Principal NX​/CATIA Design Engineer, Automotive Launch

Join the mission

Imagine guiding a high-visibility exterior program from sketch to series production. You architect the CAD, validate it with CAE, freeze the design with your customer, and release pristine data—every checkpoint inside Magna’s PDP nailed. Along the way, you mentor engineers, scout for patentable innovations, and ensure the manufacturing floor can build it faster, safer, and more cost‑effectively. If this is your ideal arena, welcome to Magna Exteriors.

Lead the design and release of internal and external CAD data and drawings for new product launches, while sustaining current production with VA/VE studies and Manufacturing-led CI support.

• Transform verbal and written concepts into complete 3D models, layouts, and detailed drawings for prototypes and production.
• Drive end‑to‑end design activities and coordinate across internal and external stakeholders; adjust designs to customer feedback.
• Plan and conduct design reviews; keep deliverables aligned to scope, schedule, and cost.
• Run and interpret CAE (Moldflow, FEA, Warpage) to de‑risk designs.
• Build robust documentation—drawings, renderings, reports—in line with company and customer standards.
• Perform cost analyses and tolerance stack‑ups; maintain drawing systems and 3D data integrity.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to customer design teams; recommend parameters that uphold manufacturability and value.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives and research enhancements to processes and products.
• Generate innovative, patent‑eligible concepts; navigate Magna and U.S. Patent Office submissions; track patent status internally and externally.
• Collaborate with Product and Manufacturing Engineering to achieve best‑in‑class DfM.
• Execute Change Requests (CR) and Change Notices (CN) via the Magna Change X tool.
• Capture lessons learned to elevate future programs.
• Support prototype, pre‑production, and production builds; protect intellectual property throughout.
• Foster strong, positive relationships with customers, suppliers, and internal partners.
• Partner with program management on product/process development and prototype tooling/builds.

• Location:
  
  North America or Global
• Process:
  Product Delivery Process (PDP) – Gated Launch

• DE2 — Design Engineer:
  Medium scope (2–4 programs at once), Standard complexity, Leads programs
• DE3 — Senior Design Engineer:
  Large scope (1–3 programs at once), High complexity, Mentors and trains others

• ME-003 Intellectual Property / Patent Searches
• ME-030 Critical Design Review (CDR)
• ME-035 CAE (Moldflow, FEA, Warpage Analysis, Other)
  What you need to succeed Education

  Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering or a Technical field

  Experience bands
  • DE2: 4–9 years | DE3: 10+ years
  • Customer/supplier engagement: DE2 Skilled | DE3 Expert
  • New product launches and gated launch execution: DE2 Skilled | DE3 Expert
  • Automotive OEM environment: DE2 Skilled | DE3 Expert
  • CAD platforms (CATIA, NX, other): DE2 Skilled | DE3 Expert

  Skilled:
  Manages moderate complexity independently; can lead programs without mentorship; choices have lasting impact.

  Expert:
  Orchestrates complex, large programs; fully proficient; mentors and trains; accountable for high‑risk decisions.

  Software and toolchain
  • Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word
  • NX, CATIA, or equivalent CAD systems
  Professional competencies
  • Communication and English Proficiency:
    Professional writing, reading, and speaking; effective one‑on‑one presentation; strong interpersonal and listening skills.
  • Ethics and Initiative:
    Integrity-driven; proactive; comfortable navigating ambiguity.
  • Safety and Customer Focus:
    Adheres to safety; uses materials responsibly; cultivates strong customer partnerships.
  • Collaboration and…