Manager - VA (Upperbody Architecture)

• *Responsibilities \& Key Deliverables**
• ---------------------------------------

• *Key Responsibilities**

• *Upper Body Architecture Development**

• Lead the definition and development of vehicle upper body architecture from concept to production.
• Establish architectural layouts for the upper body structure, ensuring alignment with vehicle platform strategy and product requirements.
• Define and manage critical interfaces between Body\-in\-White (BIW), Closures, Glass, Roof Systems, Exterior Trim, and Interior systems.
• Ensure optimized package space while balancing structural performance, occupant comfort, visibility, styling, and manufacturability.
• Drive architectural decisions supporting modularity and platform commonality.

• *Vehicle Integration \& Packaging**

• Lead upper body packaging activities, ensuring compatibility between structural, functional, and aesthetic requirements.
• Resolve cross\-functional packaging conflicts involving roof, windshield, side glass, pillars, doors, tailgate, sealing systems, and interior trim.
• Support Digital Mock\-Up (DMU) reviews and package validation throughout product development.
• Coordinate engineering changes impacting upper body architecture.

• *Structural \& Interface Management**

* Define architecture requirements for

• + Roof structure

+ A, B, C \& D pillars

+ Windshield and backlite interfaces

+ Side glass systems

+ Door apertures

+ Roof rails

+ Tailgate/liftgate interfaces

+ Weather sealing systems

+ Exterior trim interfaces

• Ensure proper dimensional control, gap \& flush, tolerance stack\-up, and assembly feasibility.

• *Cross\-Functional Leadership**

• Collaborate with Styling, BIW, Closures, Exterior, Interior, Safety, Manufacturing, CAE, Validation, Supplier Engineering, and Program Management teams.
• Lead architecture and integration reviews across vehicle development milestones.
• Drive engineering trade\-off decisions considering cost, weight, performance, timing, quality, and customer expectations.
• Mentor engineering teams on architecture principles, interface management, and vehicle integration.

• *Safety \& Regulatory Compliance**

• Ensure upper body architecture meets applicable safety and regulatory requirements, including:
• + Roof crush performance

+ Side impact requirements

+ Occupant protection

+ Pedestrian protection (where applicable)

+ Visibility regulations

+ ECE, FMVSS, AIS, and global standards

• Support crashworthiness and structural optimization activities in collaboration with CAE teams.

• *Validation \& Engineering Support**

• Support virtual validation, prototype builds, and production trials.
• Analyze architecture\-related issues during development and validation.
• Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure robust engineering change management throughout the product lifecycle.

• *Continuous Improvement**

• Develop and standardize upper body architecture guidelines and best practices.
• Drive modular architecture initiatives across vehicle platforms.
• Capture and implement lessons learned for future vehicle programs.
• Promote innovation in lightweight design, manufacturability, and system integration.
• *Experience**
• -------------

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 12–14 years of experience in Automotive Body Engineering, Vehicle Architecture, or Vehicle Integration.
• Strong expertise in Upper Body Architecture and Body Structure Integration.
• Experience across complete vehicle development cycles from concept through production.
• Experience working with automotive OEMs or Tier\-1 suppliers is preferred.
• *Industry Preferred**
• ---------------------

• *Preferred Industry Experience**

• Passenger Vehicles
• Electric Vehicles (EV)
• Hybrid Vehicles
• Commercial Vehicles

Automotive OEMs or Tier\-1 Suppliers

• *Qualifications**
• -----------------

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 12–14 years of experience in Automotive Body Engineering, Vehicle Architecture, or Vehicle Integration.
• Strong expertise in Upper Body Architecture and Body Structure Integration.
• Experience across complete vehicle development cycles from concept through production.
• Experience working with automotive OEMs or Tier\-1 suppliers is preferred.
• *General Requirements**
• -----------------------

• Upper Body Architecture
• Vehicle Architecture \& Integration
• Body\-in\-White (BIW)
• Vehicle Packaging
• Structural Interface Management
• Closures Integration
• Roof Systems
• Glass \& Sealing Systems
• Exterior and Interior Interface Management
• Gap \& Flush Engineering
• Tolerance Stack\-up Analysis
• GD\&T
• Digital Mock\-Up (DMU)
• Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
• Design for Assembly (DFA)
• DFMEA
• Engineering Change Management
• Root Cause Analysis
• Regulatory Compliance (FMVSS, ECE, AIS)

• *Preferred Tools**

• CATIA V5/V6
• Siemens NX
• Teamcenter/PLM
• ENOVIA
• 3DCS or Variation Analysis Tools
• DMU/Vis Mockup
• Microsoft Office
• JIRA (preferred)
• *Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion**
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• *Job Segment:** Mechanical Engineer, Engineer, Architecture, Automotive, Engineering