Sr Mechanical Engineer

Full time Contract to Direct opportunity near the Bay City area for a Senior Mechanical Engineer. Must have experience working with REPS and a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering. Five plus years of experience required. Hourly rate ranging up to $45-50/hr.

The Mechanical Engineer is a core project team member responsible for the system and mechanical design and development of automotive steering systems.

Develop and coordinate steering gear component designs tailored for regional applications

Lead mechanical design discussions and communications with OEM customers

Manage mechanical BOMs, 2D drawings, and 3D CAD (math data)

Support programs through design studies, change management, and VAVE activities

Perform design analysis using DFMEA, DRBFM, FEA, CAE, and other tools

Develop mechanical test procedures/specifications in collaboration with the validation team

Create new mechanical designs and manage supplier development for key components

Coordinate prototype part builds and ensure timely delivery to support internal/customer milestones

Ensure manufacturability of designs and support production readiness with manufacturing teams

Analyze customer mechanical/system requirements and lead GAP analysis activities

Negotiate technical specifications and system/component requirements with OEMs

Prepare and present technical design reviews to internal and external stakeholders

Support RFQ activities including ED&D preparation and BOM documentation

Conduct vehicle packaging studies and lead design trade-off negotiations with customers

Communicate effectively with global/core mechanical design teams

Assist with warranty part analysis to determine root causes of failure

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering (required)

Solid understanding of manufacturing, machining, assembly, and inspection processes

Proficient in GD&T and functional print definition

Experience with Design for Six Sigma and statistical design methods (preferred)

Strong interpersonal and communication skills with internal and external teams

In-depth knowledge of steering systems (Rack & Pinion, REPS)

Experience with castings, bushings, tie rods, and CAD packaging

Background in automotive chassis systems (steering, braking, suspension)

Familiarity with mechanical principles related to steering and chassis design

Proficient in CATIA (required)

Experience with Teamcenter (GM and Ford) is a plus

Skilled in component/system trade-offs and optimization

Capable of coordinating supplier schedules and deliverables

Ability to analyze NVH and perform vibration analysis

Familiarity with stress, thermal, and durability analysis is preferred

Strong problem-solving skills using structured methods (e.g., 8D, Ishikawa)