Lead Engineer - Materials Technology

Responsibilities & Key Deliverables

As an Engineer – Materials Technology, you will lead and be responsible for comprehensive project deliverables relating to plastics and composite materials utilized in automotive applications. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Developing advanced raw materials for both interior and exterior polymer components, ensuring materials meet performance and durability standards.
• Conducting thorough failure modes and root cause analyses on polymer parts, employing established methodologies to enhance product reliability.
• Demonstrating in-depth knowledge of materials, part designs, and vehicle manufacturing processes to optimize product integration and manufacturability.
• Applying value analysis and engineering principles to improve cost-effectiveness and product quality across material selections and processes.
• Leading product development initiatives, harnessing tools such as DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and DVP (Design Verification Plans) to ensure material and component performance aligns with engineering requirements.
• Selecting appropriate materials based on detailed engineering criteria, driving innovation in polymeric part designs and materials development.
• Utilizing robust statistical techniques for establishing material specifications, evaluating raw material suppliers, and conducting rigorous supplier audits to uphold quality standards.
• Independently leading the development and implementation of novel material technologies, including lightweight composites, to support cutting-edge automotive designs.
• Applying expert knowledge in composite materials and structural manufacturing technologies to develop high-performance applications.
• Interpreting mold flow analysis reports to resolve polymer processing challenges and mitigate associated part failures.
• Employing software tools such as CATIA for design support and having exposure to ICME (Integrated Computational Materials Engineering) platforms like MSC Digimat to simulate and optimise materials behaviour.
• Conducting benchmarking activities against industry standards and competitors to continuously improve materials technology strategies.

This role demands a proactive approach in research, development, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver innovative, reliable, and cost-effective materials solutions that align with our automotive business unit's goals.