Restraints Engineer – Trim and Lighting
Overview
Join a Vehicle Engineering team developing next-generation autonomous vehicles. As a Restraints Engineer, you will own restraint system development from requirements definition and supplier sourcing through testing, validation, and production release. You will apply deep occupant protection expertise to define technical specifications, guide component and system design, resolve complex fleet and production issues, and drive restraint systems toward performance, quality, manufacturability, serviceability, and program readiness.
This role offers the opportunity to collaborate closely with safety, vehicle integration, quality, supply chain, manufacturing, service, procurement, engineering, suppliers, and program management teams in a highly cross-functional environment.
Responsibilities
- Develop and own restraint system requirements and System/Subsystem Technical Specifications (SSTS), cascading requirements to components and suppliers.
- Develop restraint components from concept through production release while meeting homologation, certification, and program requirements.
- Lead RFQ activities for restraint components, including preparation of technical packages, evaluation of supplier responses, and support for sourcing decisions.
- Support the resolution of open restraint issues, including critical design and build issues affecting performance, quality, and production readiness.
- Perform structured root-cause analysis using methodologies such as 8D and Fishbone.
- Plan, execute, and sign off on restraint testing at both the component and system levels as part of the overall occupant protection system.
- Apply CAE tools to guide restraint system design and validate performance.
- Influence system designs through design reviews, DFMEAs, validation activities, and manufacturing mock-builds.
- Partner with suppliers, quality, procurement, service, manufacturing, and engineering teams to drive complex issues to closure and support on-time delivery.
- Use 3DX to investigate packaging and part relationship issues.
- Manage engineering changes and technical documentation using JIRA, Confluence, Polarion, and PLM tools.
- Identify and communicate program progress, engineering challenges, and technical risks to Technical Program Management.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- At least 4 years of design and release experience with restraint components.
- Experience writing and managing system and component requirements, including technical specifications such as SSTS.
- Experience supporting RFQs and supplier selection for automotive safety components.
- Experience testing and signing off on restraint components at both the component level and system level.
- Working knowledge of restraint regulatory, homologation, and certification requirements, including FMVSS and NCAP.
- Experience applying CAE tools in the development of restraint systems.
- Strong understanding of DFMEA and PFMEA for passive safety components.
- Proficiency with structured root-cause analysis methods, including 8D and Fishbone.
- Proficiency with engineering and project tools such as JIRA, Confluence, Polarion, Gantt charts, ERP, PLM, and ALM.
- Experience using 3DX to investigate packaging and part relationship issues.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
- Ability to engage assertively and effectively across complex, multi-supplier relationships.
- Willingness to travel as needed to support builds, supplier visits, and testing.
Nice to Have Skills
- Passion for electric vehicles, autonomous mobility, and next-generation vehicle development.
- Current knowledge of developments in restraint systems and emerging occupant protection technologies.
- Experience using Claude or other AI tools to accelerate engineering work, such as data analysis and documentation.
Preferred Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- 4+ years of experience designing and releasing automotive restraint components.
- Experience carrying restraint systems through requirements definition, supplier sourcing, development, testing, validation, and production release.
Other Requirements
- Work arrangement: Onsite.
- Location: Foster City, California.
- Engagement: Six-month contract.
- Employment type: W2 only.
- Start timing: ASAP.
- Travel may be required for builds, supplier visits, and testing.
