Design Engineer III - Lighting

ABOUT THE ROLE

This position supports a tier-one automotive supplier specializing in the design and production of lighting equipment, accessories, and electronic components. The organization operates a full-service engineering and manufacturing facility with capabilities in lighting design, mold construction, production engineering, quality, assembly, sales, and customer support.

• Demonstrate strong organizational, project management, and leadership skills

• Deliver clear and confident technical presentations

• Maintain exceptional attention to detail

• Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills

• Work effectively both independently and in cross-functional teams

• Coordinate design projects to develop high-quality, cost-effective automotive lighting products that meet government regulations and customer expectations.

• Design and layout forward and rear automotive lighting systems according to customer specifications.

• Perform DFMEA, DRBFM, and FTA analyses and lead part design reviews.

• Confirm design intent through mock-up evaluations and tooled part reviews.

• Create and maintain 2D/3D drawings and Bills of Materials (BOMs) within a PLM system.

• Minimize production-related issues by ensuring robust design practices.

• Communicate technical and project-related information effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal teams.

• Provide guidance and mentorship to Design Engineers I and II.

• Ensure compliance with ISO requirements for the product development process.

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance

• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Additional benefits available

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

• 4+ years of automotive lighting design experience (forward or rear lamps)

• 4+ years of experience with CATIA V5

• Experience with plastic injection molding or die mold construction

• Experience working directly with Automotive OEMs

• Strong understanding of FMVSS 108 and global lighting regulations

• Understanding of electrical circuits, LED operation, thermal management, and structural design

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools

• Demonstrated communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills

Preferred:

• Experience with ANSYS SPEOS and Lucid Shape

• CATIA V5/V6 experience in solids, surfacing, assemblies, and drafting

• Injection-molded plastic part design experience

• Experience with OEM development processes

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs as needed

• Primarily office-based (8 hours per day)

• Manufacturing or lab environment exposure (1–2 hours per week)

• Occasional overnight travel to customer sites, remote locations, overseas facilities, or training centers

• Overtime (planned or unplanned) may be required to meet project deadlines

• Work may be split between desk responsibilities and hands-on lab validation and testing

• Exposure to moving or mechanical parts

• Moderate noise levels in certain plant areas (hearing protection required where designated)