Automotive Development Engineer - Graduate Program Yokohama

A leading global automotive connectivity technology manufacturer is seeking an ambitious Automotive Development Engineer to join its structured 26-month Engineering and Operations Development Program in Kanagawa, Japan.

This accelerated rotational program is designed to develop the next generation of Engineering and Operations leaders, providing practical experience across automotive product development, manufacturing, quality, and operational functions.

Beginning in Research & Development (R&D) and Product Development, you will contribute to the design and engineering of automotive low-voltage connectors, high-voltage connectors, data connectivity systems, and electrical terminals used in modern vehicle technologies.

Working at the company's Kawasaki Headquarters, you will take ownership of engineering deliverables while receiving guidance and coaching from experienced engineers and technical leaders.

You will gain hands-on experience in 3D CAD design, Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE), mechanical and electrical engineering, product validation, Design FMEA, and Value Engineering.

The role also offers exposure to cross-functional teams, including Project Management, Manufacturing, Testing, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Operations, and Supply Chain, helping you develop a comprehensive understanding of automotive engineering and product development.

This opportunity is ideal for early-career engineers with a background in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Materials Engineering who want to accelerate their professional development and build a long-term career in the global automotive industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop automotive low-voltage, high-voltage, and data connectivity connectors and terminals to meet customer specifications.
• Ensure engineering designs align with product performance, development schedules, manufacturing costs, and quality requirements.
• Create and maintain engineering drawings, technical specifications, and product design documentation.
• Prepare Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (Design FMEA) documentation to support product reliability and risk assessment.
• Develop and document design verification plans, test results, and engineering validation activities.
• Prepare and maintain cross-functional change-point matrices to support engineering change management.
• Collaborate with automotive customers to translate functional requirements and performance specifications into practical product designs.
• Support the development of manufacturable automotive connector and terminal solutions.
• Apply Value Analysis and Value Engineering (VA/VE) techniques to improve product cost efficiency throughout the development lifecycle.
• Use 3D CAD and CAE tools to support mechanical design, structural analysis, and thermal-electric engineering assessments.
• Participate in technical reviews and engineering discussions with experienced engineers and project stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Project Management, Manufacturing, Testing, Quality, Operations, Procurement, and Supply Chain teams to deliver assigned projects.
• Analyze engineering data to identify technical issues, evaluate design alternatives, and recommend practical improvements.
• Take ownership of assigned engineering deliverables while maintaining accuracy, accountability, and timely communication.
• Apply a practical engineering approach by observing actual production environments, examining physical components, and understanding real operating conditions.
• Participate in the 26-month Engineering and Operations rotation program, gaining exposure to different technical and business functions.
• Work closely with experienced engineering leaders to strengthen technical problem-solving, project execution, and professional leadership capabilities.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.
• Knowledge and practical skills in 3D CAD and Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE).
• Understanding of static structural analysis and thermal-electric analysis.
• Foundational knowledge of mechanical design, electrical engineering, or materials engineering principles.
• Ability to interpret technical requirements and support the development of engineering drawings and design documentation.
• Interest in automotive product development, connector technologies, and manufacturing engineering.
• Ability to analyze technical data and apply engineering knowledge to practical design and development challenges.
• Willingness to participate in a structured 26-month Engineering and Operations development program.
• Openness to learning different engineering and operational functions throughout the rotation program.

Soft Skills:

• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and research capabilities.
• Ability to learn quickly and apply new technical knowledge to real engineering challenges.
• Strong analytical thinking and a data-driven approach to problem-solving.
• Excellent relationship-building and collaboration skills when working with colleagues, managers, and suppliers.
• Strong sense of accountability and willingness to take ownership of assigned engineering deliverables.
• Honesty and transparency when communicating project progress, technical findings, and challenges.
• Practical engineering mindset based on observing actual locations, examining actual components, and understanding real conditions.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, and Supply Chain teams.
• Proactive attitude toward professional development and continuous improvement.
• Strong motivation to build a long-term career in Automotive Engineering, Product Development, and Engineering Leadership.

Language Requirements:

• Japanese: Fluent (JLPT N1 proficiency specified in the recruitment requirements).
• English: Intermediate/Business, with willingness to further improve communication skills.
• Ability to prepare an English résumé and participate in an English-language interview.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering.
• Mandarin Chinese language proficiency.
• Knowledge of automotive connector design, electrical terminals, or vehicle connectivity systems.
• Familiarity with low-voltage, high-voltage, or automotive data communication technologies.
• Exposure to 3D CAD design, CAE simulation, structural analysis, or thermal-electric analysis.
• Understanding of Design FMEA, design verification, and engineering change management.
• Interest in Value Analysis, Value Engineering, and manufacturing cost optimization.
• Exposure to automotive manufacturing, product testing, quality assurance, or production engineering.
• Experience collaborating on technical projects involving multiple engineering disciplines.
• Interest in developing future responsibilities in Engineering Management, Operations, or Technical Leadership.

About the Company

Morgan McKinley is partnering with a global connectivity technology manufacturer serving the international automotive industry.

The company specializes in the development and manufacturing of automotive electrical connectors, terminals, and connectivity solutions supporting modern vehicle electrical systems and communication technologies.

Its product portfolio includes low-voltage connectors, high-voltage connectors, and data connectivity components designed to meet the evolving requirements of automotive manufacturers.

The organization combines mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, materials expertise, and advanced manufacturing capabilities to deliver reliable automotive connectivity technologies.

Through its Engineering and Operations development program, the company provides early-career professionals with opportunities to gain practical experience across Research & Development, Product Engineering, Manufacturing, Testing, Quality, Procurement, and Supply Chain.

This position offers an opportunity to contribute to real automotive product development projects while building the technical and professional foundation needed for broader engineering responsibilities and future leadership opportunities.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Accelerate your engineering career through a structured 26-month Engineering and Operations rotation program.
• Gain hands-on experience in Automotive R&D, Product Development, and Connector Engineering.
• Receive coaching and mentoring from experienced engineers and engineering leaders.
• Work on real product development projects involving automotive low-voltage, high-voltage, and data connectivity technologies.
• Develop technical skills in 3D CAD, CAE, Design FMEA, Product Validation, and Value Engineering.
• Build practical experience across Manufacturing, Testing, Quality, Procurement, Operations, and Supply Chain.
• Gain exposure to multiple engineering and business functions within a global automotive organization.
• Build a foundation for broader engineering responsibilities and future leadership opportunities.
• Work at the company's Kawasaki Headquarters while developing experience across engineering and operational functions.
• Benefit from flexible working hours and minimal overtime.
• Enjoy 129-131 annual holidays, supporting a healthy work-life balance.
• Access comprehensive employee benefits, including retirement allowances and employee savings plans.
• Receive meal allowances and transportation support.
• Benefit from maternity leave, childcare leave, family care leave, and additional personal leave programs.
• Develop your long-term career in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Product Development, and Engineering Leadership.
• Contribute to the development of next-generation automotive electrical and connectivity technologies.

Don't Miss Out - Apply Now!