Design Engineer Chassis

Job Title:

Design Engineer Job Description This role focuses on designing and developing advanced mechanical components and systems for late-model air-cooled performance vehicles, with a strong emphasis on chassis systems such as steering, brakes, suspension, wheels, and tires. You will use Catia V5 and other CAD tools to create detailed 2D drawings and 3D models, validate designs through testing and prototyping, and guide projects from concept through release while balancing function, cost, timing, and manufacturability. The position offers the opportunity to collaborate with global engineering, supply chain, quality, and production teams in a fast-paced environment dedicated to high-performance, luxury automotive products. Responsibilities Design and create mechanical components and assemblies using Catia V5 and other CAD software for new products used in late-model air-cooled Porsches. Develop expertise in chassis systems and components under direct responsibility, including steering systems, brake systems, suspension systems, wheels, and tires. Understand and design around the packaging environment, mounting strategies, and load conditions of automotive components and systems, even when only limited information is available. Plan and execute part evaluations on vehicles and develop component and system validation plans. Interface with and manage suppliers to ensure timely execution of project deliverables and alignment with design requirements. Collaborate closely with global Design and Production Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Production teams to drive projects to completion. Plan, execute, and initiate process improvement activities, including applying methodologies such as Lean or Six Sigma where appropriate. Evaluate existing drawings and 3D models of assemblies and processes to identify improvement opportunities and ensure design integrity. Develop testing processes and perform testing and validation of new designs to confirm fit, function, performance, and durability. Create working prototypes for first article fit and function testing and incorporate feedback into design refinements. Review and approve 3D models, 2D drawings, and specifications created by junior engineers to ensure quality and adherence to standards. Complete part releasing responsibilities in accordance with established company processes and documentation requirements. Maintain thorough documentation to track project development, design decisions, and engineering changes throughout the product lifecycle. Monitor project schedules and budgets, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within cost targets while identifying indicators for improvement and cost reduction opportunities. Create product introduction materials such as work instructions, exploded view parts manuals, and related technical documentation. Apply design-for-manufacturability principles and DFMEA concepts to reduce risk, improve quality, and support efficient production. Use structured problem-solving techniques, including Pareto Analysis, Root Cause analysis, and Corrective Action methodologies, to resolve design and process issues. Monitor, track, and continually improve the total cost equation for components and systems under responsibility. Learn and use new test equipment such as 3D scanners, 3D printers, and data acquisition systems to support design validation and continuous improvement. Essential Skills Bachelor's degree in mechanical or industrial engineering with an emphasis in automotive, mechanical, manufacturing, or industrial engineering required. 3-5 years of mechanical design and drafting experience using CAD software such as SolidWorks, Catia, or equivalent required. Hands-on experience using Catia V5 for mechanical design in an automotive context. Experience in the automotive industry required, preferably with chassis or performance vehicle components. Experience with engineering development processes and the design and release of components and systems required. Ability to reverse engineer components using limited information and incomplete data. Ability to solve complex problems with multiple design constraints and deliver optimized solutions for function, cost, timing, and manufacturing. Ability to create detailed 2D drawings and 3D models of advanced mechanical components and assemblies. Understanding of customer expectations for luxury, high-performance vehicles and how these expectations influence design decisions. Strong critical thinking and analytical skills, including the ability to synthesize large amounts of data involving multiple variables into actionable plans. Demonstrated ability to lead projects through completion and consistently meet deadlines. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex technical issues to a broader audience. Team-oriented mindset with strong ability to multitask and work effectively in a fast-paced environment with multiple deadlines. Knowledge of Pareto Analysis, Root Cause analysis, Corrective Action, or related problem-solving methodologies strongly preferred. Understanding of design for manufacturability and familiarity with DFMEA concepts. Proficiency with PowerPoint, Excel, or similar data analysis and presentation software. Additional Skills & Qualifications Master's degree in mechanical or industrial engineering with an emphasis in automotive, mechanical, manufacturing, or industrial engineering is a plus. Experience with advanced surfacing capabilities in CAD software is highly desirable. Experience with data management systems for engineering documentation and configuration control is a plus. Experience monitoring, tracking, and continually improving the total cost equation for components and systems is beneficial. Interest in and knowledge of air-cooled and turbocharged performance vehicles is advantageous. Willingness and ability to learn and operate new test equipment such as 3D scanners, 3D printers, and data acquisition systems. Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies. Strong attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality engineering documentation and design standards. Work Environment You will work in a dynamic, fast-paced engineering environment focused on high-performance, luxury automotive products. The role involves regular use of advanced CAD tools such as Catia V5 and SolidWorks, as well as standard productivity software like PowerPoint and Excel. You will collaborate closely with global design, production engineering, supply chain, quality, and production teams, as well as external suppliers, requiring regular cross-functional communication and coordination. The position includes a mix of office-based design work and hands-on activities such as prototype development, vehicle-based part evaluations, and testing using equipment like 3D scanners, 3D printers, and data acquisition systems. Projects are deadline-driven and budget-conscious, with a strong emphasis on continuous improvement, structured problem solving, and design for manufacturability. The environment values teamwork, technical excellence, and a passion for automotive engineering. Job Type & Location This is a Permanent position based out of Torrance, CA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $130000.00/yr. Singer employees in the US enjoy generous paid time off, low-cost health insurance, a 401(k) plan with a company match, life and AD&D insurance, long-term and short-term disability, tools for our techs, and continuous opportunities for learning and advancement within the company. Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Torrance,CA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 30, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.