Center of Expertise - Automotive Sealing Systems

About the role

The Center of Expertise reports to the Engineering Manager and defines the best design concept and early design direction for programs, keeping the program on course throughout development. It works in a team with Quality, Plant Engineering and Production, and with customers and suppliers depending on the project. The role is a sensitive function with access to confidential engineering, product design, R&D and proprietary information.

Key responsibilities

• Act as primary engineering contact before program sourcing and support Engineering Managers and Project Engineers
• Support the Sales and Program Management team, especially during new business quotes
• Develop initial design concepts and typical sections, and assist in virtual validation and optimization through FEA
• Create and manage Hutchinson design best practices and the design strategy
• Assist in benchmarking, interface with worldwide counterparts to share knowledge (acoustics, FEA, design, processes), and train technical teams on product design
• Stay current with automotive sealing innovations, take part in Research Center reviews and assist in extrusion development
• Review Engineering Criteria Worksheets and cost information requests for clarity, accuracy and alignment with design best practices and manufacturing capabilities
• Optimize design and profitability, advise upper management on program risks, and present Hutchinson technology to customers
• Take part in technical reviews with the Platform Director and travel regularly to manufacturing facilities and customer sites

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent, with 5 years of directly related automotive experience
• Knowledge of automotive product design, sealing manufacturing, body engineering, dynamic sealing materials and sealing performance requirements
• Basic understanding of tooling for injection molding, stamping, rolling, stretch bending, punching and die cutting
• Basic understanding of CAD, GD&T and automotive drafting
• Ability to analyze FEA output data, build simple mockups, models and gauges, and use hand and power tools safely
• Valid unrestricted driver's license for the USA and Canada, a valid passport, and ability to obtain a major credit card for travel expenses; must meet security clearance requirements for major OEMs

Required skills

• FEA analysis and interpretation
• Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint and Excel
• Good communication, planning and teamwork skills