RAPA Limited Partnership (LP) was founded in May 2012 in the USA and currently employs 120 people. The company is headquartered in beautiful Auburn/Alabama. RAPA LP is a 100 percent subsidiary of the automotive division of RAPA Group, based in Germany. The family-owned company was founded in 1921 in Selb, Bavaria. This is where RAPA's headquarters are located. In addition to the automotive sector, the engineering and technology company serves customers in the industrial and healthcare sectors.
RAPA Automotive, including its US subsidiary, serves premium brands in the automotive industry as well as leading first-tier suppliers. Key customers of the team in Auburn include Stellantis, Audi, Tesla, Vibracoustic and ZF. In the USA, the product portfolio focuses on pneumatic and hydraulic valve components for chassis and transmissions as well as mechatronic system development in the vehicle. Customers benefit from technically advanced valve blocks and residual pressure holding valves for air suspension, electric valves for shifting and control, and damper valve technology for electronic damper systems. Our latest product portfolio prepares us well for the ongoing electrification in the automotive industry.
What We Offer
A open, international and collegial working environment and a company culture that is relaxed but engaged
Vacation package
Excellent Health, Dental and Vision insurance packages
Company paid Life Insurance policy
401-K with company match
Annual bonus potential
10 paid Holidays per year
Optional Supplementary insurance
Responsibilities
This position is responsible for both: 1) design and development of potential future product offerings or "next generation" improvements to existing products, and 2) working closely with potential customers to translate their needs into initial design concepts, ensuring both external customer specifications and internal design requirements are met.
Lead the technical design for assigned Technology Projects by: creating 3D CAD models; 2D drawings using GD&T; and completing simulation studies as needed.
Build and validate prototypes, including: creation of BOM; coordination with prototype suppliers; assembly of prototypes; and development of test plan and related lab orders. In some cases, Advanced Development Engineer may personally complete prototype build and lab tests.
Perform competitor benchmarking studies including: functional testing, lifetime testing, tear downs; and cost estimation; and summarize findings in technical reports.
Collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders throughout the design process (i.e., Process Development; Series Development; Lab; Purchasing; Sales; Management; etc.). Serve in a project leadership role, managing assigned Technology Projects according to the RAPA Project Handbook and the RAPA Technology Project Protocol.
At the conclusion of Technology Projects, provide technical support to ensure product's smooth transition to Series Development by coordinating with assigned Product Engineer in R&D. Support overall product success by assisting Series Development, as needed.
Represent RAPA professionally to external customers on assigned projects while negotiating: technical specifications; timing of deliverables; and resource requirements.
Provide mentorship, coaching, and training to other RAPA personnel in your areas of expertise.
Maintain product and company reputation by complying with federal and state regulations.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
A minimum of five years of product engineering/design experience in an automotive manufacturing environment (preferably pneumatic suspension systems) and a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or relevant engineering field are required. An advanced degree (Master's or Doctorate) in a relevant engineering field will be considered in lieu of experience.
Experience using computer-aided design (CAD) is required. CREO preferred.
Experience creating 2D drawings with implementation of GD&T is required.
Experience in Design for Manufacturability is required.
Experience in design for injection molded parts is highly preferred.
Technical/mechanical aptitude with mechatronics experience preferred.
Experience with simulation software for structure, system, magnetic circuit, or CFD is preferred.
Ability to function in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and handle multiple projects and assignments with proficiency.