Component Engineer: A Crucial Role in Product Development

 


In the engineering and product development industry, a Component Engineer (CE) plays a vital role in identifying and selecting the right components for a product. In this article, we will explore the key responsibilities and skills of a Component Engineer, as well as the different categories of components and the processes involved in selecting and evaluating them.

What is a Component Engineer?


A Component Engineer is responsible for identifying and selecting the best components for a product, considering factors such as performance, safety, and cost. Their responsibilities include:

  • Component selection: Identifying and evaluating components that meet product requirements.
  • Component evaluation: Conducting tests and analyses to ensure component functionality and compatibility.
  • Component testing: Conducting tests to ensure components meet quality and safety standards.

What is a Component?


A component is each of the necessary elements to build a product. Components can be grouped into categories that share similar attributes. Some common categories of components include:

  • Raw materials (e.g., epoxy, solder)
  • Connectors (e.g., flex, Fakra)
  • Fasteners (e.g., screws, nuts, washers, bushings)
  • Labels
  • Custom parts (e.g., injection-molded, stamped, cast)
  • Integrated circuits (e.g., memories, analogs, communications, logic)
  • Printed circuit boards (PCBs)
  • Active or semiconductor components (e.g., transistors, diodes)
  • Passive components (e.g., capacitors, inductors, resistors)

Component Engineer Responsibilities



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The responsibilities of a Component Engineer can be divided into two categories: general and local.

General Responsibilities

  • Component identification: Selecting components that meet performance, safety, and cost requirements.
  • Analysis and testing: Conducting analyses and tests to ensure component functionality and compatibility.
  • System integration: Ensuring components function correctly in the system.
  • Optimization and improvement: Identifying opportunities to improve performance and reduce costs.

Local Responsibilities

  • Component restriction: Restricting components due to hazardous substances, end-of-life, or commercial grade, among others.
  • PPAP review: Reviewing documentation that ensures components meet AIAG standards and customer requirements. This documentation also includes process information and, in the case of electrical components, the Certificate of Design and Construction (CoDC) that tracks the manufacturing of a semiconductor or integrated circuit.
  • New part numbers: Requesting part numbers for new components.
  • Technical support: Providing support for technical issues related to components.
  • Technical analysis: Conducting analyses for component-related failures.
  • Design document release: Releasing design documents, such as drawings or prints. These can be detailed plans for custom-made components or technical sheets from the supplier for off-the-shelf components.

PPAP Review


The PPAP review is a critical process in the engineering and product development industry. Some key elements reviewed in a PPAP review include:

  • Dimensional results: Verifying component dimensions meet design requirements.
  • Material certification: Verifying materials meet quality and safety requirements.
  • Test results: Verifying components meet functionality and safety requirements.
  • Quality certification: Verifying components meet quality and safety standards.
  • Laboratory certification: Verifying the laboratory that conducted the tests is accredited and meets quality standards.

In conclusion, a Component Engineer plays a vital role in the engineering and product development industry. Their responsibility is to identify and select the best components for a product, considering factors such as performance, safety, and cost.

References:

  1. AIAG (2014). Production Part Approval Process (PPAP). Automotive Industry Action Group.
  2. IATF (2016). IATF 16949:2016. International Automotive Task Force.
  3. ISO (2015). ISO 9001:2015. International Organization for Standardization.
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