Automotive Lighting Designer

Global Connect Technologies; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Rivian in Irvine, CA is seeking an Entry-Level Automotive Lighting Designer to support lighting and lamp design for its vehicles. Candidates with backgrounds in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Design, or Product Design and CATIA experience are encouraged to apply.

The role involves creating 3D models and drawings for lighting components, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and supporting the product development lifecycle from concept to documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Product Design, or a related field.
• 0–2 years of experience in automotive design, mechanical design, or lighting/lamp design.
• 6+ months of relevant experience will be considered.
• Hands-on CATIA experience.
• Understanding of GD&T concepts.
• Exposure to automotive lighting components preferred.
• Strong communication and teamwork across engineering disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Support design and development of automotive lighting and lamp components using CATIA.
• Create and modify 3D models, assemblies, and drawings for lighting components.
• Assist with headlamps, tail lamps, signal lamps, and other lighting components.
• Collaborate with senior engineers to develop components per specs.
• Review designs for fit, form, function, manufacturability, and packaging.
• Support design changes, revisions, and documentation through PD lifecycle.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, and supplier teams.
• Assist with design reviews and issue resolution.
• Follow automotive engineering standards and company processes.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Product Design, or a related field

Tools

CATIA

Job description

Location: Irvine, CA

Client: Rivian

Experience: 0–2 years | 6+ months of relevant experience will be considered

Job Description

We are looking for an Entry-Level Automotive Lighting Designer to support automotive lighting and lamp design activities for our client Rivian in Irvine, CA. This is an excellent opportunity for candidates with a background in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Design, or Product Design who have hands-on experience with CATIA and an interest in automotive lighting systems.

The ideal candidate will have exposure to automotive components, lighting/lamp design, 3D modeling, and engineering drawings.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the design and development of automotive lighting and lamp components using CATIA.
• Create and modify 3D models, assemblies, and engineering drawings for automotive lighting components.
• Assist with the design of headlamps, tail lamps, signal lamps, and other exterior/interior lighting components.
• Work with senior engineers and designers to develop components based on engineering requirements and specifications.
• Review designs for fit, form, function, manufacturability, and packaging requirements.
• Support design changes, revisions, and documentation throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, and supplier engineering teams.
• Assist with design reviews, issue resolution, and continuous improvement activities.
• Follow automotive engineering standards, design guidelines, and company processes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Product Design, or a related field.
• 0–2 years of experience in automotive design, mechanical design, or lighting/lamp design.
• 6+ months of relevant experience will also be considered.
• Hands-on experience with CATIA.
• Basic understanding of mechanical design and engineering principles.
• Exposure to automotive lighting, lamps, headlamps, tail lamps, or related components is preferred.
• Ability to understand engineering drawings, 3D models, and basic GD&T concepts.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative engineering environment.

Preferred Skills

• Automotive OEM or Tier-1 supplier experience.
• Experience with CATIA V5/V6.
• Knowledge of automotive exterior/interior components.
• Understanding of plastic components, injection molding, and basic DFM/DFA concepts.
• Experience with automotive packaging and component integration.
• Familiarity with engineering change processes and product development lifecycle.