Automotive Design Engineer – Door Closures

ALTEN Technology USA; Plymouth (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

ALTEN Technology USA is seeking an experienced Automotive Design Engineer – Door Closures to design and develop door closure systems, including latches, hinges, and handles, for current and future vehicle programs. The role requires strong 3D CAD experience (CATIA V5 or NX), GD&T, and collaboration with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and manufacturing to deliver lightweight, manufacturable components.

Responsibilities include design validation, DFMEA, DVP&R, and documenting changes

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering.
• 5+ years in automotive product design/development, preferably with door closures or body hardware.
• Hands-on experience with latches, hinges, strikers, handles, cables, rods, or closures.
• Strong 3D CAD experience (CATIA V5, NX) and GD&T proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop door closure systems and components.
• Create and maintain 3D CAD models, assemblies, and 2D drawings.
• Perform packaging and vehicle integration studies for door closure components.
• Develop designs for function, performance, durability, weight, cost, manufacturability.
• Support design reviews, engineering changes, and product development activities.
• Collaborate with suppliers and cross-functional teams to validate components.

Skills

Door closures

3D CAD

GD&T

Supplier management

Cross-functional teamwork

DFMEA/DVP&R

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Automotive Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5

Siemens NX

Job description

We’re ALTEN Technology USA, an engineering company that provides solutions for engineering, technology, and product development projects. For decades, we’ve been helping our clients develop products that are changing the world, whether that’s by shaping the future of space exploration, saving lives with medical devices that set a new standard of care, or creating the fully autonomous electric taxi of tomorrow. Our team of more than 600 people works across industries including aerospace, medical devices and life sciences, unmanned systems and robotics, automotive OEM and tier 1 suppliers, commercial vehicle, electric vehicles, rail, and more. Our offices across the US have different industry focuses and engage with our clients in different ways, ranging from working on-site at client facilities to performing product development at our delivery centers.

ALTEN Group, our parent company, has been a leader in engineering and information technology for more than 30 years. ALTEN Group operates in 30 countries across Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East and employs more than 36,000 people, 88% of whom are engineers. The company covers the whole development cycle and offers a choice of service levels, from technology consulting to complete project outsourcing.

When you join ALTEN Technology USA, you join a group of people passionate about collaborating to solve some of the world’s most technical engineering challenges. Our success is tied to taking care of our employees by building relationships and providing opportunities for mentorship and career growth.

We offer comprehensive benefits for all full-time employees, including

• medical, dental, and vision insurance
• a 401(k) plan with employer matching
• paid time off (PTO)
• paid parental leave
• mentorship to help you take your career to the next level

You don’t have to take our word for it that we are a great place to work—we were named on the 2023 Top Workplaces list thanks to feedback from our proud employees.

We are seeking an experienced Automotive Design Engineer – Door Closures to support the design and development of vehicle door closure systems. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in automotive body hardware, closure mechanisms, component design, and 3D CAD development.

This role will work closely with cross-functional engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, and vehicle integration teams to develop robust, lightweight, and manufacturable door closure components for current and future vehicle programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop door closure systems and components, including latches, strikers, hinges, handles, linkages, rods, cables, and related hardware.
• Create and maintain 3D CAD models, assemblies, and 2D engineering drawings.
• Perform packaging and vehicle integration studies for door closure components.
• Develop designs considering function, performance, durability, weight, cost, manufacturability, and serviceability.
• Support design reviews, engineering changes, and product development activities throughout the vehicle program.
• Work with suppliers to develop and validate closure components and assemblies.
• Review supplier designs, drawings, specifications, and technical proposals.
• Conduct DFMEA, DVP&R, tolerance stack-up, and design validation activities as required.
• Support prototype builds, testing, root-cause analysis, and resolution of design-related issues.
• Collaborate with Body, BIW, Interior, Electrical, Manufacturing, Quality, and Vehicle Integration teams.
• Ensure designs meet applicable automotive standards, engineering requirements, and program targets.
• Support manufacturing and assembly teams in resolving design and build issues.
• Manage engineering changes and maintain accurate product documentation throughout the development cycle.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of automotive product design/development experience, preferably with door closures or body hardware.
• Hands‑on experience with door latches, hinges, strikers, handles, cables, rods, or closure mechanisms.
• Strong 3D CAD experience with CATIA V5, Siemens NX, or equivalent automotive CAD software.
• Experience with GD&T, tolerance stack‑up, and engineering drawings.
• Understanding of automotive manufacturing processes, including stamping, casting, injection moulding, machining, and assembly.
• Experience working with automotive suppliers and cross‑functional engineering teams.
• Knowledge of DFMEA, DVP&R, root‑cause analysis, and design validation.
• Ability to interpret engineering specifications and translate requirements into production‑ready designs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with EV vehicle programs or new vehicle development.
• Experience with premium or complex door closure systems.
• Knowledge of power closures, electronic latches, soft‑close systems, power door handles, and related electromechanical components.
• Experience with Teamcenter or other PLM/PDM systems.
• Experience supporting prototype, pilot, and production vehicle builds.
• Strong problem‑solving and communication skills.
• Experience working in a fast‑paced vehicle development environment.

Key Skills

Door Closures | Door Latches | Hinges | Strikers | Door Handles | Closure Mechanisms | Automotive Body Hardware | CATIA V5 / NX | GD&T | Tolerance Stack-up | DFMEA | DVP&R | Supplier Management | Vehicle Integration | Design Validation | Manufacturing | Root Cause Analysis | Teamcenter

ALTEN Technology is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our Policy is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual’s age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or veteran status.