Accessory Product Engr.

The Friedkin Group•Westfield, TX

23h•Onsite

About The Position

As an Accessory Product Development Engineer at Gulf States Toyota, you will play a crucial role in the engineering development and launch of automotive accessories. Under the guidance of the Sr., Manager, Acc Prod Engineering, you will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Demand & Supply, Quality, Operations, Sourcing, and third-party suppliers to achieve organizational goals, encompassing cost, quality, installation, and performance targets. Leveraging your comprehensive understanding of automotive industry standards, vehicle integration, manufacturing processes, and automotive accessories, you will manage projects through the developmental process from concept to development to Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) and finally launch. Additionally, you will contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by implementing Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VA/VE) improvements and lean initiatives. Your support will extend to vehicle and accessory launches into production, encompassing activities such as Bill of Material (BOM)/configuration management, design for manufacturability, and packaging.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four year college or university (required) in Automotive, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering related field (strongly preferred)
5-7 years Related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience in managing the Stage Gate process throughout the accessory development cycle, ensuring adherence to project milestones and deliverables.
Experience in utilizing VA/VE methodologies to identify cost and installation optimization opportunities.
Experience in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, such as SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or CATIA, with a strong understanding of 2D and 3D modeling techniques.
Strong knowledge and expertise in mechanical or electrical automotive accessories
Strong knowledge of automotive industry and vehicle functions/systems
Strong understanding of OE & regulatory automotive testing and validation requirements for accessory product categories as assigned
Familiarity with common manufacturing processes for accessory product categories as assigned
Experience in problem solving, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement.
The ability to effectively communicate and interface with diverse audiences is critical.
Some experience leading and coaching work team(s) is necessary as is the ability to motivate and inspire others to take the initiative to make improvements
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite is necessary
Demonstrate excellent technical analysis and diagnostic skills
Excellent judgment, analytical, and interpersonal skills, including written and verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with all levels of executives, associates and other contacts
DL NUMBER - Driver License, Valid and in State Valid Drivers License Required

Nice To Haves

ASQ Certified Quality Engineer Preferred

Responsibilities

Reliable, consistent, on-site attendance is a requirement. This position requires you to be punctual and dependable in order to meet the needs of the business; including attending and participating in meetings and presentations
Be the GST subject matter expert in mechanical or electrical automotive accessories.
Manage Stage Gate process throughout accessory development cycle
Create component and system level Design Failure Mode & Effects Analysis’ (DFMEA) & Design Verification Plan & Report’s (DVP&R) in alignment with OE industry standards, internal GST accessory product expectations, and regulatory requirements (FMVSS, DOT, etc.)
Bill of Materials (BOM) & management: Develop and maintain the Bill of Materials (BOM) for each vehicle model & applicable accessory. Ensure accuracy, completeness, and proper configuration management of the BOM & accessory weights throughout the product lifecycle
Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE): Utilize VA/VE methodologies to identify cost & installation optimization opportunities. Evaluate product designs, materials, and manufacturing processes to achieve cost & BOM time reductions while maintaining or improving product quality and performance
Utilize problem solving methodologies to promptly solve issues and determine root cause as they arise. Adjust and implement policies and processes capture lessons learned and improve best practices that pre-emptively incorporate identified root causes
Support new vehicle launch and model year carry-over activities
Support GST supplier relationships - Maintain engineering relationships + collaborate with Quality & Sourcing to ensure supplier readiness / performance. Participate in identification & qualification of new suppliers
Participate in the continual improvement of accessory development and launch processes
Participate in review of warranty and other indicators of field performance and customer satisfaction
Participate in determining the direction of the accessory portfolio and help optimize accessory product category
Facilitate VPC readiness for installation of accessories
Responsibly receive, transmit, and handle consumer and customer data per applicable policies and procedures
Review and follow data privacy practices, policies, and guidelines.
Other duties as assigned