Design Engineer

Sumitomo Electric; Southfield (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Sumitomo Electric in Southfield, MI is seeking a Design Engineer to join the Interior & Exterior Systems team on a contract basis. The role focuses on developing automotive interior components, from concept through production releases, with exposure to premium features.

Candidates should have 5+ years of industry experience, strong CATIA skills, and a track record of cross-functional collaboration with design, manufacturing, and suppliers. On-site work in Southfield is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Product Design Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of automotive interior components and systems development experience.
• Strong CATIA proficiency and practical experience in design releases.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop automotive accessory components and systems.
• Create CAD models, engineering drawings, DVP&R documentation, DFMEAs, validation plans, and engineering releases.
• Collaborate with Design, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, Marketing, Program Management, and suppliers.
• Lead supplier reviews, feasibility assessments, sourcing support, and tooling discussions.
• Support prototype builds, validation testing, and production launches.

Skills

CATIA Proficiency

3D Modelling

DFMEA

GD&T

Tolerance Stack-Up

Design Reviews

APQP

Supplier Management

Product Development Lifecycle

Automotive Interior Development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

CATIA V5/V6

Job description

Position: Design Engineer

Sector: Interior & Exterior Systems

Location: Southfield, Michigan USA

*Applicants MUST have proof of immediate, on-going and valid eligibility to work full time in the United States*

About the company

My client is an innovative American automotive manufacturer focused on redefining affordable electric mobility. They are developing a new generation of purpose-built electric vehicles with an emphasis on simplicity, modular design, and customer customisation.

Our client is looking for a Design Engineer to join their expanding team on a Contract basis. The role will be based in Southfield, Michigan USA.

Position Summary:

Equipment/Software XP Required:

• CATIA V5/V6 (or equivalent CAD software)
• Engineering analysis and design tools
• Windows engineering environment

Typical Day in the Role:

Purpose of the Team

• The team develops industry-leading vehicle accessories and interior systems that enhance luxury, craftsmanship, functionality, ergonomics, performance, and overall customer experience.

Key Projects

• This engineer will support the design, development, validation, and launch of accessory products across interior, exterior, performance, and lifestyle categories, from concept through production release.

Typical Task Breakdown

• Design and develop automotive accessory components and systems.
• Create CAD models, engineering drawings, DVP&R documentation, DFMEAs, validation plans, and engineering releases.
• Collaborate with Design, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, Marketing, Program Management, and suppliers.
• Lead supplier reviews, feasibility assessments, sourcing support, and tooling discussions.
• Support prototype builds, validation testing, and production launches.
• Drive issue resolution, cost optimization, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Mentor junior engineers as needed.

What Makes This Role Interesting?

• This role offers complete ownership of accessory development programs from concept through production.
• The engineer will have the opportunity to influence customer-facing products and directly see their work integrated into Lucid vehicles.

Unique Selling Points:

• End-to-end product ownership
• Direct impact on customer experience and vehicle personalization
• Collaboration with Design Studio and cross-functional vehicle teams
• Opportunity to work on premium luxury automotive products
• Exposure to a wide variety of materials, suppliers, and manufacturing processes
• Creative freedom and innovation-focused environment

Candidate Requirements:

• 5+Years of Experience Required
• Minimum 5+ years of automotive interior components and systems development experience

Education:

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

Ideal candidates will have:

• Multiple vehicle launches from concept through production
• Premium or luxury automotive experience
• Strong supplier management experience
• APQP, GD&T, DFMEA, and tolerance stack-up expertise
• Proven cross-functional leadership experience
• Strong CATIA proficiency
• Performance Indicators

Required Hard Skills:

• Automotive Interior Components Development 5+ years Design, validation, release, and launch experience
• Product Development Lifecycle Management 5+ years Concept creation through production launch
• CATIA V5/V6 or Equivalent CAD Tools 5+ years
• 3D modelling
• Packaging studies
• Engineering drawings
• DFM/DFA evaluations
• Design reviews

Work Authorization Requirement:

• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis.
• Our Client is unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Employment is at will and may be terminated by either party at any time.

We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact us if you need assistance in the application process