Job Title : Bracket Design Engineer – Automotive
Department : Body / Chassis / Powertrain / Electrical Packaging (depending on bracket function)
🔧 Role Summary
The Bracket Design Engineer is responsible for the concept, design, development, and release of metallic and plastic brackets used across various vehicle systems. This includes brackets for mounting components such as sensors, wiring harnesses, modules, hoses, pipes, and body structures. The engineer ensures all bracket designs meet functional, structural, packaging, manufacturability, cost, and quality requirements .
🧠 Key Responsibilities
1. Design & Development
- Design and develop metallic and plastic brackets (stamping, casting, or injection-molded) to support body, powertrain, chassis, or electrical components.
- Create 3D CAD models and 2D drawings using tools like CATIA V5 / V6, NX, or Creo .
- Ensure compliance with GD&T , DFMEA , and DFM / DFA principles.
- Optimize bracket geometry for weight, stiffness, and manufacturability .
- Perform tolerance stack-up and interface studies to ensure proper fit within the vehicle environment.
- Conduct design feasibility reviews with manufacturing, NVH, CAE, and packaging teams .
2. Packaging & Integration
Manage bracket packaging in tight vehicle environments ensuring no clash / interference with nearby components.Interface with Body, Chassis, Electrical, and Powertrain teams to align mounting points and load paths.Support CAE team with bracket load cases, boundary conditions, and thickness recommendations.3. Validation & Release
Support validation and testing of brackets (vibration, fatigue, durability).Address test issues through design modifications and implement countermeasures.Prepare and release Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) , Bill of Materials (BOMs) , and drawing releases in systems like Teamcenter, Enovia, or Windchill .4. Supplier & Manufacturing Collaboration
Work closely with suppliers and tooling teams during design and prototype build phases.Review tooling feasibility , material selection , and manufacturing process flow .Participate in Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) reviews.Support launch builds and resolve bracket fitment or assembly issues at the plant.⚙️ Technical Skills Required
Proficiency in 3D CAD (CATIA V5 / V6, Siemens NX, Creo).Strong understanding of Sheet Metal Design , Casting Design , and Plastic Component Design .Familiarity with CAE / FEA results interpretation (stress, vibration, fatigue).Knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and drawing standards.Experience with material selection (Steel, Aluminum, Plastic, Composite).Understanding of fasteners, weld nuts, clips, and joining techniques (spot weld, MIG, bolted joints, adhesive bonding).Basic knowledge of automotive product development process (e.g., APQP, PPAP, DFMEA).🧩 Soft Skills
Strong communication and collaboration skills with cross-functional teams.Analytical mindset with problem-solving and root-cause analysis capability.Attention to detail with a focus on quality, timing, and cost .Ability to work in a fast-paced, global automotive environment .🎓 Education & Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field.2–6 years of experience in bracket or component design in the automotive industry.Exposure to OEM or Tier-1 product development lifecycle is preferred.