POSITION SUMMARY:

The Design Principal Engineer I position involves working in a group environment with personnel from various disciplines (engineering and non-engineering) utilizing technical knowledge in (but not limited to) mechanical design, gas dynamics, fluid flow, and thermodynamics. Responsible for design development and validation of airbag inflator designs and related systems.  This position requires SME (Subject Matter Expert) level understanding of key of airbag inflator technologies such as welding processes, pressure vessel structures, pyrotechnic and gas generator compositions, ballistic analysis, metal forming/fabrication processes and general high volume inflator production methods.  Typical duties include leading component and system failure analysis, general engineering analysis and acting as the technical interface to the customer and supplier on significant projects and issue investigations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Responsible for maintaining product integrity in the plant and the smooth transition from development into production.
2. Acts at the direction of Engineering management to resolve special technical problems by coordinating intra and interdepartmental program activities.
3. Develops and executes DOEs, analyzes test data, prepares recommendations and formal engineering reports.
4. Leads technical teams in support of product investigations, product design changes, supplier issues and product improvement projects.
5. May specialize in one or more specific engineering fields, but project assignments are varied and not limited to the same fields of engineering.
6. Directs and may supervise efforts of technicians, CAD operators and engineers.
7. Analyzes and interprets engineering concepts, specification and plans; organizes research procedures.
8. Develops new technical areas of interest and trains technical personnel.
9. Responsible for development of new product or component performance specifications and material standards.
10. Provides technical consultation for staff.
11. May serve as primary company technical contact to customers or suppliers in support of major product launches, product failure investigations or new components.
12. Develop and present technical presentations and reports to customers.
13. Occasional travel to various manufacturing locations to provide technical assistance with manufacturing and quality issues.
14. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or physical science, preferably mechanical engineering, plus a minimum eight (8) years of design engineering experience.  Knowledge of automotive design and development process, specifically DOE, GDT, DFMEA, DFA/ DFM.  Six Sigma Black Belt certification preferred.  High level of understanding of inflator, gas generator or rocket motor design and processes.  Team leadership or supervisory experience desired.

Equivalent combination of experience and training directly related to the position, which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities, may be substituted.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work will take place in a combination office/shop environment.  Employee may be required to work weekends, holidays, and be on-call on occasion.  While performing the duties of this job, employees may be exposed to mechanical or chemical processes requiring the use of personnel protective equipment.  Employee may be required to be on-call, work weekends, holidays and travel overnight on occasion.

These are considered essential duties and are illustrative of those job tasks, which are fundamental.  Employees may be required to perform additional related duties as may be assigned by management.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.