Advanced Engineer - Prototyping - Seat Belt & Airbag Products

Job description

About the Role As an Advanced Engineer in Prototyping for Seat Belt & Airbag Products you will lead and execute prototype development activities that ensure safety, manufacturability and compliance with customer and regulatory requirements. The role combines hands-on engineering, cross-functional coordination and technical leadership to deliver prototype assemblies, validate performance, and enable smooth transfer to production. Key Responsibilities Prototype Development & Engineering • Lead design-for-prototype activities for seat belt and airbag components, including mounting hardware, pretensioners and associated sub-assemblies. • Create and maintain prototype build plans, bill of materials and manufacturing instructions. • Develop fixtures, jigs and tooling required for prototype assembly and test. • Perform hands-on assembly, bench testing and functional verification of prototypes. Testing, Validation & Compliance • Plan and execute component and system-level tests to validate performance, durability and safety requirements. • Document test results, non-conformances and corrective actions; support root cause analysis and countermeasure implementation. • Ensure prototypes meet customer specifications and regulatory standards; prepare evidence for design reviews and audits. Cross‑Functional Collaboration • Work closely with design engineers, product development, quality, manufacturing and purchasing to resolve issues and ensure prototype readiness. • Coordinate with suppliers for prototype parts, short-run fabrication and validation samples. • Support customer prototype reviews and on-site demonstrations as required. Process Improvement & Transfer to Production • Identify manufacturability and assembly improvements during prototyping and feed back recommendations to design and process teams. • Develop and validate standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions to enable reliable transfer from prototype to pilot and production runs. • Contribute to lean practices, error‑proofing and process optimisation within prototyping activities. Deliverables • Prototype assemblies meeting defined technical and safety requirements. • Complete and traceable test reports, validation evidence and corrective action records. • Effective build instructions, fixtures and tooling for repeatable prototype production. • Recommendations and validated changes supporting production transfer. • On-time delivery of prototype milestones to support project schedules. Experience & Skills • 4–8 years of experience in automotive engineering, prototyping, product development or related manufacturing functions. • Practical experience with seat belt or airbag systems preferred; familiarity with restraint system components advantageous. • Hands-on skills in assembly, mechanical testing and bench validation. • Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis capability. • Experience collaborating with suppliers and cross-functional teams. • Knowledge of manufacturing processes, tooling and fixtures for low-volume builds. • Exposure to lean manufacturing principles and DFMA (Design for Manufacture & Assembly). Education • B.E. / B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering or related discipline. Competencies Behavioral • Strong problem-solving and analytical mindset. • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet project timelines. • Effective communication and collaboration skills across functions and cultures. • Accountability and ownership of deliverables. • Adaptable and hands-on approach to resolving practical issues. Functional • Customer-focused orientation and attention to safety-critical requirements. • Drive innovation in prototype methods and tooling solutions. • Make sound engineering decisions supported by data and testing. • Facilitate knowledge transfer to manufacturing and quality teams. • Build trust and engage stakeholders to achieve project goals. Personal Characteristics • Meticulous attention to detail with a strong quality mindset. • Practical, solution-oriented and persistent in resolving issues. • Collaborative team player who can also work independently. • Committed to continuous improvement and professional development. Languages • English (required) • Local language proficiency advantageous depending on site location Additional Information • Familiarity with Industry 4.0 concepts, data-driven validation and test automation is desirable. • Experience in regulated, safety-critical product development is an advantage. • We are committed to an inclusive workplace and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. Autoliv's mission is to Save More Lives. Our prototyping work directly supports safety-critical products where quality and reliability are paramount. We look forward to discussing your experience and how you can contribute to delivering safe, innovative restraint solutions. More lives saved – more life lived!