Automotive Design Engineer

Summit Polymers; Portage (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Summit Polymers seeks a Designer, Engineering to craft complex plastic components for automotive interiors. You will use NX/CATIA to design assemblies, ensure manufacturability, and collaborate across engineering, tool shops, and production teams.

The role requires a BS in Engineering Graphics with design experience, strong spatial reasoning, and familiarity with DFA/FMEA processes. Travel up to 15% is possible.

Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Engineering Graphics or related college instruction with design experience.
• Demonstrated ability to visualize 3D forms and spaces.
• Proficiency with CAD tools for plastic component design.

Responsibilities

• Design assemblies and subparts using CAD to produce injection-molded interior components.
• Contribute to design feasibility using DFA and FMEA.
• Create and organize CAD files; participate in cross-functional meetings.
• Assist in design reviews, evaluation, and continuous improvement of standards.

Skills

Spacial relations

Wonderlic

Mechanical reasoning

NX

CATIA

Education

B.S. in Engineering Graphics

Tools

NX

CATIA

Job description

Summit Polymers is a leading, global supplier of automotive interior systems including consoles, door panels, and instrument panels. With over 50 years serving the industry, we deliver engineering and product excellence to our customers, on time, in budget, with the latest innovations.

JOIN A TEAM WHERE YOU'LL BE CHALLENGED AND valued.

A career with Summit Polymers means working with smart people in a culture that thrives on challenging, meaningful work. At Summit, we look for growth potential with every hire. We don't just fill seats, we set people on career paths. We're always on the lookout for smart people who are committed to continuous improvement, customer service and quality.

Job Description

JOB TITLE: Designer, Engineering | FLSA STATUS: Non Exempt

REPORTS TO: Chief Technical Manager, Engineering

Summary

This is responsible technical work involving the design and detail of complex plastic components and assemblies using CAD tools. Initial direction may come from specifications, sketches, models, prototypes, or verbal communications. Assist the Design Manager and Technical Manager in quoting, DFA, FMEA, design progress assessment, and continuing improvement of design standards. Participate in KBPD procedures.

Responsibilities And Duties

Under general supervision is responsible for the following major tasks:

• Design assemblies and subparts using computer aided design stations to produce best in class plastic injection molded interior components.
• Take an active part in the design feasibility stages and use DFA and FMEA to formulate initial design direction with the team.
• Create CAD files with correct file organization.
• Attend meetings when appropriate, including but not limited to: customers, tool shops, manufacturing, engineering, sales, lab, and fixturing.
• Assist the Design Manager in reviewing the functionality, reliability, manufacturability, fixturing, and ease of assembly of specific design programs.
• Complies with the environmental policy and applicable quality and environmental management systems instructions. Comply with the Workplace Safety and Health Policy and applicable instructions.
• Other tasks and duties as assigned.

Education And Experience

• B.S. degree in Engineering Graphics, or some college instruction [in an engineering or engineering graphics curriculum] and 3 years design experience.

Skills And Abilities

Possess the ability to 'think in three dimension," to visualize solid forms and spaces.

• A minimum score of 70 on the Spacial Relations test.
• A minimum score of 50 on the Wonderlic Select Assessment (Traditional score of 26 on the cognitive portion).
• A minimum score of 70 on the Mechanical Reasoning test.
• Experience of using NX or CATIA, or both.

Travel Requirements

This position typically does require up to 15% travel.

DISCLAIMER

The information contained in this job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor are they intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Agreement to complete all post-hire required training.