BIW Design Engineer – Structure & Layout

About the role

The BIW Design Engineer will lead the development of Body‑in‑White (BIW) structures, from concept through to production release. The role covers layout preparation, manufacturability, GD&T implementation and compliance management to meet structural, dimensional and quality targets for vehicle body systems.

Key responsibilities

• Design and develop BIW structures including underbody, side‑body, roof, front/rear ends, doors, closures, reinforcements and mounting brackets.
• Prepare complete BIW layouts, define section concepts, joining strategies, datum schemes and assess packaging feasibility with chassis, powertrain, interior and exterior systems.
• Apply GD&T according to ASME/ISO standards, manage datum structures, tolerance stack‑up and support dimensional variation analysis.
• Ensure DFM compliance: evaluate drawability, wrinkle prevention, thinning control, springback, tooling accessibility and forming simulation.
• Drive DFA initiatives to simplify assembly, improve weld‑gun access, robot reachability and part locating strategies.
• Address DFS requirements for service‑friendly interfaces, repair accessibility and field repair standards.
• Collaborate with CAE, manufacturing, tooling, quality, suppliers and vehicle integration teams throughout the development cycle.

Required profile

• Proven experience in automotive BIW design and layout development.
• Strong understanding of structural integrity, crashworthiness, stiffness and weight optimisation.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally with CAE, tooling, manufacturing and quality teams.
• Familiarity with platform commonisation and carry‑over strategies.

Required skills

• CAD design (sheet‑metal modelling)
• GD&T application (ASME/ISO)
• DFM, DFA and DFS methodologies
• Material knowledge: CR steel, GI steel, high‑strength steel, AHSS, aluminium
• Sheet‑metal forming principles and forming simulation
• Die design and stamping process understanding
• CMM and quality engineering concepts