Design & Development Engineer - Airbag & Restraints

Overview

This is a Design & Development Engineer role in automotive passive safety, working on airbag and restraint components for global OEM programs. You will design and modify components such as airbag modules, curtain airbags, seat belts and related brackets and interfaces. This includes adapting existing parts to new vehicle variants, running packaging, DMU and virtual build checks, and applying CAE results as design changes. You will also update DFMEA and DVP&R documents, release changes through PLM, and support suppliers through technical agreement, samples and quality loops. The ideal candidate has strong CAD skills in CATIA, 3DEXPERIENCE or NX, a solid grasp of the design release process, and working knowledge of occupant protection requirements.

Responsibilities

Design and development

• Design and develop airbag and restraint components such as airbag modules, curtain airbags, seat belts, steering wheel and seat restraint parts, and their brackets and interfaces.
• Create and modify 3D CAD models, assemblies and 2D drawings, including adapting existing or carry-over parts to new vehicle variants or markets.
• Update surrounding parts and interfaces affected by a change, and check they still fit and function together.

Packaging and validation support

• Carry out packaging studies, DMU checks and virtual build analysis, including assembly sequence and tool accessibility.
• Check clearances for airbag deployment zones against trims, pillars, headliners and body structure.
• Work with CAE and simulation teams, take their results as inputs, and implement the resulting design changes.
• Support test and validation activities and build events as required.

Documentation and release

• Prepare and update DFMEA, DVP&R and other design documents.
• Release engineering changes and data through the PLM system, following the OEM’s release process.
• Assess the impact of design changes on surrounding systems and raise change requests where needed.

Supplier and cross-functional coordination

• Support suppliers through technical agreement, data sharing, manufacturing feasibility feedback and sample approval.
• Take part in design reviews, tooling reviews and quality loops, and follow open issues through to closure.
• Work with interior, body and other design teams so safety components meet packaging, safety and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• B.E./B.Tech (or equivalent) in Mechanical, Automobile, Automotive or a related field. An M.Tech is a plus.
• 6 to 9 years in automotive product design and development, ideally with exposure to safety, restraint or interior systems.
• Hands-on experience in designing or modifying airbag, seat belt or other restraint components is preferred.
• Strong CAD skills in CATIA V5, 3DEXPERIENCE, NX or equivalent, including assemblies, surfacing basics and 2D drawings.
• Working knowledge of DMU, packaging and virtual build reviews.
• Understanding of DFMEA, DVP&R and the design release process.
• Experience with a PLM system such as Teamcenter or similar.
• Working knowledge of automotive safety regulations and occupant protection requirements.
• Familiarity with GD&T, tolerance analysis and design for manufacturing for plastic, metal or textile parts.
• Good communication skills for working with CAE teams, suppliers and cross-functional engineers.

Essential skills

Technical

• CAD design: Strong 3D modelling, assemblies and 2D drawing skills in CATIA V5, 3DEXPERIENCE, NX or equivalent.
• Safety component design: Understanding of how airbag modules, curtain airbags, seat belts and restraint parts are designed, packaged and mounted.
• Packaging and DMU: Ability to run packaging studies, clearance checks and virtual build analysis, including airbag deployment zones.
• Design documentation: Working knowledge of DFMEA, DVP&R and design release procedures.
• PLM: Experience releasing data and engineering changes through Teamcenter or a similar system.
• GD&T and DFM: Ability to apply GD&T, tolerance analysis and manufacturing feasibility to plastic, metal or textile parts.
• Regulatory awareness: Knowledge of automotive safety and occupant protection requirements.

Working with others

• CAE collaboration: Ability to read simulation results and turn them into design changes.
• Supplier coordination: Experience with technical agreement, feasibility feedback and sample approval.
• Communication: Clear reporting and discussion with cross-functional teams, clients and suppliers.
• Problem solving: Attention to detail and the ability to work to program deadlines.

Desired skills

• Hands-on experience designing airbag modules, curtain airbags, seat belts or other restraint components.
• Experience adapting existing or carry-over parts to new vehicle variants or markets.
• Knowledge of side impact, pole impact and other occupant protection regulations (for example ADR, FMVSS or ECE).
• Exposure to CAE and simulation workflows, enough to interpret results and drive design changes.
• Understanding of interior trim and body structure interfaces, such as pillar trims, headliners and BIW brackets.
• Experience working with global OEMs, international suppliers and cross-cultural teams.
• Experience with textile, fabric or folded-part design relevant to airbag cushions.
• Familiarity with test and validation processes, such as deployment tests or build event support.

What do I need before I apply

Must-have

• CAD design: You can model parts and assemblies and produce 2D drawings in CATIA V5, 3DEXPERIENCE, NX or equivalent.
• Safety component knowledge: You understand how airbag modules, curtain airbags, seat belts and restraint parts are designed, packaged and mounted.
• Packaging and DMU: You can run packaging studies, clearance checks and virtual build analysis, including airbag deployment zones.
• Design documentation: You have worked with DFMEA, DVP&R and design release procedures.
• PLM: You have released data and engineering changes through Teamcenter or a similar system.
• GD&T and DFM: You can apply GD&T, tolerance analysis and manufacturing feasibility to plastic, metal or textile parts.
• Regulatory awareness: You know automotive safety and occupant protection requirements.
• Collaboration: You can work with CAE teams, turn simulation results into design changes, and coordinate with suppliers on technical agreement and samples.

Benefits

• Health and wellbeing: Medical insurance for you and your family.
• Leave and work-life balance: Paid annual leave, public holidays and other perks.
• Global exposure: Work on programs for international automotive OEMs alongside cross-border teams.
• Learning and development: Access to training, certifications and upskilling.
• Career growth: Clear progression paths in engineering and program management, with internal mobility across Expleo’s business and domains.
• Inclusive workplace: An equal opportunity employer that values diverse backgrounds and experience.