Design Release Engineer - Air Springs

The Coil Spring / Air Spring Design Release Engineer is responsible for the end‑to‑end engineering, development, validation, and launch of chassis spring components for vehicle programs. This role ensures that coil springs and air springs meet all functional, durability, comfort, NVH, regulatory, and manufacturing requirements while achieving cost, weight, timing, and quality targets. The engineer interfaces cross‑functionally with Architecture, Vehicle Dynamics, Program Management, Suppliers, Manufacturing, and Quality to successfully deliver spring systems into production.

Key Responsibilities:

Component Design & Development:

• Own full design release responsibility for coil springs and/or air springs, including CAD definition, technical specifications, and drawing creation.
• Lead design studies, trade‑offs, and optimization related to ride, handling, wheel travel, loads, packaging, durability, and NVH.
• Conduct DFMEA, DVP&R creation, and ensure robust engineering documentation.
• Develop and maintain technical specifications for spring materials, coatings, fatigue performance, and manufacturing processes.

Program Execution & Release Activities:

• Issue engineering releases via PLM systems (e.g., Teamcenter, Enovia, TC AE).
• Drive component delivery through all program milestones—from early architecture through production launch.
• Collaborate with Vehicle Dynamics to align spring rates, curves, tuning ranges, and compatibility with dampers and bushings.
• Support virtual validation through CAE (static load, fatigue, modal, air spring behavior).

Supplier Management:

• Work closely with global suppliers for design feasibility, manufacturing capability, cost negotiations, and issue resolution.
• Review supplier DFMEAs, PPAP documentation, and ensure components meet all validation requirements.
• Evaluate and approve engineering changes and deviations.

Testing, Validation & Issue Resolution:

• Develop and execute test plans for durability, fatigue, corrosion, environmental, and compliance testing.
• Support rig and vehicle-level testing, including ride/handling evaluations and tuning activities.
• Lead root cause analysis for component issues (e.g., sag, cracking, noise, leakage) and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure timely closure of open validation concerns and program risks.