Occupant Protection Performance Engineer

Our client blends a rich automotive heritage with groundbreaking innovation in electric vehicle technology. With over 700 employees and strong backing from a leading sports car manufacturer, it is strategically led by an industry pioneer.

Responsibilities:

• Define, coordinate, and manage the virtual and experimental Design Verification Plans (DVPs) for occupant protection, in alignment with global legal regulations and internal safety standards.
• Plan and track validation activities across subsystems, including static deployments, sled and trolley tests, and full vehicle crash tests.
• Analyze and report results from virtual simulations and physical tests, ensuring comprehensive documentation and supporting the Chief Project Engineer.
• Manage all biomechanical simulations and support structural analysis efforts in coordination with departments such as CAE, body-in-white, interior, exterior, chassis, and EE/HV.
• Conduct CAD assessments and virtual evaluations to support engineering decisions.
• Lead and resolve issues identified during development or carried over from legacy programs, ensuring timely and efficient resolution.
• Support the DFMEA process to anticipate and mitigate potential system-level issues.
• Develop technical guidelines, performance targets, and constraints for safety restraint components and occupant protection systems.
• Manage passive safety suppliers from component to full system integration and vehicle-level certification, ensuring performance, budget, and timeline compliance.

• Assist in defining and tracking passive safety budgets.

• Set targets and support DVP execution (CAE/Experimental) for all occupant safety systems, including performance evaluation in frontal, side, rear, pedestrian, and rollover scenarios.

• Define ACU calibration parameters and fire/no-fire thresholds.

• Lead debugging activities for current programs and ensure corrective actions are validated and implemented.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration with other R&D departments to meet component and system-level performance objectives.

Requirements:

• Proven experience as a Passive Safety Performance Engineer, preferably in a high-performance or sports vehicle environment.
• Strong background in occupant protection within an OEM; Tier 1 supplier experience with restraint systems is a plus.
• Proficient in safety system testing and validation across all project phases (concept to launch).

• Familiarity with data analysis tools such as NI DIAdem and Altair HyperWorks.

• CAD knowledge (preferably 3DX) for model checking and technical validation.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, in English.

• Strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution abilities.

• Solid analytical and problem-solving mindset.

• Team-oriented with a collaborative and proactive work ethic.