Summary
Highly analytical and results-driven Automotive Design Engineer with 6 years of experience specializing in vehicle body, chassis, and interior systems. Proven ability to lead design projects from concept through production, optimizing for performance, cost, and manufacturability. Adept at leveraging advanced CAD/CAE tools and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative and robust automotive solutions. Committed to advancing vehicle design with a focus on efficiency and passenger safety.
Experience
Senior Design Engineer, Body & Exterior SystemsFord Motor Company
- Led the design and integration of exterior body panels for a next-generation electric SUV, achieving a 15% reduction in part count and a 7% weight saving.
- Optimized structural integrity using advanced FEA simulations (ANSYS, Abaqus), improving crashworthiness by 20% against stringent safety standards.
- Collaborated with manufacturing teams to implement Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles, reducing tooling costs by $1.2M and assembly time by 8%.
- Managed a portfolio of 5+ CAD models and component designs, ensuring adherence to GD&T specifications and supplier deliverables for critical deadlines.
- Successfully resolved 15+ complex design challenges through root cause analysis and iterative prototyping, accelerating project timelines by an average of 3 weeks per issue.
Design Engineer, Chassis & Powertrain IntegrationMagna International
- Designed and validated structural components for chassis sub-assemblies, resulting in a 10% improvement in torsional rigidity for a luxury sedan platform.
- Utilized CATIA V6 and Siemens NX for 3D modeling and surfacing, delivering 25+ detailed component designs that met performance and packaging requirements.
- Conducted extensive CAE simulations for stress, vibration, and fatigue analysis, identifying potential failure points and proposing design modifications that saved $500K in material costs.
- Supported supplier engagement, reviewing technical drawings and specifications to ensure component quality and compatibility, leading to a 98% first-pass yield.
- Implemented standardized design practices across 3 major projects, increasing design efficiency by 18% and reducing rework cycles.
Projects
Electric Vehicle Battery Pack Integration Design
- Developed a modular battery pack housing design that improved thermal management efficiency by 25% and reduced assembly time by 15%.
- Performed structural analysis to ensure compliance with severe impact safety regulations, mitigating potential design failures early in the process.
Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) Sensor Housing
- Designed and optimized sensor housings for multiple ADAS components, ensuring seamless integration into vehicle architecture while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
- Utilized CFD to analyze airflow and minimize drag coefficients around sensor placements, contributing to a 0.5% overall aerodynamic efficiency improvement.
Lightweight Interior Door Module Redesign
- Redesigned an interior door module using advanced composite materials, achieving a 20% weight reduction compared to the previous design.
- Collaborated with ergonomics specialists to enhance user interface and accessibility features, resulting in a 10% improvement in customer satisfaction scores during internal testing.
Education
University of Michigan - Ann ArborMaster of Science in Mechanical Engineering (Automotive Focus)
- Completed thesis on "Advanced Lightweighting Strategies for Electric Vehicle Chassis," reducing target mass by 12% in simulation.
- Maintained a 3.9/4.0 GPA, specializing in vehicle dynamics and structural analysis.
Georgia Institute of TechnologyBachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
- Graduated Cum Laude with a focus on product design and manufacturing processes.
- Awarded Dean's List honors for six consecutive semesters (Fall 2015 - Spring 2018).
Publications
Optimizing Vehicle Body Structure for Enhanced Pedestrian Safety through Advanced Simulation
Application of Topology Optimization in Automotive Lightweighting: A Case Study on Chassis Components
Material Selection and Manufacturing Process Considerations for Sustainable Automotive Components
Skills
CAD Software
CATIA V5/V6Siemens NXSolidWorksAutoCADPTC Creo
CAE & Analysis
ANSYS WorkbenchAbaqusLS-DYNAFEACFDMaterial Characterization
Manufacturing & Materials
Design for Manufacturing (DFM)Design for Assembly (DFA)Injection MoldingSheet Metal FormingComposite MaterialsAdditive Manufacturing
Technical Competencies
GD&TDFMEATolerance Stack-up AnalysisVehicle DynamicsStructural MechanicsAerodynamics
Project & Process Management
Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)Product Data Management (PDM)Agile/ScrumRequirements ManagementRisk Assessment