Design Engineer - Automotive Protective Film Systems (Entry Level)

Star Shield Solutions•Ontario, CA

1d•$70,000 - $130,000•Onsite

About The Position

STAR SHIELD SOLUTIONS is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Design Engineer - Automotive Protective Film Systems (Entry Level) to join our automotive product development team in Southern California. This role will focus on the design, development, testing, and validation of automotive protective film solutions including paint protection film (PPF), clear films, surface protection materials, and related adhesive-backed film systems for OEM automotive customers such as Toyota, General Motors, and other leading automotive manufacturers. The ideal candidate will have an engineering background with strong interest or experience in automotive applications, materials engineering, product design, and manufacturing processes. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work directly with cross-functional teams to develop innovative film-based products that meet OEM performance, durability, and quality standards. The position will also support operations and sales teams by assisting with project pricing and developing bills of materials (BOMs) for customer programs and production projects.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in: Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Or related engineering discipline
0–3 years of engineering experience (internships or co-op experience in automotive or materials industries preferred)
Basic understanding of automotive systems, materials, and manufacturing processes
Familiarity with polymer materials, films, adhesives, laminates, coatings, or surface protection technologies preferred
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative product development environment
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
SolidWorks
AutoCAD
Microsoft Excel (advanced preferred)
Microsoft Office Suite
Minitab or statistical analysis software
Data collection and reporting tools
Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems
Engineering Change Management processes
BOM management systems
APQP
PPAP
DFMEA/PFMEA
GD&T fundamentals
ISO/IATF quality systems
Basic understanding of OEM validation standards

Nice To Haves

Internship or project experience within automotive OEM, Tier 1 supplier, or materials manufacturing environments
Exposure to automotive development standards and processes
Understanding of film converting, extrusion, lamination, coating, or die-cutting processes
Experience with prototype development and laboratory testing
Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies
CATIA (preferred)
Autodesk Inventor (plus)
Passion for automotive innovation and product development
Strong mechanical aptitude
Self-motivated and eager to learn
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
Team-oriented mindset with strong interpersonal skills
Interest in advanced materials and protective technologies

Responsibilities

Assist in the design and development of automotive protective film products including: Paint protection films (PPF), Clear protective films, Surface protection materials, Adhesive-backed film systems, Interior and exterior automotive protection solutions
Support OEM product development programs for automotive customers including Toyota, General Motors, and other Tier 1 or OEM partners.
Create and maintain CAD drawings, design documentation, product specifications, and engineering change records.
Participate in prototype development, material evaluations, testing, and validation activities.
Conduct root cause analysis and support continuous improvement initiatives related to product performance and manufacturability.
Collaborate with product management, manufacturing, quality, sales, and supplier teams to support new product launches.
Assist operations and sales teams with project pricing, cost analysis, and development of bills of materials (BOMs) for customer and production projects.
Assist with laboratory testing including: Adhesion testing, Environmental/weathering evaluations, Optical clarity measurements, Durability and abrasion testing, Automotive qualification testing
Support DFMEA, PFMEA, APQP, PPAP, and other automotive quality and development processes.
Analyze test data and prepare technical reports and presentations for internal teams and OEM customers.
Participate in customer meetings, technical reviews, and product validation activities.
Ensure designs meet automotive regulatory, quality, and performance standards.