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Senior Product Engineer: Elastomer Extrusion, Automotive Wheel Accessory (Phase 1 Feasibility) Anyone
About the job
We are developing an aftermarket protective accessory for automotive alloy wheels and are seeking a senior mechanical/product engineer with elastomer and extrusion experience to lead feasibility and profile design.
This is not primarily a CAD or industrial-design project. The core challenges are the behavior of soft materials, retention, impact absorption, and extrusion manufacturability.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW (full details under NDA)
- A universal-fit, cut-to-size protective strip that covers the kerb-exposed outer edge of an alloy wheel.
- Retained between the tire and the wheel, and installed by the end user without removing the tire from the wheel.
- Manufactured by profile extrusion, likely co-extrusion of two materials of different hardness.
- Must not damage the wheel's painted, machined, or coated surfaces.
- Certain third-party IP constraints on the design will be shared under NDA.
PERFORMANCE TARGETS
- Retention: secure at a 240 km/h (about 150 mph) design speed. The wheel edge sees roughly 290 g of outward acceleration at 130 km/h and about 440 g at 160 km/h.
- Operating temperature: -30°C to +85°C, with brake heat soak to be assessed.
- Must not compromise the tire's air seal or bead seating.
- Survive repeated kerb strikes without tearing or detaching.
- Resistant to UV, ozone, water, road salt, and wheel cleaners.
- Fits a range of wheel diameters (15-22") with one profile.
PHASE 1 SCOPE (about 15-25 hours)
1. Review the concept and the IP con... read more
This is not primarily a CAD or industrial-design project. The core challenges are the behavior of soft materials, retention, impact absorption, and extrusion manufacturability.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW (full details under NDA)
- A universal-fit, cut-to-size protective strip that covers the kerb-exposed outer edge of an alloy wheel.
- Retained between the tire and the wheel, and installed by the end user without removing the tire from the wheel.
- Manufactured by profile extrusion, likely co-extrusion of two materials of different hardness.
- Must not damage the wheel's painted, machined, or coated surfaces.
- Certain third-party IP constraints on the design will be shared under NDA.
PERFORMANCE TARGETS
- Retention: secure at a 240 km/h (about 150 mph) design speed. The wheel edge sees roughly 290 g of outward acceleration at 130 km/h and about 440 g at 160 km/h.
- Operating temperature: -30°C to +85°C, with brake heat soak to be assessed.
- Must not compromise the tire's air seal or bead seating.
- Survive repeated kerb strikes without tearing or detaching.
- Resistant to UV, ozone, water, road salt, and wheel cleaners.
- Fits a range of wheel diameters (15-22") with one profile.
PHASE 1 SCOPE (about 15-25 hours)
1. Review the concept and the IP con... read more
We are developing an aftermarket protective accessory for automotive alloy wheels and are seeking a senior mechanical/product engineer with elastomer and extrusion experience to lead feasibility and profile design.
This is not primarily a CAD or industrial-design project. The core challenges are the behavior of soft materials, retention, impact absorption, and extrusion manufacturability.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW (full details under NDA)
- A universal-fit, cut-to-size protective strip that covers the kerb-exposed outer edge of an alloy wheel.
- Retained between the tire and the wheel, and installed by the end user without removing the tire from the wheel.
- Manufactured by profile extrusion, likely co-extrusion of two materials of different hardness.
- Must not damage the wheel's painted, machined, or coated surfaces.
- Certain third-party IP constraints on the design will be shared under NDA.
PERFORMANCE TARGETS
- Retention: secure at a 240 km/h (about 150 mph) design speed. The wheel edge sees roughly 290 g of outward acceleration at 130 km/h and about 440 g at 160 km/h.
- Operating temperature: -30°C to +85°C, with brake heat soak to be assessed.
- Must not compromise the tire's air seal or bead seating.
- Survive repeated kerb strikes without tearing or detaching.
- Resistant to UV, ozone, water, road salt, and wheel cleaners.
- Fits a range of wheel diameters (15-22") with one profile.
PHASE 1 SCOPE (about 15-25 hours)
1. Review the concept and the IP constraints (under NDA).
2. Assess feasibility and flag anything that won't work physically.
3. Propose a cross-section profile, plus at least one alternative.
4. Recommend materials, hardness, and co-extrusion approach.
5. Estimate impact and crush behavior with first-order calculations. Detailed simulation is Phase 2.
6. Assess retention under rotational load and wheel balance impact.
7. Assess extrusion manufacturability, including profile distortion after the die and bond strength between materials.
8. Identify likely failure modes.
9. Propose a prototype and validation plan with numeric pass/fail criteria, covering air retention, bead safety, pull-out, impact, wheel finish abrasion, and environmental aging.
10. Give a rough cost estimate for prototype tooling and production tooling.
DELIVERABLES
A written report, a cross-section sketch for each option, a ranked recommendation, a failure-mode list, a test plan with pass/fail criteria, and cost estimates.
If Phase 1 succeeds, the engagement may expand into detailed design, prototyping, testing, extruder selection, and production support.
IDEAL BACKGROUND
- Automotive seals and weatherstrips (hollow-bulb door and trunk seals are the closest analog)
- TPE/TPU/EPDM material selection
- Profile extrusion and co-extrusion
- Elastomer simulation (hyperelastic materials)
- Tire/wheel or automotive exterior components
- Product validation and testing
- Taking a product from concept to production
WHEN APPLYING, PLEASE PROVIDE
1. A short summary of relevant experience.
2. Two or three products or components you personally engineered.
3. Your experience with elastomer extrusion and seal design.
4. Whether you've taken a product from concept to production tooling.
5. The CAD/CAE software you use.
6. A fixed-fee estimate for Phase 1.
7. Your availability.
8. Confirmation that you have no conflicting non-compete or invention-assignment obligations.
PLEASE ALSO BRIEFLY ANSWER:
How would you approach designing a soft protective strip retained between a tire and an alloy wheel so that it absorbs kerb impacts, never compromises the tire's air seal, and doesn't abrade the wheel finish over years of use? We're interested in your thought process, not a finished design.
CONFIDENTIALITY AND IP
An NDA is required before technical details are shared. All project-specific designs, drawings, inventions, prototypes, and work product are assigned to and owned by the client.
BUDGET: $2,000-4,000 fixed price for Phase 1. read less
This is not primarily a CAD or industrial-design project. The core challenges are the behavior of soft materials, retention, impact absorption, and extrusion manufacturability.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW (full details under NDA)
- A universal-fit, cut-to-size protective strip that covers the kerb-exposed outer edge of an alloy wheel.
- Retained between the tire and the wheel, and installed by the end user without removing the tire from the wheel.
- Manufactured by profile extrusion, likely co-extrusion of two materials of different hardness.
- Must not damage the wheel's painted, machined, or coated surfaces.
- Certain third-party IP constraints on the design will be shared under NDA.
PERFORMANCE TARGETS
- Retention: secure at a 240 km/h (about 150 mph) design speed. The wheel edge sees roughly 290 g of outward acceleration at 130 km/h and about 440 g at 160 km/h.
- Operating temperature: -30°C to +85°C, with brake heat soak to be assessed.
- Must not compromise the tire's air seal or bead seating.
- Survive repeated kerb strikes without tearing or detaching.
- Resistant to UV, ozone, water, road salt, and wheel cleaners.
- Fits a range of wheel diameters (15-22") with one profile.
PHASE 1 SCOPE (about 15-25 hours)
1. Review the concept and the IP constraints (under NDA).
2. Assess feasibility and flag anything that won't work physically.
3. Propose a cross-section profile, plus at least one alternative.
4. Recommend materials, hardness, and co-extrusion approach.
5. Estimate impact and crush behavior with first-order calculations. Detailed simulation is Phase 2.
6. Assess retention under rotational load and wheel balance impact.
7. Assess extrusion manufacturability, including profile distortion after the die and bond strength between materials.
8. Identify likely failure modes.
9. Propose a prototype and validation plan with numeric pass/fail criteria, covering air retention, bead safety, pull-out, impact, wheel finish abrasion, and environmental aging.
10. Give a rough cost estimate for prototype tooling and production tooling.
DELIVERABLES
A written report, a cross-section sketch for each option, a ranked recommendation, a failure-mode list, a test plan with pass/fail criteria, and cost estimates.
If Phase 1 succeeds, the engagement may expand into detailed design, prototyping, testing, extruder selection, and production support.
IDEAL BACKGROUND
- Automotive seals and weatherstrips (hollow-bulb door and trunk seals are the closest analog)
- TPE/TPU/EPDM material selection
- Profile extrusion and co-extrusion
- Elastomer simulation (hyperelastic materials)
- Tire/wheel or automotive exterior components
- Product validation and testing
- Taking a product from concept to production
WHEN APPLYING, PLEASE PROVIDE
1. A short summary of relevant experience.
2. Two or three products or components you personally engineered.
3. Your experience with elastomer extrusion and seal design.
4. Whether you've taken a product from concept to production tooling.
5. The CAD/CAE software you use.
6. A fixed-fee estimate for Phase 1.
7. Your availability.
8. Confirmation that you have no conflicting non-compete or invention-assignment obligations.
PLEASE ALSO BRIEFLY ANSWER:
How would you approach designing a soft protective strip retained between a tire and an alloy wheel so that it absorbs kerb impacts, never compromises the tire's air seal, and doesn't abrade the wheel finish over years of use? We're interested in your thought process, not a finished design.
CONFIDENTIALITY AND IP
An NDA is required before technical details are shared. All project-specific designs, drawings, inventions, prototypes, and work product are assigned to and owned by the client.
BUDGET: $2,000-4,000 fixed price for Phase 1. read less
We are developing an aftermarket protective accessory for automotive alloy wheels and are seeking a senior mechanical/product engineer with elastomer and extrusion experience to lead feasibility and profile design.
This is not primarily a CAD or industrial-design project. The core challenges are the behavior of soft materials, retention, impact absorption, and extrusion manufacturability.
PR... read more
This is not primarily a CAD or industrial-design project. The core challenges are the behavior of soft materials, retention, impact absorption, and extrusion manufacturability.
PR... read more
We are developing an aftermarket protective accessory for automotive alloy wheels and are seeking a senior mechanical/product engineer with elastomer and extrusion experience to lead feasibility and profile design.
This is not primarily a CAD or industrial-design project. The core challenges are the behavior of soft materials, retention, impact absorption, and extrusion manufacturability.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW (full details under NDA)
- A universal-fit, cut-to-size protective strip that covers the kerb-exposed outer edge of an alloy wheel.
- Retained between the tire and the wheel, and installed by the end user without removing the tire from the wheel.
- Manufactured by profile extrusion, likely co-extrusion of two materials of different hardness.
- Must not damage the wheel's painted, machined, or coated surfaces.
- Certain third-party IP constraints on the design will be shared under NDA.
PERFORMANCE TARGETS
- Retention: secure at a 240 km/h (about 150 mph) design speed. The wheel edge sees roughly 290 g of outward acceleration at 130 km/h and about 440 g at 160 km/h.
- Operating temperature: -30°C to +85°C, with brake heat soak to be assessed.
- Must not compromise the tire's air seal or bead seating.
- Survive repeated kerb strikes without tearing or detaching.
- Resistant to UV, ozone, water, road salt, and wheel cleaners.
- Fits a range of wheel diameters (15-22") with one profile.
PHASE 1 SCOPE (about 15-25 hours)
1. Review the concept and the IP constraints (under NDA).
2. Assess feasibility and flag anything that won't work physically.
3. Propose a cross-section profile, plus at least one alternative.
4. Recommend materials, hardness, and co-extrusion approach.
5. Estimate impact and crush behavior with first-order calculations. Detailed simulation is Phase 2.
6. Assess retention under rotational load and wheel balance impact.
7. Assess extrusion manufacturability, including profile distortion after the die and bond strength between materials.
8. Identify likely failure modes.
9. Propose a prototype and validation plan with numeric pass/fail criteria, covering air retention, bead safety, pull-out, impact, wheel finish abrasion, and environmental aging.
10. Give a rough cost estimate for prototype tooling and production tooling.
DELIVERABLES
A written report, a cross-section sketch for each option, a ranked recommendation, a failure-mode list, a test plan with pass/fail criteria, and cost estimates.
If Phase 1 succeeds, the engagement may expand into detailed design, prototyping, testing, extruder selection, and production support.
IDEAL BACKGROUND
- Automotive seals and weatherstrips (hollow-bulb door and trunk seals are the closest analog)
- TPE/TPU/EPDM material selection
- Profile extrusion and co-extrusion
- Elastomer simulation (hyperelastic materials)
- Tire/wheel or automotive exterior components
- Product validation and testing
- Taking a product from concept to production
WHEN APPLYING, PLEASE PROVIDE
1. A short summary of relevant experience.
2. Two or three products or components you personally engineered.
3. Your experience with elastomer extrusion and seal design.
4. Whether you've taken a product from concept to production tooling.
5. The CAD/CAE software you use.
6. A fixed-fee estimate for Phase 1.
7. Your availability.
8. Confirmation that you have no conflicting non-compete or invention-assignment obligations.
PLEASE ALSO BRIEFLY ANSWER:
How would you approach designing a soft protective strip retained between a tire and an alloy wheel so that it absorbs kerb impacts, never compromises the tire's air seal, and doesn't abrade the wheel finish over years of use? We're interested in your thought process, not a finished design.
CONFIDENTIALITY AND IP
An NDA is required before technical details are shared. All project-specific designs, drawings, inventions, prototypes, and work product are assigned to and owned by the client.
BUDGET: $2,000-4,000 fixed price for Phase 1. read less
This is not primarily a CAD or industrial-design project. The core challenges are the behavior of soft materials, retention, impact absorption, and extrusion manufacturability.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW (full details under NDA)
- A universal-fit, cut-to-size protective strip that covers the kerb-exposed outer edge of an alloy wheel.
- Retained between the tire and the wheel, and installed by the end user without removing the tire from the wheel.
- Manufactured by profile extrusion, likely co-extrusion of two materials of different hardness.
- Must not damage the wheel's painted, machined, or coated surfaces.
- Certain third-party IP constraints on the design will be shared under NDA.
PERFORMANCE TARGETS
- Retention: secure at a 240 km/h (about 150 mph) design speed. The wheel edge sees roughly 290 g of outward acceleration at 130 km/h and about 440 g at 160 km/h.
- Operating temperature: -30°C to +85°C, with brake heat soak to be assessed.
- Must not compromise the tire's air seal or bead seating.
- Survive repeated kerb strikes without tearing or detaching.
- Resistant to UV, ozone, water, road salt, and wheel cleaners.
- Fits a range of wheel diameters (15-22") with one profile.
PHASE 1 SCOPE (about 15-25 hours)
1. Review the concept and the IP constraints (under NDA).
2. Assess feasibility and flag anything that won't work physically.
3. Propose a cross-section profile, plus at least one alternative.
4. Recommend materials, hardness, and co-extrusion approach.
5. Estimate impact and crush behavior with first-order calculations. Detailed simulation is Phase 2.
6. Assess retention under rotational load and wheel balance impact.
7. Assess extrusion manufacturability, including profile distortion after the die and bond strength between materials.
8. Identify likely failure modes.
9. Propose a prototype and validation plan with numeric pass/fail criteria, covering air retention, bead safety, pull-out, impact, wheel finish abrasion, and environmental aging.
10. Give a rough cost estimate for prototype tooling and production tooling.
DELIVERABLES
A written report, a cross-section sketch for each option, a ranked recommendation, a failure-mode list, a test plan with pass/fail criteria, and cost estimates.
If Phase 1 succeeds, the engagement may expand into detailed design, prototyping, testing, extruder selection, and production support.
IDEAL BACKGROUND
- Automotive seals and weatherstrips (hollow-bulb door and trunk seals are the closest analog)
- TPE/TPU/EPDM material selection
- Profile extrusion and co-extrusion
- Elastomer simulation (hyperelastic materials)
- Tire/wheel or automotive exterior components
- Product validation and testing
- Taking a product from concept to production
WHEN APPLYING, PLEASE PROVIDE
1. A short summary of relevant experience.
2. Two or three products or components you personally engineered.
3. Your experience with elastomer extrusion and seal design.
4. Whether you've taken a product from concept to production tooling.
5. The CAD/CAE software you use.
6. A fixed-fee estimate for Phase 1.
7. Your availability.
8. Confirmation that you have no conflicting non-compete or invention-assignment obligations.
PLEASE ALSO BRIEFLY ANSWER:
How would you approach designing a soft protective strip retained between a tire and an alloy wheel so that it absorbs kerb impacts, never compromises the tire's air seal, and doesn't abrade the wheel finish over years of use? We're interested in your thought process, not a finished design.
CONFIDENTIALITY AND IP
An NDA is required before technical details are shared. All project-specific designs, drawings, inventions, prototypes, and work product are assigned to and owned by the client.
BUDGET: $2,000-4,000 fixed price for Phase 1. read less
Things to know
Expert
Skill Level
$4,000
Fixed-rate (USD)
Part-time
Job type
Under 1-month
Job duration
Areas of expertise
Automotive Engineering
Elastomer Design
Extrusion
FEA
Gaskets
Mechanical Engineering
Product Development
Rubber part design
Thermoplastic
+6 more
Job categories
Mechanical Engineering
Industrial Design Services
Product Engineering Services
About the client
Payment ready
United States (01:39 pm)
Posted
Active
Job activity
25 Applicants
0 interviews in progress
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