Design Engineer

Dew Software, Inc.; Michigan; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Dew Software, Inc. in Michigan seeks an experienced automotive design engineer to lead interior/exterior components from concept through production.

You will create 3D CAD models in CATIA, perform DFMEA/DVP&R, and drive cross‑functional collaboration with suppliers and internal teams to ensure robust designs and on‑time launches.

The role demands strong problem solving, communication, and project management, plus mentoring of junior engineers.

Qualifications

• 5+ years automotive engineering/design experience.
• 5+ years interior component development.
• Experience owning products through complete development lifecycle.
• Proficiency with CATIA V5/V6 or equivalent CAD software.
• Experience with 3D modeling, drawings, packaging studies, and design reviews.
• Experience with DFMEA, DVP&R, validation planning, APQP, GD&T, and tolerance stack-up.
• Strong understanding of automotive manufacturing processes and supplier development.
• Experience with cross-functional teams and suppliers.
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and project-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop automotive interior, exterior, performance, and lifestyle components and systems.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, packaging studies, and design documentation using CATIA V5/V6.
• Develop and maintain DVP&R, DFMEA, validation plans, engineering releases, and related product-development documentation.
• Conduct design reviews, feasibility assessments, DFM/DFA evaluations, tolerance stack-ups, and packaging studies.
• Collaborate with Design, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, Marketing, Program Management, and external suppliers.
• Lead supplier technical reviews, feasibility discussions, sourcing activities, tooling reviews, and manufacturing assessments.
• Support prototype builds, validation testing, engineering changes, and production launch activities.
• Identify and resolve design, quality, manufacturability, cost, and production issues.
• Drive cost optimization, design improvements, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support multiple vehicle programs and engineering milestones simultaneously.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers when required.

Skills

5+ years automotive engineering

Interior component development

Lifecycle ownership

CATIA V5/V6

3D modeling & drawings

DFMEA & DVP&R

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving & PM

Tools

CATIA V5/V6

Job description

• Design and develop automotive interior, exterior, performance, and lifestyle accessory components and systems.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, packaging studies, and design documentation using CATIA V5/V6 or equivalent CAD tools.
• Develop and maintain DVP&R, DFMEA, validation plans, engineering releases, and related product-development documentation.
• Conduct design reviews, feasibility assessments, DFM/DFA evaluations, tolerance stack-ups, and packaging studies.
• Collaborate with Design, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, Marketing, Program Management, and external suppliers.
• Lead supplier technical reviews, feasibility discussions, sourcing activities, tooling reviews, and manufacturing assessments.
• Support prototype builds, validation testing, engineering changes, and production launch activities.
• Identify and resolve design, quality, manufacturability, cost, and production issues.
• Drive cost optimization, design improvements, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support multiple vehicle programs and engineering milestones simultaneously.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers when required.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of automotive engineering/design experience.
• Minimum 5+ years of automotive interior component and systems development.
• Experience owning products through the complete development lifecycle, from concept through production launch.
• Strong proficiency with CATIA V5/V6 or equivalent CAD software.
• Experience with 3D modeling, engineering drawings, packaging studies, and design reviews.
• Experience with DFMEA, DVP&R, validation planning, APQP, GD&T, and tolerance stack-up.
• Strong understanding of automotive manufacturing processes and supplier development.
• Experience working directly with suppliers and cross-functional engineering teams.
• Ability to work independently with limited technical oversight.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and project-management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting multiple vehicle launches from concept through production.
• Premium or luxury automotive product-development experience.
• Strong supplier-management and technical-review experience.
• Experience with tooling development and manufacturing feasibility.
• Strong knowledge of APQP, DFMEA, GD&T, and tolerance analysis.
• Experience working with automotive Design Studios and cross-functional vehicle teams.
• Ability to mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership.