DRE Air springs

Product Design & Development:

• Lead the design and release of air spring systems, including:

Rolling lobe air springs

• Convoluted air springs

• Air spring assemblies

• Air spring pistons

• Top and bottom retainers

• Integrated jounce systems

• Protective sleeves and covers

• Air line interfaces and fittings

• Develop technical requirements and performance specifications based on vehicle targets.

• Create and maintain component Design Verification Plans (DVP&R).

• Perform engineering analysis to support design decisions and optimization.

• Ensure compliance with internal engineering standards and regulatory requirements.

Component Release Ownership:

• Manage component releases within PLM systems (Teamcenter, )

• Create and maintain:

DFMEA

• Engineering change notices (ECN/ECR)

• GD&T requirements

• Drawings and specifications

• Bill of Materials (BOM)

• Coordinate part number creation, revisions, and design changes.

Supplier Management:

• Act as primary engineering contact for air spring suppliers.

• Review supplier designs, analyses, and validation reports.

• Support supplier APQP activities.

• Conduct technical design reviews and issue resolution meetings.

• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality and durability concerns.

Validation & Testing:

• Develop and execute validation plans to ensure component robustness.

• Analyze results from:

Durability testing

• Environmental testing

• Corrosion testing

• Pressure cycle testing

• Vehicle ride evaluations

• Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) testing

• Investigate failures and implement corrective actions.

• Support vehicle-level development and sign-off activities.

Vehicle Integration:

• Work closely with chassis and vehicle integration teams to ensure proper packaging and performance.

• Support suspension tuning activities related to:

Ride comfort

• Load leveling

• Vehicle handling

• Ground clearance management

• Off-road performance

• Validate air spring system compatibility with surrounding suspension components.

Launch Support:

• Support prototype, pilot, and production builds.

• Resolve manufacturing and assembly issues during vehicle launches.

• Provide rapid problem resolution for supplier and assembly plant concerns.

• Track open issues through launch and production stabilization.

Continuous Improvement:

• Identify cost reduction and weight reduction opportunities.

• Implement lessons learned from warranty and field data.

• Support development of next-generation air spring technologies and design standards.

Technical Skills:

• Understanding of automotive suspension systems.

• Knowledge of:

Air spring design principles

• Rubber and elastomer materials

• Pressure vessel fundamentals

• Fatigue and durability analysis

• GD&T

• DFMEA and DVP&R processes

• APQP and PPAP

• Ability to interpret CAE results and engineering analyses.

• Proficiency with CAD systems such as CATIA, NX, or Creo.

• Experience with PLM systems such as Teamcenter.

Analytical Skills:

• Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

• 8D Problem Solving

• Statistical analysis tools

• Data-driven decision making

Key Competencies:

• Technical leadership

• Strong problem-solving skills

• Project management

• Cross-functional collaboration

• Supplier management

• Effective communication and presentation skills

• Ability to work in a fast-paced product development environment

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline

• Minimum of 5 years of automotive engineering experience

• Experience managing supplier technical activities

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Engineering

• Experience with suspension systems

• Experience with air springs, chassis systems, or ride-leveling systems

• Experience with active and adaptive suspension systems

• Knowledge of air compressors, reservoirs, valve blocks, and air management systems

• Experience supporting vehicle launches

• Knowledge of ride and handling development processes

• Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent quality certification