Engineering - Lead CAD

Grote Industries • Madison, IN

2d

About The Position

The Lead CAD Designer will be a critical member of our engineering and design team, responsible for the comprehensive 3D design and development of automotive headlamps. This role requires an expert user of Creo, with a proven track record of successful design execution within the automotive lighting sector. The ideal candidate will possess an exceptional understanding of design for manufacturing (DFM), design for assembly (DFA), and an acute awareness of aesthetic and regulatory requirements for exterior automotive lighting. While PTC Creo will be the primary tool, a working knowledge or exposure to Siemens NX and/or Catia will also be beneficial.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of professional CAD design experience within the automotive industry, with extensive direct experience designing automotive headlamps, is required.
• Expert-level proficiency in PTC Creo CAD software, including solid and surface modeling, assembly design, drafting, and advanced surfacing techniques.
• Proven experience designing complex plastic injection-molded components, die-cast parts, and sheet metal components related to headlamp assemblies.
• Strong understanding of automotive product development and release processes.
• Strong understanding of GD&T principles and their application to 2D drawings.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes associated with headlamp production, including injection molding, vacuum metallization, hard coating, and assembly.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, problem-solving, organizational, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet demanding deadlines.

Nice To Haves

• Exposure to Siemens NX or CATIA
• Experience with PDM/PLM systems such as Windchill
• Knowledge of photometric and optical design considerations
• Familiarity with automotive exterior-lighting regulations and standards
• A degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related technical field is preferred; however, relevant professional experience may substitute for a degree.

Responsibilities

• Lead the 3D CAD design and modeling of complex automotive headlamp systems and their individual components using PTC Creo, from concept to production release.
• Translate styling surfacing data and engineering requirements into robust, manufacturable 3D models and detailed 2D drawings.
• Collaborate closely with styling, optical engineering, electrical engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure design feasibility, manufacturability, and adherence to performance specifications.
• Develop and maintain highly organized CAD models, ensuring proper feature tree management, parametric associativity, and adherence to company CAD standards.
• Perform design reviews, identify potential issues, and propose innovative solutions to optimize design for cost, weight, performance, and manufacturing processes.
• Create and manage complex assemblies, including interference checks, clearance analysis, and tolerance stacks.
• Generate detailed 2D drawings with appropriate GD&T, material specifications, and manufacturing notes.
• Participate in cross-functional product development meetings, providing expert CAD support and technical insights.
• Mentor junior CAD designers and contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and best practices.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, new technologies, and software advancements in CAD and automotive lighting.
• Utilize knowledge of Siemens NX for specific projects or data exchange as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed