Responsibilities:- Design product solutions within the approved framework and coordinate development activities
- Modify existing designs and components to meet evolving product performance and application requirements
- Manage assembly functionality and installation requirements while balancing project timelines and future product development needs
- Develop and evaluate product concepts considering functional, material, manufacturing, and cost requirements
- Conduct design investigations considering functionality, packaging, materials, manufacturability, and overall product performance
- Check drawings and data records for accuracy, completeness, and proper documentation
- Perform simulations and engineering calculations for strength, service life, wear, dimensions, weight, and other applicable design factors
- Evaluate benchmarking tests and apply findings to product concepts and development decisions
- Conduct design verification and analysis, validation testing, return investigations, and product and process improvement projects
- Apply analytical tools such as FEA, DFMEA, DFSS, and DFM/DFA to assess risk and optimize product designs
- Develop creative concepts, evaluate technical feasibility, and conduct risk assessments for new or modified products and processes
- Prepare product development design packages for new or modified products
- Design, prototype, and assemble new or modified mechanical components for development and testing activities
- Analyze test results against design specifications and test objectives, and document conclusions
- Support product launches through design, prototyping, testing, APQP, PPAP, and production readiness activities
- Provide technical leadership and support to customers, suppliers, commercial teams, and other internal functions
- Work directly with customer product development teams to address technical requirements and development priorities
- Analyze components returned by customers, identify the root causes of failures, and prepare technical reports for internal and external customers
- Support resolution of product and process quality concerns through structured problem-solving methods
- Participate in GROWTTH and Lean activities, including Kaizen events, 5S activities, value analysis and value engineering initiatives, and program management workshops
- Prepare and present technical presentations, proposals, and reports with supporting data for internal and external audiences
- Manage multiple projects and priorities while meeting agreed deadlines
- Travel to customers, suppliers, and other FNST facilities as required
- Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field required
- Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or another technical field preferred
- Product design or product development experience required; automotive product development experience preferred
- Ability to conceptualize mechanical components, assemblies, and component interactions
- Knowledge of machine dynamics, strength requirements, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, materials, wear, dimensions, weight, and service life considerations
- Experience designing products with rubber, thermoplastics, thermosets, composites, or related polymer materials, including knowledge of associated manufacturing processes, preferred
- Ability to assess manufacturing feasibility based on process knowledge and economic considerations
- Ability to prepare and check engineering drawings and data records, including the application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
- Experience using 3D CAD software such as Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, Solid Edge, Siemens NX (UG), CATIA, or similar programs to create and modify product designs, assemblies, and engineering drawings preferred
- Knowledge of engineering tools such as finite element analysis (FEA), Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA), Design for Six Sigma (DFSS), and Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFM/DFA)
- Knowledge of automotive product development processes, including Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Design Verification (DV) testing, Product Validation (PV) processes, and customer-specific requirements preferred
- Strong written, verbal, presentation, and technical communication skills
- Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, cross-functional team environment
- Ability to work independently, manage conflicting priorities, and meet deadlines
- Ability to make sound decisions, influence key stakeholders, and adapt to change and ambiguity
- Creative, organized, data-driven, and proactive approach to problem-solving
- Ability to work overtime as business needs require and travel to customers, suppliers, and other FNST facilities
Communication & Collaboration: Communicates clearly and concisely, while engaging proactively with colleagues at all levels of the organization.
Value for Customers: Anticipates, understands and meets internal/external customers' needs and expectations. Develops solutions based on a customer centric approach.
Innovation: Drives and supports innovative ideas, while taking informed risks to seek and develop new or improved solutions.
Drive & Execution: Proactively identifies what needs to be done and takes action. Explores new ways and pursues new opportunities.
Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership
