Got a new job !

[Clocker]

I'm excited! I've been working on it for about a year but it looks like I finally got the new job I was looking for.

You guys can think of me when you see the next generation Chevy Trailblazer & Trailblazer EXT, the GMC Envoy & GMC Envoy XL , the GMC Envoy XUV, the Saab 9-7X or (oddly enough) the Saturn View. I'll be designing & engineering the body structure for the next generation of some of these vehicles and helping the more recent ones through launch starting next month! ( body structure includes all sheetmetal/composot body components except closures hoods, front fenders, fascias, and bumpers).

Now that I'm much closer to the product and the assembly plants here in the US & possibly abroad will depend on my onsite availability, I feel much more comfortable with my job security...

C :excl:

 

[ddrueding]

Congratulations, that sounds like a lot of fun. :wink:

 

[Tea]

Cool! Sounds like you are relly happy about it. Well done, Clocker.

 

[mubs]

Glad for you! Are you on the "artistic design" side or the "engineer the artistic design" side (I suspect)?

 

[Clocker]

I'm on the side that has to figure out how to make those designs that the artsy-fartsy "design" guys come up with actually work. :-?

 

[Clocker]

BTW: Thanks for the congrats!

 

[CougTek]

Félicitations. Make those bodies light and sturdy and keep an eye on the competition, so that you don't fall behind.

 

[Mercutio]

Congratulations.
Is working on SUV design as sexy as saying "I make the Corvette?"

While I'm thinking about it, a few years ago, I read an article suggesting that the big 3 were looking at generic drivetrains over which multiple bodies could be fitted (e.g. Escort = Focus = Contour = Volvo S40). Has that gone anywhere?

 

[Clocker]

Merc- Working on the 'vette would be kind of neat but they're all basically the same to me. When you work in the industry, especially in engineering where you're not really dealing with a running vehicle until the end of a program. they're all just structures & parts.

Working on SUVs and trucks does have advantages though. They're some of the highest profit margin vehicles we make (even with rebates) so engineering changes are usually easier to get through the pipe.

Since I'll be working on future product, we'll be responsible for developing a design and getting it through launch at the plant(s). At that point it gets turned over to the current product support guys who focus on keeping the plant guys happy, cost reductions, and solving customer related design issues.

The vehicle you were referring to is the HyWire which is a Hydrogen powered vehicle. The chassis contains the fuel cell powertrain and looks like a skateboard. Different body configurations sit on top of the board which make the design very modular and flexible. Hopefully I'll get to work on something like that at some point. Now that is a real engineering challenge.

C

 

[Santilli]

Congrats :mrgrn:

 

[jtr1962]

Congratulations! :beer: Even though I hate SUVs with a purple passion, I'm glad to know they're keeping a good person like you employed. I suppose there's a silver lining around every dark cloud.

I agree that working on something like the Hywire would be very challenging and interesting. Hopefully they'll put you there next.

On another note, I'm also happy to see someone with a degree actually able to have a career in what they studied. Judging by some of the stories around here that seems to be an increasing rarity these days. My dreams of working as a researcher in a lab died ages ago. There's just a severe shortage of those types of jobs, or engineering jobs in general, especially in the Northeast. I suppose repairing electronics and doing occassional small design projects for the taximeter place is as close as I'll ever get to electronic engineering.

BTW Clocker, is your job interesting/challenging enough to keep you engaged most of the time, or are there long stretches where it becomes a routine? I'm just curious as to what I may have missed out on by not being able to get a good engineering job.

 

[Handruin]

Congrats! How much of your work plays into aerodynamics of the vehicle? Will you get to spend time modeling with clay and sticking it in a wind tunnel?

 

[Clocker]

Well, seeing as my current group is more of an analytical simulation technique and test correlation development group...it is/was a great job. I've been able to teach myself how to use multiple FEA codes (Dyna3D, Nastran, Abaqus). So I've been able to do analysis work, physical test work and, teach myself how to write custom software tools for our analysis engineers using the TCL/Tk programming language. SO, I have been very, very lucky because I'm working in a great group whose job is to think of new and better ways for us to do our business. Unfortunately, my manager is leaving soon to be replaced by someone of unknown intentions. Also, a group like mine is an easy target when times get tough because we are not directly related to any product.

Most 'analysis engineers' have a somewhat routine job doing production 'standard' work over and over again. If their managment is good, they will have some variety but this is an exception. Of course, some people like just doing something they could do in their sleep and that happens, alot.

For me, it was about time for a change as I've rounded out my physical and analytical engineering experience and felt I was ready for a move into design where my experience will benefit me. Also, if I was going to work for someone new, I figured it might as well be in a new job.

The jury is still out on my new job but I know it will involve interacting with many people and leading/participating in development teams so I'm excited about it. It won't be as 'technical' as my job is now but it will be more challenging & demanding. I'll have to learn Unigraphics too.

C

 

[Clocker]

Congrats! How much of your work plays into aerodynamics of the vehicle? Will you get to spend time modeling with clay and sticking it in a wind tunnel?

Hi Doug-
Powertrain guys really care about cooling & underhood temperatures and the front/rear fascia group would be involved (along with powertrain) in the engineering of air flow to help them out. However, vehicle profiles and all show surfaces are basically dictated by styling (aka the artsy-fartsies) so they're pretty much predetermined. Some things are up for negotiation if real engineering problems show up but it's our job to try to bend reality to the will of styling...

C

 

[Clocker]

I agree that working on something like the Hywire would be very challenging and interesting. Hopefully they'll put you there next.

We have an entire group stationed in New York working on hybrids and fuel cells. That close enough for you? Maybe you should login to the gm.com website and check out job opportunities...

C

 

[Howell]

Congratulations Clocker. May your abacus retain it's accuracy and your slide rule never be smudged.

 

[Buck]

Congratulations Clocker, that sounds like a nice career move. What sort of challenges will this new position bring you?

 

[time]

Now I know why your head's spinning ...

Congratulations, Clocker. Sounds like a great career move.

 

[Clocker]

:lol:

Buck-
This about covers it:

General Purpose of Position:
Responsible for definition of requirements, design, analysis, development and control of engineering component where a considerable amount of creativity and initiative are involved as well as a high level of independent judgment. Exercise technical direction over engineering support personnel.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:
Prepares CTS (component technical specification)
Develops, refines and finalizes criteria and typical sections using math data, update as required
Supports development of subsystem SOR (Statement of Requirements)
Supports technical, and design reviews
Supports preparation of SSTs (Subsystem Technical Specs)
Defines ICD (interface control document) requirements for component parts, negotiate and reach agreement with interfacing components, works with other to resolve issues.
Performs appropriate component level studies/alternatives, and recommend program direction based on cost, mass, timing, DFA, variation and other program imperatives.
Supports PDT (Program Development Team) for component parts (e.g. timing, parts list, DFM)
Defines selected direction using math data (models) and delivers to schedule including complete final math where appropriate
Develops/completes math model in preparation for design completion at required program phases.
Supports determination of support requirements (e.g. design and analysis)
Validates designs using analytical tools including finite element, modal, virtual builds and others at component level.
Responsible for ensuring complete validation, including establishment of component validation plan
Releases component/subsystem to meet system requirements
Supports engineering activities with other functions (e.g. suppliers, suppliers quality, purchasing) to ensure delivery of product meeting requirements and imperatives.
Diagnoses and corrects deficiencies using statistical problem solving and quality control methods. Including support of production launch.
Assist in planning and implementing test and/or development programs
Familiar with engineering operations, processes, and best practices.
Stays abreast of new technology

Skills and Abilities:
Understanding of engineering theory and principles of design
Oral and written communication skills
Demonstrated ability to work independently and with others
General interest in product design, particularly automotive
High level of interpersonal skills to work effectively with others
High level of analytical ability where problems are unusual or difficult
Familiarity with basic manufacturing processes
Demonstrated skills on CAD and CAE

 

[Buck]

So, everything? I just thought there would be some personal challenges with this new job that you could set as goals and find satisfaction completing them. I certainly don't expect that every aspect of this new position would be a challenge, you're to smart for that.

 

[Clocker]

Well, it will all be new to me. Taking on the role of both designer & engineer will definitely be a challenge as we have eliminated the separate roles.

I'm not totally sure exactly which programs I'll end up working on but the greater level of responsibility and accountability for the actual product on the road will definitely be new to me and is both exciting and intimidating. I'm also nervous about having to go to court...I'm sure I'll eventually have to go for one reason or another given the amount of BS litigation there is out there.

 

[The JoJo]

Congratulations!!!!! That job sounds great! I'm glad for you.