ergonomics.
What You'll Need (Qualifications)
Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related technical field.
Experience: 3+ years of experience in structural, chassis, or frame engineering design within the automotive, commercial vehicle, or aerospace industries.
Software Proficiency: Strong working knowledge of CATIA V5/V6 and PLM/BOM management tools (e.g., Teamcenter, Enovia, Arena, or similar).
Technical Acumen: Solid understanding of structural mechanics, materials (high-strength steel, aluminum), GD&T (ASME Y14.5), and automotive manufacturing processes (stampings, extrusions, castings, MIG/laser welding, structural riveting, and e-coat/paint processes).
Project Management Skills: Proven ability to manage complex Tier-1 and Tier-2 supplier relationships simultaneously, with a track record of holding vendors accountable to tight prototype and tooling timelines.
Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, capable of translating technical trade-offs between cross-functional engineering teams, executive leadership, and shop-floor technicians.
Bonus Points If You Have:
Prior experience with commercial vehicles (Class 3-6 truck chassis), cab-chassis platforms, or body-on-frame architectures.
Prior experience working in a fast-paced, early-stage electric vehicle or mobility startup environment.
Prior experience engineering tactical, defense, or specialized off-highway ground vehicles (e.g., JLTV, FMTV, UGVs, or military prototype platforms).
Experience with electro-mechanical actuators, power-assisted hinges/ramps, or quick-disconnect mounting systems.
