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Suspension Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Santa Cruz Bicycles

R&D Fabricator

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

Fabricate full-suspension bicycle frames with elite accuracy and efficiency * Measure and record ... Work with our Production Engineering team to design and build new fixtures to level up and support ...

Santa Cruz

R&D Fabricator

Santa Cruz, CA

$45/hr

Fabricate full-suspension bicycle frames with elite accuracy and efficiency * Measure and record ... Work with our Production Engineering team to design and build new fixtures to level up and support ...

Aptera Motors

Sr Engineer, Chassis

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

Design, develop, engineer the vehicle suspension system, steering system and braking system and full integration with controls and the other vehicle systems. * Coordinate, create and interpret ...

Aptera Motors Corp

Sr Engineer, Chassis

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$95 - $120/hr

Design, develop, engineer the vehicle suspension system, steering system and braking system and full integration with controls and the other vehicle systems. * Coordinate, create and interpret ...

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All JobsSuspension Design Engineer JobsSuspension Design Engineer Jobs in California

Suspension Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$40K

$87K

$156.4K

How much do suspension design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for suspension design engineer in California is $86,995.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,100.00 and $97,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a suspension design engineer?

Suspension Design Engineers are professionals who specialize in designing, developing, and testing vehicle suspension systems. These systems are crucial for ensuring ride comfort, handling, and safety by managing how a vehicle responds to road conditions. Suspension Design Engineers work closely with other automotive engineers to create components like springs, shock absorbers, and control arms, often using computer-aided design (CAD) software and simulation tools. Their role also involves prototyping, analyzing test data, and making improvements to meet performance and regulatory requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by suspension design engineers during the development process?

Suspension Design Engineers often encounter challenges related to balancing performance, comfort, and cost constraints. They must ensure that their designs meet strict safety and regulatory standards while also accommodating manufacturing limitations and tight deadlines. Additionally, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams—such as vehicle dynamics, manufacturing, and testing—requires strong communication and problem-solving skills to integrate feedback and quickly address unforeseen issues during prototyping and validation phases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a suspension design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Suspension Design Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, expertise in vehicle dynamics, and proficiency in CAD software, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Experience with tools like CATIA, SolidWorks, and simulation software such as MATLAB/Simulink is common, along with knowledge of industry standards. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help set candidates apart. These competencies are crucial for designing safe, efficient, and innovative suspension systems that meet performance and regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between Suspension Design Engineer vs Chassis Engineer?

AspectSuspension Design EngineerChassis Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering, relevant certificationsBachelor's in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering, relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning suspension systems, CAD modeling, testingDesigning chassis structures, integration, testing
Industry UsageAutomotive manufacturers, suppliersAutomotive manufacturers, racing teams
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Both Suspension Design Engineers and Chassis Engineers work in automotive design, often collaborating on vehicle performance. Suspension Engineers focus on developing and testing suspension systems to improve ride quality and handling, while Chassis Engineers work on the overall vehicle frame and structural integrity. Understanding their roles helps in choosing the right career path or job focus within automotive engineering.

What are popular job titles related to Suspension Design Engineer jobs in California?

For Suspension Design Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Suspension Design Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Suspension Design Engineer jobs in California are:

Suspension Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Suspension Design Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,995 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Chassis Engineer, Suspension

Harbinger Motors Inc.

Garden Grove, CA

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Role Overview

As a Chassis Engineer, Suspension (Sustaining), you will be a critical member of the current production engineering team at Harbinger, responsible for maintaining, optimizing, and improving existing mechanical suspension systems for our medium-duty electric vehicle platforms. This role is heavily focused on product lifecycle management-driving cost reductions, resolving manufacturing and supplier quality issues, and implementing engineering changes to improve reliability. You will ensure that our electric vans and pickup trucks continue to deliver industry-leading durability, safety, and ride quality by closely monitoring field performance and executing continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities
  • Continuous Improvement & VAVE: Identify and lead Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VAVE) initiatives to reduce component costs, improve manufacturability, and optimize existing suspension assemblies without compromising performance.
  • Root Cause Analysis: Lead 8D problem-solving investigations for suspension-related field failures, warranty claims, and manufacturing defects, driving issues to permanent resolution.
  • Engineering Change Management: Author, review, and execute Engineering Change Requests/Orders (ECRs/ECOs) for running changes, ensuring accurate updates to 3D models, 2D drawings, and Bill of Materials (BOM).
  • Manufacturing Support: Partner directly with the vehicle assembly plant to rapidly resolve line-stop issues, address packaging anomalies, and improve assembly ergonomics for suspension components.
  • Supplier Quality & Resourcing: Collaborate with supply chain and current suppliers to resolve ongoing quality issues, approve PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) updates, and support the technical validation of new or alternative suppliers.
  • Validation & Testing: Define and execute targeted Design Validation Plans (DVPs) specifically for design revisions, cost-down initiatives, or localized supplier changes.
  • Documentation & PLM: Maintain and update component specifications, DFMEAs, and rigorous project issue lists to ensure the health of the product through its lifecycle.
Required Skills & Experience
  • Education: Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering (or a related field) + 5 years of relevant experience, OR a Bachelor's degree + 7 years of relevant experience.
  • Sustaining Engineering: At least 5 years of experience in automotive suspension engineering, specifically focused on current production, sustaining engineering, or quality resolution for commercial applications/pickup trucks.
  • EV Specialization: Experience managing suspension systems for electric or hybrid vehicles in series production, with a deep understanding of EV-specific load paths and battery packaging constraints.
  • CAD Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in CATIA v5 and/or v6, with strong abilities in updating complex kinematics models, clearance checking for running changes, and maintaining legacy CAD data.
  • Manufacturing Expertise: Strong background in forging, casting, and stamping production processes, with a proven track record of diagnosing and resolving manufacturing defects.
  • Load Path Analysis: Expert understanding of suspension load paths, static/dynamic loads, and how field wear-and-tear impacts moving and rotating components over time.
  • Travel: Willingness to travel up to 20% domestically for supplier quality audits, assembly plant support, and testing.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Current Production Track Record: Demonstrated experience managing series production engineering, specifically with successful warranty reduction and cost-saving (VAVE) campaigns.
  • Cross-Functional Leadership: Strong ability to collaborate seamlessly with manufacturing, quality, service, and supply chain teams to resolve multi-disciplinary technical issues quickly.
  • Commercial Acumen: Familiarity with the specific durability and payload requirements, as well as the typical failure modes, of the medium-duty delivery and logistics sector.

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