Design Engineer - Exterior Lighting

Overview

The Lighting Design Engineer (CAD Engineer – Automotive Lighting) is responsible for the design and development of automotive lighting systems such as headlamps and rear lamps. The role focuses on creating robust, manufacturable designs using CAD tools while ensuring compliance with customer requirements, regulatory standards, and cost targets. The engineer collaborates across design, simulation, and project teams to deliver high-quality lighting solutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop 3D models and 2D drawings using CATIA V5 in line with defined standards
• Design and develop automotive lighting components (headlamps, rear lamps) from concept to production
• Ensure design feasibility considering plastic injection molding and tooling constraints
• Create and refine design proposals, sketches, and surface data (CAS integration)
• Perform design calculations, simulations, and validations (cost, weight, performance)
• Design critical features such as mounting clips, ribs, locators, and harness routing
• Participate in Design Reviews (DRs) and ensure timely closure of action items
• Manage CAD data using PDM/PLM systems and maintain version control
• Interface with customers and internal stakeholders for technical discussions and updates
• Support project timelines and ensure adherence to milestones and quality standards

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering / Automotive Engineering / Product Design
• Strong academic foundation in design engineering and manufacturing processes

Essential skills

• Proficiency in CATIA V5 (Part Design, Assembly, Drafting)
• Strong knowledge of plastic part design and injection molding principles
• Understanding of tooling feasibility and manufacturability constraints
• Good working knowledge of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)
• Experience in tolerance stack-up analysis
• Familiarity with automotive lighting systems (headlamp/rear lamp architecture)
• Ability to interpret and work with engineering drawings and standards
• Strong technical communication skills (English)

Desired skills

• Experience in automotive lighting domain (LED integration, optics basics)
• Exposure to Class-A surface (CAS) data handling and styling integration
• Knowledge of simulation/validation tools (basic level preferred)
• Familiarity with PLM tools (e.g., Teamcenter, ENOVIA)
• Understanding of DFMEA / DFM / DFA methodologies
• Exposure to OEM/Tier-1 automotive processes and standards

Experience

• 3 to 5 years
• Prior experience in automotive lighting or plastic component design is highly preferred