Internship Optimization Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL

Filtran is seeking a Design / Project Engineer to lead the design and development of advanced filtration systems for automotive powertrain applications. 

In this role, you will bring automotive filtration systems to life, from initial concept through production launch. 

You will be responsible for all phases of product development, be the primary technical liaison to the customer, and perform technical project management duties. 

You will create CAD models and engineering drawings and ensure that the design meets Filtran quality and manufacturing standards. 

In this role, you will gain a broad view of the automotive industry, working closely with cross-functional teams including the test lab, quality, manufacturing, sales, and sourcing departments.

Design & Development

• Design innovative filtration products using Creo, adhering to Filtran standards and modeling best practices.
• Generate 3D CAD models, drawings, and APQP documentation.
• Ensure manufacturability, performance, and cost-optimization through DFMA and FEA/CFD simulations and test results.
• Apply strong understanding of powertrain filtration systems gained through hands-on experience, training, and collaboration.

Project & Technical Leadership

• Lead technical discussions in weekly customer meetings.
• Organize and facilitate cross-functional meetings to track technical open items.
• Collaborate with program managers and internal stakeholders to meet project milestones and deliverables.

Product Testing & Validation

• Develop validation plans and submit testing requests to the Filtran internal test lab.
• Coordinate test fixture design and validation activities based on customer and internal standards.
• Utilize knowledge of industry-specific testing standards and validation procedures.

Engineering Support

• Create and maintain engineering documentation including engineering drawings, bills of materials, failure mode and effects analyses, and engineering change orders.
• Support design changes, cost-reduction efforts, and technical reviews.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to new product innovation and existing product enhancements.
• Participate in IP generation, competitive benchmarking, and R&D initiatives.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
• Previous product design experience (professional and/or internship).
• Proficient in Creo with knowledge of modeling best practices, and experience optimizing designs based on simulation and/or test results. Advanced surfacing knowledge is a plus
• Ability to understand and interpret detailed engineering and testing specifications.
• Familiarity with automotive quality standards and processes.
• Hands-on experience working with cross-functional teams, group facilitation, and problem-solving.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Fluent in English, including excellent communication skills (listening, written, verbal, and presentation).

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or automotive engineering.
• 2-3 years of project engineering and/or R&D experience with automotive OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers, preferably with hydraulic or filtration products.
• Direct customer interaction experience.
• Experience modelling production-ready injection molded parts.
• Proficient conducting and/or utilizing FEA and CFD in the design process.
• Good understanding of fluid dynamics and simulation/analysis software (SolidWorks Simulation, SolidWorks Flow Simulation, Creo Simulate, etc.).
• Experience with high volume production (100,000 to 1,000,000 units/year), preferably injection molding of engineered resins, steel stampings, and/or filtration components.
• Proficient with MS Project and/or similar project tracking tools.
• Active member of engineering societies (SAE, ASTM, ISO, etc.)
• Experience as a US patent inventor or in novel product development.
• Ability to converse in additional languages (German, Chinese, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, etc.)

Compensation / Benefits

• Salary Range - $85,000 - $96,000 (DOE).
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance Programs.
• 401K with company matching.
• Generous paid time off.
• Employee wellness program.
• Inclusive culture.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based and requires the ability to travel independently (less than 10%) to customer or supplier locations as project needs arise.
• Requires the ability to sit at a computer workstation for extended periods to complete engineering and documentation tasks.
• Occasionally it is necessary to walk through the production facility to observe machinery, equipment, and manufacturing operations.

Why Join Filtran?

Filtran is a global leader in filtration technology for the automotive industry. We are committed to quality, innovation, and delivering outstanding engineered solutions. At Filtran, you’ll work with talented engineers across the globe and contribute to the next generation of filtration systems that keep vehicles performing at their best.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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