Ladder Frame Chassis Expert

EDAG • Troy, MI

3d

About The Position

The Ladder Frame Chassis Expert designs and develops the primary structural frame, including side rails, crossmembers, brackets, and body mounts. The role optimizes frame geometry for vehicle dynamics, controlled body flex, and payload distribution. It establishes production processes using jigs, fixtures, and automated robotic arc-welding lines, reviews metrology reports, and adjusts shimming or processes to meet quality requirements.

The position supports prototype vehicle builds and DV/PV testing, overseeing structural durability, torsional rigidity, and proving-ground validation. It leads DFMEA and PFMEA activities and documentation, conducts 8D root-cause analyses of chassis failures and field issues, and implements corrective design actions. The role ensures compliance with applicable national and international automotive safety standards, including FMVSS, AIS, and CMVR, and drives VA/VE initiatives for localization, weight reduction, and cost efficiency while maintaining off-road durability.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• 3–5+ years of professional experience in automotive structural design or vehicle manufacturing.
• Advanced proficiency in CAD tools such as CATIA or NX, FEA software, Statistical Process Control (SPC), and control-chart analysis.
• In-depth knowledge of metallurgy, sheet-metal forming, welding automation systems such as KUKA, and chassis engineering fundamentals.
• English proficiency at C1–C2 level.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop primary structural frame components, including side rails, crossmembers, brackets, and body mounts.
• Optimize frame geometry for vehicle dynamics, controlled body flex, and payload distribution.
• Establish production processes using jigs, fixtures, and automated robotic arc-welding lines.
• Review metrology reports and implement shimming or process adjustments to meet quality requirements.
• Support prototype vehicle builds and execute DV/PV testing.
• Oversee structural durability, torsional rigidity, and proving-ground validation activities.
• Lead DFMEA and PFMEA activities and documentation.
• Conduct 8D root-cause analyses of chassis failures and field issues, and implement corrective design actions.
• Ensure frame structures comply with applicable national and international automotive safety standards, including FMVSS, AIS, and CMVR requirements.
• Drive VA/VE initiatives for localization, weight reduction, and cost efficiency without compromising off-road durability.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level