By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

Mechanical Engineer
Currie Enterprises is hiring a mechanical engineer to provide engineering support for new and existing products, utilize a variety of manufacturing methods and develop 3-D CAD models and 2-D drawings for manufacturing. Candidates must have more than three years of mechanical engineering and manufacturing experience; extensive experience using SolidWorks for 3-D parts, assemblies, and drawing; and experience working with precision mechanical assemblies.

High-Performance Engine Assembler
Group-A Engineering is hiring a high-performance engine assembler to work on high-profile projects. Applicants must be mature, experienced and versatile—able to switch from project to project. Also, candidates must have the ability to work on everything, such as various engines and vehicles, both import and domestic. A minimum of 3–5 years’ high-performance engine building experience is required.

Senior Accountant
EGR Inc. is hiring a senior accountant who can quickly be groomed to step into the role of financial controller. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills; technology, organizational and analytical skills; at least three years’ of general and cost accounting experience (using an integrated ERP system) in a manufacturing environment; a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance; and hold a CPA license.

By SEMA Editors

Dates and locations have been scheduled for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a final rule to update the standard reference test tire (SRTT) used as a baseline tire to rate treadwear, braking traction, snow traction and evaluate pavement surface friction. The rule was necessary because the only manufacturer of the previously referenced SRTT ceased production of the tire. Referencing a new SRTT ensures the availability of a test tire for testing purposes.

Under the final rule, ASTM E1136, ‘‘Standard Specification for P195/75R14 Radial Standard Reference Test Tire’’ (14-in. SRTT) will be replaced with ASTM F2493, Standard Specification for P225/60R16 (16-in. SRTT). The 16-in. SRTT is considered more representative of current tires because of its larger size, new material and design features that are more typical of modern passenger car tires.

To view the final rule click here.

For more information, contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

Emerging entrepreneurs and inventors have until June 13 to submit their applications for the SEMA Launch Pad. Through the SEMA Launch Pad, those with a functioning automotive-related product or accessory will vie for a chance to win a grand-prize package valued at $92,000 to help launch their product or service into the marketplace. 

SEMA Launch Pad is the ultimate product-pitching competition for automotive entrepreneurs, and helps elevate budding businesses though brand exposure, access to business resources, face time with key industry influencers and more. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three finalists, while other semifinalists and their products are promoted on SEMA websites, publications and social-media networks throughout the duration of the competition.

Fifteen semifinalists will be selected in June to participate in the first round of pitching and be invited to exhibit at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas in November. The top five finalists will pitch their products to a panel of industry judges during the SEMA Show, where a final winner will be selected.

Past products included have been selected from segments such as vehicle technology, restyling, truck and off-road and more, although the program is not limited to any product that has the potential to positively impact the future of the aftermarket industry.

To qualify, applicants must be a business owner or company-leading executive (president, CEO, CFO, COO or vice president), and must offer a product or service that is a functioning prototype or concept or currently available for sale.

Apply now for SEMA Launch Pad.

By Ashley Reyes

Modern battery pack design has come a long way in a short period of time. While many engineers are familiar with the basic principles, designing battery packs for a hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV), plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle (PHEV) or battery electric vehicle (BEV) requires advanced engineering.

Knowing chemistry types and wiring, battery management systems and difference between parallel versus series cell arrangement is critical to know when designing battery packs because many cells connect together to create larger battery capacities.

Automotive engineers, programmers and product developers are invited to learn about battery pack design basics, and how to identify the basic design elements of a properly designed HEV/EV high-voltage battery pack, during the SEMA Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN) webinar on June 21, at 1:00 p.m. (PDT).

Jake Hawksworth, founder and CEO at Hypercraft, will demystify high-voltage battery packs and present the types of cells and their uses, so attendees can understand the safety systems involved, and have a deeper understanding of current high voltage architecture.

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

As part of the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization’s (PRO) mission to build awareness of the benefits of vehicle accessorization, the council provides year-round resources to help its members succeed in the marketplace.

To keep PRO members and businesses in the restylers/accessory market up-to-date on programs and events available to their companies, the council is hosting a Virtual General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, June 22, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).

The meeting is the best time to learn about what PRO is currently working on and find out how to get involved. Participants will learn about the SEMA PRO Auto Show—an all-new program that will highlight vehicle accessorization at car shows throughout the United States, plans for an In-Person General Membership Meeting and Installer Training, and get updates on the 2022 PRO Cup Challenge, the SEMA Show PRO Happy Hour and the council’s Awards Reception.

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

Automotive aftermarket engineers and program developers are invited to a first-ever event designed to help them advance their companies and learn about industry technology.

Through the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) Networking, Education, Resources and Development (N.E.R.D.) Symposium, engineers will connect with product and service providers, and engage in networking and education opportunities unlike any other.

Below are highlights of the N.E.R.D. Symposium taking place at the new SEMA Garage Detroit facility, August 16–19:

Engineer and Service Provider Meetings
As technology evolves, the tools and resources to help engineers develop products faster, more accurately and cost-effectively has increased. Engineers will be able to meet and sit down in quality one-on-one meetings with product and service providers, to learn about the resources available and how they are relevant to their individual businesses. Nowhere else will engineers and service providers be able to connect in so many high-quality conversations about the latest offerings for 3-D printing, CNC or CMM equipment, testing labs for ADAS, emissions, the suspension lifecycle and more.  

In-Depth Education
Hear from industry experts as they share the latest developments about topics such as ADAS and vehicle technology. From the latest research to the newest innovations, you’ll learn important information that will help you develop products that will succeed in the marketplace.

Peer-to-Peer Networking
Meet and connect with other engineers who share common concerns and challenges. Get to know one another over complimentary breakfast and lunch on Wednesday and Thursday of the event.

SEMA Garage Detroit Private Tour
With access to OEM-quality equipment and procedures, the SEMA Garage in Detroit makes it possible for product developers to troubleshoot software/hardware obstacles as well as dynamic testing in conjunction with local facilities. Engineers will be able to see first-hand the capabilities of the SEMA Garage in Detroit, and discover how the facility is the first-of-its-kind to assist with compliance with ADAS features, emissions requirements and complex vehicle technology, as they tour the new facility during the official Grand Opening celebration.

Engineers, programmers, product developers and product and service providers interested in attending the event can learn more and register here by July 22.

By Ashley Reyes

Restoring a classic car is unlike modifying any new vehicle on the road today. With dozens of models that can be restored in different ways, staying informed on new trends and build request types can help businesses expand their customer base, as well as their creative wit.

SEMA Automotive Restoration Organization (ARMO) members and businesses in the restoration segment are invited to a panel discussion where they will hear from builders and business owners sharing their take on current trends.

Taking place June 14, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT), the ARMO General Membership Meeting and Panel Discussion will feature Joanna Agosta Shere of Steel Rubber Products as moderator, and panelists Lou Santiago, host of “Garage Insider TV” on YouTube; Amy Fitzgerald, owner of Cool Hand Customs; and Douglas Glad, head of editorial at Hemmings, answering questions live on:

• Top restoration trends for hobbyists and businesses.
• What’s hot and what’s not at car shows.
• Where restomods and EVs fit in the restoration world.

This meeting features a brief presentation from the ARMO Select Committee, where they will discuss the current state of the automotive restoration market and the council’s current initiatives.

Register today.

By Ashley Reyes

Some form of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is included in every new vehicle today. It’s impossible to avoid. Aftermarket businesses, including product manufacturers, installers, engineers and restylers will need to know how modifications will affect the system’s original functionally.

Knowing what guidelines and procedures to take is critical to ensuring proper recalibration and test protocols. SEMA members are invited to join the webinar “Modding Vehicles With ADAS” on Wednesday, June 15, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT), to learn how to avoid the possibility of malfunctioning systems after upgrading a vehicle with aftermarket equipment.

Nick Dominato, senior vice president of product at asTech, will share:    

• Challenges and best practices when modifying ADAS-equipped vehicles.
• Types of modifications that require recalibration.
• Calibration procedures for different make vehicles.
• The difference between dynamic vs. static calibrations.
• Resources and tools available.

As ADAS expands its footprint, it is critical for aftermarket companies to stay ahead and be prepared for the future. Learn more and register here. 

By Ashley Reyes

Company acquisitions can be exciting times, but they can also create concerns about job security and the culture of the new management.

To help SEMA-member company employees thrive during corporate climate change, the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) is hosting a live webinar focused on gaining a better understanding of the acquisition process on June 27, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).

“Thriving During Corporate Climate Changes—For Employees” features speaker Wade Kawasaki, managing partner of Legendary Companies, sharing

• Key challenges that that employees face during acquisitions.
• How acquisitions impact the morale of the organization.
• How employees can create a positive impact and maintain a team environment and sense of unity.

Kawasaki has successfully led his own team through an acquisition and will share his best-kept secrets for what employees need to know. Register today to engage with Kawasaki live.

Learn more and register here.