We are currently seeking a
Sheet Metal Engineer for an assigned project with a client in the automotive industry
. The role is based in
Novi, MI or Charlotte NC and requires
onsite presence and
20% domestics travel. If you are eager to grow your career and make a meaningful impact on exciting projects, we look forward to your application.
PURPOSE: The Automotive Sheet Metal Frame Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and validation of vehicle sheet metal frame and body-in-white (BIW) structures. This role focuses on delivering lightweight, manufacturable, and cost-effective structural solutions that meet safety, durability, quality, and regulatory requirements across the vehicle lifecycle.
RESPONSIBILITIES:- Design and develop automotive sheet metal components and assemblies, including rails, cross-members, pillars, brackets, and reinforcements.
- Create and maintain detailed 3D CAD models and 2D drawings using industry-standard tools.
- Apply GD&T principles to ensure component quality, fit, and manufacturability.
- Support vehicle platform and derivative programs from concept through production.
- Analysis & Validation
- Collaborate with CAE teams to ensure structural performance in crash, durability, stiffness, and NVH.
- Participate in design reviews and engineering change management processes.
- Support virtual and physical validation activities, including interpreting test results and implementing design improvements.
- Manufacturing & Cost
- Design components with a strong focus on sheet metal manufacturability, including stamping feasibility and assembly processes such as hemming, welding, fastening, and joining.
- Work closely with manufacturing, tooling teams, and suppliers to resolve producibility issues.
- Support cost reduction initiatives through material optimization and part consolidation.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Interface with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, quality, purchasing, suppliers, and program management.
- Support supplier design reviews and technical discussions.
- Ensure compliance with automotive standards and regulatory requirements.
QUALIFICATIONS:- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience in automotive sheet metal or body structure engineering.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in the field of expertise
REQUIRED SKILLS:- Strong knowledge of sheet metal design principles and Body-in-White (BIW) architecture.
- Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., CATIA, NX, SolidWorks, Creo).
- Solid understanding of GD&T and production tolerancing.
- Knowledge of automotive materials, including high-strength steels and aluminum.
- Experience with automotive manufacturing processes such as stamping, spot welding, laser welding, and clinching.
- Familiarity with structural performance requirements including crash, durability, stiffness, and NVH.
- Basic understanding of CAE tools and simulation results.
- Knowledge of automotive standards and regulations (e.g., FMVSS, IIHS, Euro NCAP).
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
- Experience working with OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers is a plus.
- Project or program engineering experience is an advantage.
- Strong attention to detail, systems thinking, and time management skills.
- Continuous improvement mindset and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
REQUIRED SKILLS:- Experience with Volkswagen
- Willingness to travel
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:- Work is normally performed in an office, laboratory, manufacturing floor, or machine shop setting where physical work includes, but is not limited to sitting, standing, reaching, kneeling, bending, and lifting up to 25 lbs.
- Must be able to understand and comply with all relevant safety practices.
FLSA STATUS/WORKING SCHEDULE:- Location: Novi, MI or Charlotte NC
- Schedule: Full Time/ 40 hours per week
- Travel: 20% domestics travel
- Overtime: as required
- Assignment Start: June 2026 - December 2030
- Duration: up to 4.5 years
DISCLAIMER:This job description is a high-level overview of general expectations of this position. It is not intended to list every responsibility of the position, nor does it represent an employment contract of any kind.
