Designer - NX & CATIA (Automotive Soft Trim)
About The Position
The Designer plays a critical part in delivering high-quality, manufacturable designs for both new and existing customers within a fast-paced Tier One automotive environment. Adler Pelzer Group is seeking a driven and innovative Designer for Soft Trim Automotive Components to join the team of the North American HQ in Troy, MI. This role involves creating and modifying 2D drawings and 3D parametric models for automotive soft trim components, handling large assemblies, and managing data. The designer will develop interior and exterior components, analyze customer-provided CAD data for RFQ phases, and collaborate with R&D Engineering. They will also participate in design reviews and ensure designs meet functional, cost, weight, and manufacturability requirements, while proactively proposing improvements for cost reduction and mass optimization.
Requirements
- 5-year minimum proficiency in Siemens NX (2022-2026) and CATIA V5 - V6.
- Experience with Siemens Team Center (GM, Stellantis, Ford).
- Understanding of automotive systems (interior, exterior, body, powertrain-adjacent components) especially in Soft Trim and Hard Trim.
- Ability to interpret GD&T, tolerances, and drawing standards.
- Ability to adjust designs to support DFM/DFA (Design for Manufacturing/Assembly).
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and tooling considerations.
- Experience supporting RFQ / quote-phase design.
- Material awareness (plastics, metals, soft trims, composites, insulation systems).
- Knowledge of part validation requirements (fit, form, function).
- Problem-solving under tight timelines.
- Ability to handle multiple programs simultaneously.
- Comfort working under aggressive OEM timelines.
- Independent decision-making with accountability.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Clear written and verbal communication.
- Customer-facing confidence.
- Willingness to challenge designs constructively.
- Adaptability to change program scope.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with CATIA Dassault 3DX.
- Tier One automotive supplier experience.
- Knowledge of acoustic or thermal insulation components.
- Knowledge of SMC components.
- Experience supporting RFQ activities and customer design reviews.
Responsibilities
- Create and modify 2D drawings and 3D parametric models for automotive soft trim components using NX and CATIA mainly.
- Large assembly handling and data management.
- Understand and apply CAD Standards and design guidelines for multiple OEMs.
- Develop interior and exterior components including carpets, firewall insulation, headliners, cargo trims and engine bay components.
- Develop hard trim components (SMC Sheet Molding Compound).
- Analyze customer-provided CAD data during RFQ and development phases and generate detailed dimensions report for cost calculation.
- Collaborate with R&D Engineering to provide technical data for component and cost documentation.
- Participate in and lead design reviews with internal teams, tooling suppliers, and customers (OEMs).
- Ensure designs meet functional, cost, weight, and manufacturability requirements.
- Proactively propose design improvements that lead to cost reduction, mass optimization, and process improvement.
Benefits
- Competitive pay and generous benefits package
- Opportunity to be a part of a strong team and grow one's career
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance options from day one
- Generous and flexible paid time off
- 401(K) match, fully vested
- Company provided life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurances, employee assistance program
- Variety of automobile purchase discounts (Stellantis (FCA), BMW, Ford, GM, Subaru-many others)
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
