Senior CAD Engineer

Senior CAD Engineer – Closures Systems

Experience : 8 Years

Location: Southfield, MI

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM EDT

Workplace Type: Onsite

Key Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of closure components and systems, including hood, fender, side door, decklid/liftgate, trim, spoilers, claddings, reinforcements, and brackets.
• Manage CAD modeling, packaging layouts, and detailed part/assembly drawings using CATIA V5/V6 or 3DX.
• Ensure all closure systems meet functional, performance, cost, manufacturability, and serviceability requirements.
• Apply GD&T principles, design for manufacturability/assembly (DFM/DFA), and support design release activities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with CAE, manufacturing, and stamping/supplier engineering teams to optimize designs.
• Interpret simulation and analysis results to guide design iterations and improve performance.
• Participate in benchmarking and competitive analysis to assess design competitiveness.
• Support prototype builds, testing, and validation of closure system components.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and maintain alignment with safety and regulatory standards.

Daily Activities & Task Breakdown

• CATIA/CAD Design: 70%
• Engineering & Collaboration Tasks: 30%

You’ll collaborate with other designers, receive direction from engineering managers, and execute tasks independently with minimal oversight.

Qualifications

Required:

• 8 years of experience in transportation or automotive product development, preferably in closures systems and subsystems.
• Proficiency in CATIA V5/V6 or 3DX for design, packaging, and 3D modeling.
• Experience working with Class A surface data and high-volume manufacturing processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities using first-principles engineering.
• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to prioritize and deliver results under tight timelines.

Preferred:

• Experience working with OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers on closure systems.
• Exposure to FEA tools within the CATIA environment.
• Experience with tooling, stamping, and supplier collaboration for automotive components.
• Hands-on understanding of materials, section properties, and structural analysis.
• Creative approach to solving mechanical and packaging challenges.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field (ABET-accredited preferred).
• Equivalent technical experience will be considered in lieu of degree.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Independent and proactive with minimal need for supervision.
• Adaptable, fast learner with strong ownership and accountability.
• Detail-oriented with a “design excellence” mindset.
• Passionate about innovation and advancing electric vehicle technology.

Performance Metrics

• Quality, completeness, and accuracy of CAD deliverables.
• Timeliness of design execution and release.
• Collaboration and communication effectiveness across teams.