What are the responsibilities and job description for the Advanced Innovation Design Engineer position at Muth Company?
JOB REQUIREMENTS: The Advanced Innovation Design Engineer leads the
concept, simulation, and advanced development of next-generation
automotive lighting systems and illuminated products. This role blends
mechanical design, optical engineering, simulation, and production
feasibility to transform early concepts into production-ready
technologies. This position requires strong expertise in 3D design,
optical ray tracing, thermal simulation, and cross-functional
integration, supporting innovation from ideation through validation and
commercialization. The engineer will work closely with electrical,
optical, software, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to ensure new
technologies are robust, manufacturable, and aligned with OEM standards.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities: Concept & Innovation Development Lead
concept creation and advanced development of new lighting technologies
and illuminated systems. Develop patentable designs and innovative
lighting architectures. Create and evaluate physical properties,
demonstration units, and advanced proof-of-concept prototypes. Identify
emerging materials, optical systems, coatings, and lighting technologies
for future application. 3D Design & Product Development Design
production-intent components and assemblies using CATIA, NX, or
SolidWorks. Develop full 3D models, 2D drawings, GD&T documentation, and
BOMs. Ensure designs meet packaging, structural, and manufacturability
requirements. Collaborate with suppliers and prototype shops to execute
concept builds. Optical Engineering & Ray Tracing Perform optical
modeling and ray tracing to optimize light distribution, uniformity,
efficiency, and appearance. Work with light guides, micro-optics,
reflectors, diffusers, and surface treatments. Support optical
validation through simulation and physical testing. Collaborate with
electronics teams to integrate LEDs and drivers into optical systems.
Simulation & Analysis Conduct and/or support: o Optical ray tracing
simulations o Thermal simulations (in coordination with Mechanical
Engineering) o Structural and feasibility analyses Develop thermal
management strategies to maintain LED and electronic performance at
elevated temperatures. Validate design performance through simulation
prior to prototype and tooling release. Electrical & Cross-Functional
Integration Support integration of electronics with optical and
mechanical systems. Collaborate with electrical engineering on heat
generation, packaging constraints, and system robustness. Ensure
system-level performance across optical, mechanical, and electronic
domains. PLM & Documentation Utilize Teamcenter (or equivalent PLM
system) to manage CAD data, revisions, and release processes. Maintain
organized documentation aligned with internal quality systems. Support
product lifecycle management from concept through validation and
release. Customer & Business Support Participate in OEM meetings,
technical reviews, and design studio interactions. Support technical
sales efforts, quoting activities, and concept presentations. Represent
Muth at industry expos, technology conventions, and innovation forums.
\*\*\*\*\* OTHER EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS: Required Skills &
Knowledge Strong proficiency in CATIA (primary), NX and/or SolidWorks.
Experience with optical simulation and ray tracing tools (e.g.,
LucidShape, LightTools, Speos, Zemax, or similar). Experience with
thermal simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, FloTHERM, SolidWorks Thermal, or
similar). Deep understanding of automotive lighting systems and
illuminated product design. Working knowledge of LED systems, light
guides, micro-optics, coatings, and decorative finishes. Familiarity
with Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and
automotive validation practices. Experience using Teamcenter or similar
PLM systems. Ability to translate early concepts into
production-feasible designs. Strong communication skills for
cro s-functional and OEM interaction. Core Competencies Systems thinking
across mechanical, optical, and electrical domains. Innovation mindset
with production discipline. Strong problem-solving and analytical
capability. Comfortable working in a fast-paced, cross-functional
environment. High level of organization and accountability. \*\*\*\*\*
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: E-Mail a Rsum: mgrunewald@muthco.com Other:
E-Mail information to mgrunewald@muthco.com
concept, simulation, and advanced development of next-generation
automotive lighting systems and illuminated products. This role blends
mechanical design, optical engineering, simulation, and production
feasibility to transform early concepts into production-ready
technologies. This position requires strong expertise in 3D design,
optical ray tracing, thermal simulation, and cross-functional
integration, supporting innovation from ideation through validation and
commercialization. The engineer will work closely with electrical,
optical, software, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to ensure new
technologies are robust, manufacturable, and aligned with OEM standards.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities: Concept & Innovation Development Lead
concept creation and advanced development of new lighting technologies
and illuminated systems. Develop patentable designs and innovative
lighting architectures. Create and evaluate physical properties,
demonstration units, and advanced proof-of-concept prototypes. Identify
emerging materials, optical systems, coatings, and lighting technologies
for future application. 3D Design & Product Development Design
production-intent components and assemblies using CATIA, NX, or
SolidWorks. Develop full 3D models, 2D drawings, GD&T documentation, and
BOMs. Ensure designs meet packaging, structural, and manufacturability
requirements. Collaborate with suppliers and prototype shops to execute
concept builds. Optical Engineering & Ray Tracing Perform optical
modeling and ray tracing to optimize light distribution, uniformity,
efficiency, and appearance. Work with light guides, micro-optics,
reflectors, diffusers, and surface treatments. Support optical
validation through simulation and physical testing. Collaborate with
electronics teams to integrate LEDs and drivers into optical systems.
Simulation & Analysis Conduct and/or support: o Optical ray tracing
simulations o Thermal simulations (in coordination with Mechanical
Engineering) o Structural and feasibility analyses Develop thermal
management strategies to maintain LED and electronic performance at
elevated temperatures. Validate design performance through simulation
prior to prototype and tooling release. Electrical & Cross-Functional
Integration Support integration of electronics with optical and
mechanical systems. Collaborate with electrical engineering on heat
generation, packaging constraints, and system robustness. Ensure
system-level performance across optical, mechanical, and electronic
domains. PLM & Documentation Utilize Teamcenter (or equivalent PLM
system) to manage CAD data, revisions, and release processes. Maintain
organized documentation aligned with internal quality systems. Support
product lifecycle management from concept through validation and
release. Customer & Business Support Participate in OEM meetings,
technical reviews, and design studio interactions. Support technical
sales efforts, quoting activities, and concept presentations. Represent
Muth at industry expos, technology conventions, and innovation forums.
\*\*\*\*\* OTHER EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS: Required Skills &
Knowledge Strong proficiency in CATIA (primary), NX and/or SolidWorks.
Experience with optical simulation and ray tracing tools (e.g.,
LucidShape, LightTools, Speos, Zemax, or similar). Experience with
thermal simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, FloTHERM, SolidWorks Thermal, or
similar). Deep understanding of automotive lighting systems and
illuminated product design. Working knowledge of LED systems, light
guides, micro-optics, coatings, and decorative finishes. Familiarity
with Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and
automotive validation practices. Experience using Teamcenter or similar
PLM systems. Ability to translate early concepts into
production-feasible designs. Strong communication skills for
cro s-functional and OEM interaction. Core Competencies Systems thinking
across mechanical, optical, and electrical domains. Innovation mindset
with production discipline. Strong problem-solving and analytical
capability. Comfortable working in a fast-paced, cross-functional
environment. High level of organization and accountability. \*\*\*\*\*
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: E-Mail a Rsum: mgrunewald@muthco.com Other:
E-Mail information to mgrunewald@muthco.com