Body Structure Engineer - Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles

Freedom Motors USA•Battle Creek, MI

About The Position

Freedom Motors USA is hiring a Body Structure Engineer to design, modify, and validate floor structures, frames, and chassis components used in wheelchair-accessible vehicle conversions. The role re-engineers OEM SUVs and minivans to accommodate wheelchair users while preserving the original vehicle’s crash performance, structural integrity, and regulatory compliance. It is a hands-on position in which designs progress from CAD through prototype development and onto the production floor.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
3–5+ years of experience in automotive body-in-white (BIW), body structures, or vehicle structural engineering.
Proficiency with CAD software such as CATIA, SolidWorks, or AutoCAD.
Working knowledge of sheet metal fabrication, welding processes, structural adhesives and bonding methods, and automotive materials.
Experience with engineering and quality tools such as FEA, DFA/DFM, DOE, DFMEA/PFMEA, DVP&R, 8D or similar problem-solving methods, GD&T, and tolerance stack-up.
Understanding of crash dynamics and vehicle safety testing.
Sharp problem-solving abilities, close attention to detail, and clear written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines under pressure.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience or familiarity with vehicle upfitting, specialty vehicles, or mobility conversions.
Experience with ANSYS, LS-DYNA, or HyperWorks.
Familiarity with relevant FMVSS standards, SAE J2249 securement requirements, or the NMEDA Quality Assurance Program (QAP).

Responsibilities

Design and validate body and floor structures in CAD, from early concepts and physical mock-ups through release.
Specify structural adhesive and bonding applications alongside welded joints suitable for production.
Select and design steel and aluminum parts that balance vehicle weight, load capacity, and structural strength.
Engineer moving components—including closures, door operators, suspension modifications, and ramp mechanisms—that integrate with modified structures.
Ensure vehicle modifications comply with FMVSS, ADA requirements, and mobility industry safety standards.
Lead prototype builds, including design verification (DV) and process verification (PV) builds, and coordinate crash testing.
Plan design, purchasing, assembly, and testing needs in line with project timing and deliverables using Stage Gate/APQP processes.
Partner with purchasing, parts, and production teams to launch designs that meet cost, quality, and timing targets without compromising safety.
Standardize parts and designs across vehicle platforms where appropriate.
Support root cause investigations, engineering changes, and design improvements for vehicles already in production.