Sr Engineer, Chassis
Aptera Motors
is dedicated to building a future where every journey is powered by the sun. We specialize in creating solar electric vehicles that revolutionize the way we travel, providing sustainable and efficient transportation solutions.
Company Culture
is built on transparency, ethical treatment of one another, a bias for action, and leading by example.
Senior Engineer, Chassis
Carlsbad, California | Engineering | Full-time
About the role
The Sr. Chassis Engineer will develop, design, engineer and implement the vehicle chassis system and components for the Aptera solar electric products. This role will be responsible for the technical development, design, CAD modeling and management, engineering, suppliers and components manufacturing and implementation in production of the chassis system.
Focus is on the vehicle braking system, wheels and tires systems (specialist level), suspension, steering, chassis frame, and other related chassis components at a highly experienced / knowledgeable level. The Sr Engineer will work closely with engineers and fabricators to bring early-stage concepts to life and help refine designs for performance, manufacturability, assembly, and efficient production of the vehicle. The Sr Engineer will establish, develop, and verify the fundamentals (kinematics, dynamics, stability, braking, steering/cornering, ride, and comfort) of vehicle chassis functions and integration with other vehicle systems.
This role joins a hands-on team that transforms ideas into reality. Offering a collaborative company environment, exciting projects, and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge prototypes that shape future products.
What you'll do
- Design, develop, engineer the vehicle suspension system, steering system and braking system and full integration with controls and the other vehicle systems.
- Coordinate, create and interpret engineering, CAD models, drawings, specifications as well as interface with suppliers and fabricators providing guidance for installation and in-house verbal instructions to execute builds. Create and manage BOM's and chassis documentation.
- Perform analytical studies and calculations, simulations (in-house, or with outside suppliers) to set up the correct functionality of all vehicle chassis systems and components .
- Work with suppliers on outsourcing and fabrication and manufacturing of the specific components.
- Lead and collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing and Quality teams to set up the critical functional parameters, installation and control, and interface of the on the chassis systems with the rest of the vehicle.
- Provide guidance and knowledge of chassis fundamentals with specific application to an advance and innovative 3-wheels vehicle.
- Identify the key compliance and homologation requirements for the chassis system within overall vehicle prove-out process.
- Create and lead the design and engineering documentation in accordance with the Company’s systems and processes.
Qualifications
- Experienced in chassis system design, development, engineering and specific manufacturing processes and assembly for road vehicles.
- Very proficient and advanced skills in CAD modeling (CATIA V6/3DX), ability to read, model, interpret and operate CAD models, technical drawings, GD&T, and layout/packaging.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to precision craftsmanship.
- Familiarity with typical chassis components materials and processes with applications to prototyping and production fabrication and assembly.
- Very experienced and knowledgeable on chassis suspension, steering and barking systems for automotive and/or motorcycles.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Specialist in braking, wheels/tires systems and components; very knowledgeable of other chassis systems and components.
- Experience with automotive, motorcycle and tri-cycle chassis systems for rod vehicles.
- Knowledge and experience with chassis system and components calculations, simulations, kinematics, and dynamic behavior.
- Experience with manufacturing and fabrication processes specific to chassis components: casting, forging, machining. stamping, extrusions, joining, welding, bonding.
- Familiarity with series production processes and assembly as well as rapid prototyping techniques and additive manufacturing.
Team Structure
- Individual contributor; collaborate with other teams and individuals, as necessary.
Required Experience
- 5 to 7 years of experience in chassis engineering with applications on automotive, or motorcycles and 3-wheeled vehicles.
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, Automotive or Manufacturing Engineering
Salary + Benefits
- Market competitive compensation package
- Stock option grants
- Fully funded benefits package for employee + dependents
- Generous Flexible Time Away policy