Design Engineers (R&D Division)

🚀 Sharda Motor is Hiring — Design Engineers (R&D Division) 🚀

Sharda Motor invites talented and passionate Design Engineers to be part of our dynamic Research & Development team. If you are enthusiastic about designing next-generation automotive systems and have strong fundamentals in vehicle design, this opportunity is for you.

📍 Location: Chennai – Mahindra World City
🎓 Qualification: BE / BTech / MTech in Mechanical or Automobile Engineering
🧑‍💼 Experience: 4–7 years

🔧 Open Positions — R&D Design Domains

We are currently looking for engineers in the following areas:

• 🚗 Chassis / Frame Design

• 🛞 Steering System Design

• 🔧 Suspension System Design

🛠 Key Responsibilities

As a Design Engineer in our R&D team, you will be responsible for:

• End-to-end design and development of automotive components and systems

• Creating 3D models and 2D drawings using CAD tools

• Applying GD&T standards and ensuring design for manufacturability

• Supporting prototype development and vehicle testing activities

• Performing design validation and design reviews

• Collaborating with cross-functional teams including testing, purchasing, manufacturing, and quality

• Ensuring designs meet performance, durability, safety, and cost targets

🎯 Skills & Competencies Required

To succeed in this role, candidates should possess:

• Hands-on experience in any major CAD tool, such as:

  • CATIA

  • Creo

  • Siemens NX

  • SolidWorks

• Strong fundamentals in:

  • Vehicle dynamics

  • Automotive components

  • Structural design

• Good understanding of:

  • GD&T

  • Manufacturing processes such as welding, machining, casting, forming

• Knowledge of:

  • chassis or frame systems

  • steering systems

  • suspension systems

• Exposure to:

  • prototype build

  • testing and validation

  • DFMEA / PFMEA (added advantage)

✅ Candidate Profile

We are looking for professionals who:

• Are creative and technically strong

• Can work in fast-paced R&D environments

• Possess excellent problem-solving ability

• Have good communication and teamwork skills

• Are passionate about the automotive industry

📩 How to Apply

If this role matches your experience and aspirations:

👉 Interested and eligible candidates may share their resumes at:
📧 anandharasu.c@shardamotor.com

✅ Automotive Design Engineer Interview Questions & Answers

1. Tell me about your experience in automotive design.

Sample Answer:
I have worked on the design and development of automotive components using CATIA/Creo/NX. My experience includes 3D modeling, generating 2D drawings with GD&T, BOM creation, and design validation. I have collaborated with testing, manufacturing, and sourcing teams and supported prototype builds and change management.

2. What CAD software are you proficient in?

Sample Answer:
I am proficient in CATIA/Creo/NX/SolidWorks. I use them for part modeling, assembly design, drafting, GD&T application, and surface modeling. I am also familiar with PLM tools such as Teamcenter/ENOVIA for data management.

3. Explain the difference between dependent and independent suspension.

Sample Answer:
In dependent suspension, both wheels are connected through a rigid axle. Movement of one wheel affects the other.
In independent suspension, wheels move individually without affecting each other. It offers better ride comfort, handling, and stability. Examples include MacPherson strut and double wishbone.

4. What is Ackermann steering geometry?

Sample Answer:
Ackermann geometry ensures that during cornering, the inner wheel turns at a greater angle than the outer wheel. This allows both wheels to roll without slipping, improving tire life and handling.

5. What are major loads considered in chassis/frame design?

Sample Answer:

• Bending load

• Torsional load

• Vertical (payload) load

• Braking and acceleration forces

• Impact and crash loads

• Fatigue loading

6. What is the purpose of chassis frame?

Sample Answer:
The chassis frame supports all vehicle components including engine, suspension, transmission, and body. It provides structural strength, absorbs loads, and maintains dimensional stability during operation.

7. What are common suspension types used in cars?

Sample Answer:

• MacPherson strut

• Double wishbone

• Multi-link suspension

• Torsion beam

• Leaf spring (for commercial vehicles)

8. What is NVH and why is it important?

Sample Answer:
NVH stands for Noise, Vibration, and Harshness. It affects ride comfort and perceived vehicle quality. Suspension bushings, chassis stiffness, and steering components greatly influence NVH performance.

9. Explain the term “unsprung mass.”

Sample Answer:
Unsprung mass includes components not supported by suspension, such as wheels, tires, brakes, and part of the suspension assembly. Lower unsprung mass improves ride comfort and handling.

10. What is GD&T and why is it used?

Sample Answer:
GD&T stands for Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing. It controls form, orientation, profile, and position of features ensuring interchangeability, accurate assembly fit, and improved manufacturability.

11. What factors do you consider during material selection?

Sample Answer:

• Strength and stiffness

• Weight reduction

• Fatigue and corrosion resistance

• Manufacturability

• Cost

• Weldability and joining methods

12. What is DFMEA?

Sample Answer:
Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis identifies potential design failures, evaluates severity and occurrence, and implements preventive actions to improve reliability.

13. How do you reduce vehicle weight in design?

Sample Answer:

• Material substitution (HSS, aluminum, composites)

• Topology optimization

• Section optimization

• Integrating multiple parts into single component

• Minimizing overdesign while maintaining safety factors

14. What is bump steer?

Sample Answer:
Bump steer occurs when the wheels steer automatically during suspension travel due to improper suspension linkage geometry. It affects handling and must be minimized by design optimization.

15. What tests are conducted for chassis validation?

Sample Answer:

• Static and dynamic load testing

• Fatigue testing

• Torsional stiffness test

• Crashworthiness simulations

• Road load data acquisition

16. What is the role of bushings in suspension?

Sample Answer:
Bushings isolate vibration, absorb shocks, reduce noise, and allow controlled movement between suspension links while maintaining alignment.

17. Explain toe-in and toe-out.

Sample Answer:
Toe refers to angular deviation of wheels viewed from above.
Toe-in improves straight-line stability, while toe-out improves cornering response. Incorrect toe causes uneven tire wear.

18. How do you validate your design before manufacturing?

Sample Answer:

• CAE simulation

• Design review and DFMEA

• Prototyping

• Bench testing

• Field validation

• Feedback incorporation and design iteration

19. What are common chassis frame types?

Sample Answer:

• Ladder frame

• Monocoque (unibody)

• Backbone frame

• Tubular space frame

20. Why do you want to join our R&D team?

Sample Answer:
Your organization focuses on innovation, product development, and technology advancement. I want to work in R&D to contribute to new vehicle systems, enhance safety and performance, and grow technically while adding value to the company.