Chassis Design Engineer Jobs
What is a Chassis Design Engineer?
A Chassis Design Engineer is a specialist in the development, layout, and optimisation of vehicle chassis systems, including frames, suspension, steering, brakes, and subframes. These engineers play a pivotal role in ensuring the structural integrity, ride quality, safety, and performance of vehicles across the automotive sector. Using software such as CATIA, Siemens NX, and SolidWorks, chassis engineers create detailed 3D CAD models, evaluate loads and stresses, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver robust, road-ready chassis designs.
Skills Required for Chassis Design Engineer Jobs
Successful chassis engineers combine mechanical engineering fundamentals with modern CAD tools and industry-specific experience. Key skills include:
3D CAD Modelling Proficiency – Expertise in CATIA V5/V6, Siemens NX, or SolidWorks to develop accurate 3D models of chassis components and assemblies.
Knowledge of Vehicle Dynamics – A solid grasp of suspension geometry, load transfer, stiffness, and handling behaviour is essential.
Material Selection & Manufacturing Awareness – Understanding of high-strength steels, aluminium, composites, and associated manufacturing processes such as stamping, welding, and casting.
Structural Analysis – Familiarity with FEA tools (such as ANSYS or HyperWorks) to ensure chassis durability, crashworthiness, and NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) performance.
Cross-Functional Collaboration – Ability to work closely with design, packaging, powertrain, and CAE teams to integrate chassis systems seamlessly.
Problem-Solving & Innovation – Capacity to address design challenges and contribute to weight-saving, cost, and performance improvements in vehicle architecture.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities of a Chassis Design Engineer
Chassis engineers contribute throughout the product development lifecycle, from concept through to production release. Daily responsibilities often include:
Developing Chassis Layouts – Designing and detailing chassis systems such as subframes, suspension arms, cross-members, and mountings.
Component Integration – Ensuring seamless packaging of chassis components around the vehicle's body, powertrain, and electrical systems.
Design Reviews – Participating in virtual design reviews, presenting CAD models, and incorporating stakeholder feedback.
Collaborating with Suppliers – Working with tier-one suppliers to manage part specifications, drawings, and manufacturability.
Documentation & BOM Management – Preparing detailed engineering drawings, GD&T annotations, and bills of materials for release.
Supporting Vehicle Builds – Providing input during prototype builds and resolving any chassis fitment or performance issues.
Continuous Improvement – Investigating field issues, performing root-cause analysis, and developing design solutions for production optimisation.
Career Progression for Chassis Design Engineers
A career in chassis design offers structured growth, with the opportunity to specialise or lead. Entry-level engineers typically begin as Junior Design Engineers, contributing to subcomponent designs and learning industry standards.
With experience, they may move into roles such as:
Senior Chassis Design Engineer – Leading component ownership, mentoring junior team members, and managing key supplier relationships.
Lead Engineer / Module Leader – Overseeing entire chassis systems, balancing trade-offs across safety, cost, weight, and performance.
CAE or Dynamics Specialist – Focusing on simulation and performance analysis using advanced tools to optimise handling and ride.
Project or Engineering Manager – Managing cross-functional delivery across engineering, manufacturing, and testing.
Technical Consultant or Freelance Engineer – Offering niche expertise in chassis design and dynamics for OEMs or motorsport applications.
Chassis Design Engineer jobs are at the heart of automotive innovation — from electrification to autonomous platforms. With growing demand for lightweight, safe, and high-performance vehicles, this role is ideal for problem-solvers passionate about vehicle engineering and design integration.
Jobs in Gothenburg
Gothenburg, Sweden’s vibrant second-largest city, offers a high quality of life, excellent work-life balance, and a thriving job market. Known for its picturesque canals, innovative industries, and welcoming atmosphere, Gothenburg is an attractive destination for professionals across various fields, particularly in technology, automotive, and life sciences. If you're considering working in Gothenburg, here's what you need to know about its culture, work environment, and daily commute.
What It’s Like to Work in Gothenburg
Gothenburg is home to major companies such as Volvo, SKF, and AstraZeneca, making it a hub for engineering, technology, and research. The city's work culture follows Sweden’s progressive and employee-friendly principles, where a strong emphasis is placed on:
Work-Life Balance – Swedish employers prioritise flexibility, often offering remote work options and encouraging employees to maintain a healthy balance between professional and personal life.
Flat Organisational Structures – Unlike traditional hierarchical workplaces, Swedish companies promote open dialogue, collaboration, and inclusivity.
Fika Culture – Taking time for a fika (a social coffee break) is an integral part of working life, fostering a relaxed and friendly office environment.
Sustainability Focus – Many Gothenburg-based businesses integrate sustainability into their operations, reflecting Sweden’s commitment to green innovation and eco-friendly workspaces.
International Work Environment – With a strong expat community and many multinational companies, Gothenburg is welcoming to professionals from across the globe. English is widely spoken in business settings, although learning some Swedish can be beneficial.
The Culture and Lifestyle in Gothenburg
Gothenburg has a laid-back yet dynamic culture, combining Scandinavian efficiency with a warm, community-driven atmosphere. The city is known for:
A Strong Sense of Community – Locals are friendly, and the city has a welcoming feel, making it easier for newcomers to integrate.
A Thriving Arts and Music Scene – From the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra to indie music festivals, the city offers diverse cultural experiences.
World-Class Restaurants and Coffee Culture – Gothenburg is famous for its seafood, Michelin-starred restaurants, and artisanal coffee houses, with a strong focus on locally sourced ingredients.
Love for Outdoor Activities – The city is surrounded by forests, lakes, and the stunning Gothenburg Archipelago, making it perfect for hiking, cycling, and kayaking.
A Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Mindset – The city’s green spaces, extensive recycling systems, and commitment to clean energy make it one of Europe’s most sustainable cities.
Commuting in Gothenburg: Easy, Efficient, and Green
One of the major perks of working in Gothenburg is its efficient, eco-friendly public transport system, making commuting stress-free. Key highlights include:
Trams, Buses, and Ferries – Gothenburg’s extensive public transport system is operated by Västtrafik, with trams being the most iconic and convenient mode of transport. Buses and ferries also connect different parts of the city.
Cycling-Friendly City – Gothenburg is a bike-friendly city, with dedicated cycling lanes and bike-sharing schemes making it easy to commute on two wheels.