Global Chief Engineer

Overview: We are seeking an experienced Global Chief Engineer in Clinton Township, MI for a new start-up operation. In this role, you will lead global engineering focusing on implementation of current and future products supporting sales and commercial activity and strategy for RECARO's B2B business: commerical, OEM, aftermarket and motorsports. Position is responsible for new product development, sales support, customer relationship management, finacial management and commercial negotiations support for RECARO's business on all programs. We're looking for a hands-on, passionate individual who takes personal responsibility for their performance and business results. Demonstrates strong sense of urgency about solving problems and identifying opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:

• The Global Chief Engineer operates as a subject matter expert for team inquiries and cross-departmental trainings
• Oversees the design and development of new products or improve current products leading engineering team using engineering disciplines and tools such as APQP, CAD, Validation, Product Release, etc
• The goal is to produce products that meet IMMI targets for performance specifications, cost, and timing
• Lead team to develop and execute system requirements for the seating products and related commodities including system architecture and functional feasibility
• Outreach and work with suppliers and outside contractors to maintain efficient working relations and accomplish key outsourcing activities like part sourcing or contract design
• Achieve customer-driven system targets for function, cost, and weight
• Support Customers with technical information and initiatives
• This can include developing and/or creating design concepts, CAD models, prototypes, and technical reports/presentations
• Participate in the iterative process with the design/product performance to deliver the optimal balance of form vs. function vs. cost
• Formalize innovative seat solutions considering relevant Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
• Knowledge of metal stamping/forming designs, foam and/or plastic materials for different seating solutions
• Support the development of integrate mechanisms for different seat system features and functions while meeting required regulatory, durability and weight-cost targets
• Optimize designs with the appropriate analytical and physical assessments including engineering calculations, applied mechanics analysis, and regression checks/testing
• Interpret and scrutinize Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) simulation results, debug or assist in CAE model corrections for meeting the objective and integrate recommendations into product design
• Further aid in correlating physical test outcomes to the CAE analysis
• Create & review engineering cost estimates: material costs, design-development costs, validation costs, etc
• Complete and release seating components, sub-system, and detail designs utilizing a mix of in-house design and supplier engineering as required
• Understand and support the utilization Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) tools as appropriate during design, validation, and launch of the product(s)
• Lead technical documentation to include Design Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (DFMEAs), Design Verification Plan & Report (DVP&Rs), Engineering Bill of Materials (EBOM)
• Lead the implementation of designs, processes, and material selections to achieve/surpass desired execution of seat craftsmanship, fit & finish, and appeal
• Work with purchasing and supplier quality teams to ensure parts are sourced correctly and meet required quality levels; assist in Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)
• Collaborate with cross functional teams such as Manufacturing, Procurement, Quality, Operations, etc to ensure seating system manufacturing and assembly feasibility and serviceability
• Lead and cultivate a departmental work culture of growth, efficiency, continuous improvement, and innovation
• Pursue new product development using IMMI product development process
• Lead all engineering activities within the process and fulfill all APQP requirements
• Lead projects and work collaboratively to execute said projects with various internal competencies such as CAPE, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Quality, and Finance
• Lead the development and execution of validation testing to qualify designs through the product development process
• Gain peer and management product insight through informal and formal design reviews
• Utilize design tools available to maximize development time while ensuring optimal product design

Key Interfaces:

• Global Internal Teams (Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Sales, Marketing, Finance, IT, HR)
• RECARO Partners (Dealers, Motorsport Teams, Partners, and Drivers)
• Key Customers (OEM, Aftermarket, Commercial Vehicle)
• Global Product Group Leaders (Regional VPs, Sales, Finance, Purchasing, IT, Program Management, & Operations)
• Supplier Partners

Requirements & Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years' experience in the mechanical and/or automotive engineering field with 8+ years focusing on transportation seat system design and development
• 8+ years of experience in seat structure design and development - primarily for high volume products involving designing for processes such as forming, stamping, drawing, etc
• 8+ years of experience in seat motion and/or feature adjustment mechanism design and development
• 6+ years of experience in design, development and/or integration of seat foam and plastic components
• 8+ years of experience and knowledge of 3D CAD software: CATIA V5 or SOLIDWORKS
• Knowledge about industry/safety/regulatory standards: FMVSS, CMVSS, SAE, ASTM, etc
• Knowledge of FEA analysis, principles, material properties, and experience of implementing it for seat design
• Knowledge and experience in GD&T, DFMEA, DVP, APQP, QFD and other engineering tools
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, DFA-DFM
• Display effective utilization of appropriate software, systems, and manual tools, and other core specific necessary tools
• Able to lead a global engineering team with strong communication skills
• Polished public speaking and presenting skills as representative of the brand and company
• Ability to travel up to 50% within and outside of the U.S. to various unanticipated project sites based on project needs
• Must comply with legal and corporate responsibilities