Exterior Trim Design Engineer
About The Position
The Exterior Trim Design Engineer develops automotive exterior trim part models from early concepts through detailed design maturation. The role creates and refines A-surfaces and engineering surfaces while maintaining design intent and downstream manufacturability, and defines part geometry, interfaces, attachment features, locating schemes, and datum structures. The engineer applies GD&T and supports tolerance stack-up reviews to achieve fit, function, and assembly targets. The role collaborates with DREs, styling, manufacturing, suppliers, quality, and tooling teams to resolve design issues; applies DFM principles and incorporates feedback from toolmakers and manufacturing engineers; and supports design reviews, prototype builds, tool reviews, part inspections, and engineering changes. Accurate models, drawings, and product data are maintained in 3DEXPERIENCE (3DX). The position is located in Dearborn, Michigan, or Long Beach, California, and is a six-month contract.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
- Automotive exterior trim design experience from concept through design maturation.
- Hands-on experience with A-surface part modeling and production-intent product definition.
- Working knowledge of GD&T, datum schemes, locating strategy, and tolerance stack-up.
- Experience applying DFM principles to automotive components.
- Proficiency with 3DEXPERIENCE (3DX) and relevant CAD modeling workflows.
- English proficiency at C1–C2 level.
Nice To Haves
- Knowledge of Class-A surface requirements, styling-to-engineering surface transition, and surface quality checks.
- Knowledge of injection molding and other relevant trim processes, including draft, wall thickness, ribs, bosses, clips, shutoffs, and undercuts.
- Knowledge of material selection, shrinkage, warpage, sink, read-through, and appearance considerations.
- Knowledge of digital mock-up, packaging, assembly access, serviceability, and adjacent-part interfaces.
- Experience with engineering change control, design reviews, and supplier collaboration.
Responsibilities
- Develop exterior trim part models from early concepts through detailed design maturation.
- Create and refine A-surface and engineering surfaces while maintaining design intent and downstream manufacturability.
- Define part geometry, interfaces, attachment features, locating schemes, and datum structures.
- Apply GD&T and support tolerance stack-up reviews to achieve fit, function, and assembly targets.
- Collaborate with DREs, styling, manufacturing, suppliers, quality, and tooling teams to resolve design issues.
- Apply DFM principles and incorporate feedback from toolmakers and manufacturing engineers.
- Support design reviews, prototype builds, tool reviews, part inspections, and engineering changes.
- Maintain accurate models, drawings, and product data in 3DEXPERIENCE (3DX).
