Mechanical Design Engineer

Blue Chip Talent, in partnership with an automotive manufacturing organization, is seeking a skilled Mechanical/Structural Automotive Accessory Engineer. This role is responsible for the design, development, and integration of structural metal components and rugged exterior accessories for next-generation vehicles. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience with automotive chassis structures, metal fabrication, and structural component development, from initial concept through production launch.Travel: 5–25% (Domestic and Potential International Travel)Job Duties:Design and develop structural exterior accessories, including tow hitches, bumper beams, brackets, reinforcements, skid plates, and other heavy-duty bolt-on componentsEngineer metal structural assemblies using stampings, extrusions, castings, weldments, and mechanically fastened componentsDevelop structural concepts, material specifications, component sizing, attachment strategies, and vehicle integration solutionsEvaluate crash-energy management, structural load paths, impact performance, durability, and metal-to-metal interfacesCreate and review 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, GD&T, and component specifications to support product developmentCollaborate with chassis, body structures, and CAE engineering teams to validate structural performance and vehicle integrationPartner with suppliers to evaluate manufacturing feasibility, welding processes, corrosion protection, tooling, and component qualitySupport prototype builds, structural testing, design validation, root-cause analysis, and production launch activitiesSkills & ExperienceRequired:Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related engineering discipline5+ years of mechanical or structural product development experience in automotive, chassis, body structures, exterior accessories, or motorsports applicationsHands-on experience designing and developing structural metal components, including beams, brackets, weldments, reinforcements, and bolt-on assembliesKnowledge of metal manufacturing processes, including stamping, forming, extrusion, welding, casting, and mechanical fasteningUnderstanding of structural load paths, crash-energy management, strength, stiffness, durability, and vehicle impact requirementsExperience engineering structural joints, bolted connections, metal-to-metal interfaces, and components integrated with vehicle frames or body structuresProficiency with 3D CAD modeling, mechanical component design, material selection, structural sizing, and manufacturing feasibility assessmentsWorking knowledge of GD&T, tolerance analysis, corrosion protection, and automotive component validation methodologiesDesired:Experience developing tow hitches, bumper beams, crash structures, skid plates, recovery systems, or off-road vehicle accessoriesAutomotive chassis, body-in-white, ladder-frame, or motorsports/NASCAR structural engineering experienceExperience with CATIA V5/V6 for automotive component design and vehicle packagingFamiliarity with CAE/FEA results for structural strength, fatigue, crash performance, and durability analysisExperience with DFMEA, DVP&R, DFM/DFA, APQP, PPAP, and automotive product development processesKnowledge of steel and aluminum structural design, material gauge selection, weld design, and corrosion-resistant coatingsExperience supporting prototype fabrication, supplier development, tooling, vehicle builds, and production launchExperience developing components for towing, off-road durability, recovery loads, or demanding vehicle operating conditionsBlue Chip Talent is an award-winning and woman-owned talent solutions provider based out of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. For over 30 years, we’ve specialized in IT, Engineering, and Professional Services staffing—now serving clients in 37 states and counting. We connect the market's elite talent with top employers, pairing exceptional white-glove service with proven hiring results to drive innovation and fuel growth.We offer industry-leading benefits options and are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) that values merit-based recruitment centered around technical ability, skillset, and alignment with our employing partners.