Concept Architecture – Top Hat

Charlotte, NC
Full Time
Experienced
SWJ Technologie specializes in providing engineering, planning, and project management services across various industries. We are currently seeking a Concept Architecture – Top Hat for an assigned project with a client in the automotive industry. The role is based in Novi, MI or Charlotte NC and requires onsite presence and occasional  domestics travel. If you are eager to grow your career and make a meaningful impact on exciting projects, we look forward to your application.

PURPOSE: 
The Concept Architecture – Top Hat Engineer is responsible for the conceptual development of the vehicle “top hat,” encompassing all customer-visible and customer-touching elements such as the cab, bed, doors, seats, and interior/exterior trim, as well as hidden structural and integration elements including wiring and hoses. This role collaborates closely with design, engineering, and systems architecture teams to create innovative packaging and engineering solutions that balance customer experience, functionality, and manufacturability for next-generation pickup truck programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to conceptualize and develop the vehicle top hat architecture, including visible and hidden systems.
  • Partner with interior and exterior design teams as well as systems architects to solve engineering and functional challenges through 3D CAD development.
  • Develop packaging studies, clearance zones, and alternative design concepts to optimize vehicle architecture.
  • Support simulation and validation teams by creating prototype packaging and part proposals, incorporating feedback into CAD updates.
  • Evaluate existing systems critically and propose improvements to engineering efficiency and customer experience.
  • Develop detailed design documentation including 2D/3D drawings, specifications, and design guidelines for platform development.
  • Ensure cross-functional alignment in a global engineering environment throughout concept development phases.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, Computer Science, or a related technical field
  • 3+ years of experience in concept engineering or top hat development
REQUIRED SKILLS:
  • Strong experience in automotive concept engineering, particularly top hat development.
  • Proficiency in CAD tools such as CATIA V5 (preferred), NX, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar.
  • Experience with PLM systems (e.g., Teamcenter).
  • Strong understanding of vehicle packaging, structure, and system integration.
  • Ability to create and interpret 2D/3D engineering drawings and technical documentation.
  • Experience working in cross-functional and global engineering environments.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and collaboration tools such as JIRA.
  • Understanding of automotive safety standards and regulations (IIHS, NHTSA, SAE, FMVSS).
  • Experience in body structures, exterior trim, interior trim, or seating systems
  • Strong visualization and packaging optimization skills
  • Experience in early-phase automotive platform or vehicle architecture development
REQUIRED SKILLS:
  • Strong customer experience mindset with ability to translate user needs into engineering solutions
  • Experience with Volkswagen
  • Willingness to travel

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Work is normally performed in an office, laboratory, manufacturing floor, or machine shop setting where physical work includes, but is not limited to sitting, standing, reaching, kneeling, bending, and lifting up to 25 lbs.
  • Must be able to understand and comply with all relevant safety practices.

FLSA STATUS/WORKING SCHEDULE:
  • Location: Novi, MI or Charlotte NC
  • Schedule: Full Time/ 40 hours per week
  • Travel: domestics travel as required
  • Overtime: as required
  • Assignment Start: June 2026 – December 2030
  • Duration: up to 4.5 years

DISCLAIMER:
This job description is a high-level overview of general expectations of this position. It is not intended to list every responsibility of the position, nor does it represent an employment contract of any kind.
 

SWJ TECHNOLOGY and all of its subsidiaries (i.e., NGE EQUIPMENT and ProjectOne US) are Equal Opportunity Employers and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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