Ride & Test / Prototype Engineer

KYB Americas Corporation•Franklin, IN

13h•Onsite

About The Position

KYB Americas Corporation is seeking a hands-on Ride & Test / Prototype Engineer to help develop, test, and improve automotive suspension systems. The role includes working with customers and engineering teams on vehicle ride and handling performance; building, rebuilding, and testing prototype shocks, struts, and suspension components; conducting performance tests; analyzing data; and preparing technical reports. The engineer will develop test plans, fixtures, and improved testing procedures, support new product development and design improvements, and assist with field testing, including ride trailer setup and operation. Domestic and international travel may be required as needed. The position also serves as a technical interface among KYB Japan’s engineering department, customers, suppliers, and other KYB Americas Corporation departments. Responsibilities include supporting design reviews, program launches, prototype builds, quoting, production problem solving, cost reduction, and Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA). The engineer will apply KYB standards, review drawings before release, and support program development and implementation into production.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
3–5 years of related experience, preferably in automotive engineering, vehicle dynamics, or product testing.
Knowledge of suspension systems, shock absorbers, and struts.
Ability to read engineering drawings and technical specifications.
Experience with machine shop equipment, brazing, and welding.
Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently.

Nice To Haves

Experience with data acquisition systems.
Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, or Autodesk.
Automotive engineering, vehicle dynamics, or product testing experience.

Responsibilities

Serve as the technical interface for the KYB Japan engineering department.
Discuss programs, design specifications, Design Verification Testing (DVT), test planning, and DVT results with customer engineering teams.
Act as a technical interface with suppliers and other KYB Americas Corporation departments.
Support design reviews.
Understand customer development program sequencing and documentation needs.
Lead and participate in KYB Americas Corporation program launch teams.
Design according to KYB standards.
Understand customer product specifications and DVT needs, and negotiate special tests when circumstances require.
Provide technical leadership for prototype builds.
Assist with the quoting process.
Support major program development or lead minor program development assignments.
Check drawings before releasing them to customers or internal manufacturing.
Support current production problem solving and cost-reduction activities.
Support DFMEA development.
Collaborate with customers and engineers to develop and improve vehicle ride and handling performance.
Build, rebuild, and test prototype shocks, struts, and suspension components.
Conduct performance testing, analyze data, and provide technical reports.
Develop test plans, fixtures, and improved testing procedures.
Support new product development and engineering design improvements.
Assist with field testing, including ride trailer setup and operation.
Work with internal teams, suppliers, and customers.
Travel domestically and internationally as needed.
Perform other duties assigned by the immediate supervisor or manager.