Design Engineer

Contechs; Southfield (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Contechs in Southfield, MI is seeking a Design Engineer on a contract basis to join a fast-moving automotive interiors team. You will design, validate, and release interior components across multiple vehicle programs, collaborating with cross-functional teams and suppliers to ensure production readiness.

The role emphasizes end-to-end ownership of accessory developments, from concept through production, with opportunities to influence premium vehicle features and customer experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or automotive engineering or related field.
• 5+ years in automotive interior components development.
• Experience with APQP, GD&T, DFMEA, and tolerance stack-ups.

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.
• Drive issue resolution, cost optimization, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Mentor junior engineers as needed.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Design leadership

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelors in Automotive Engineering

Bachelors in Product Design Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5/V6

DFMEA

DFM/DFA evaluations

Job description

*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.
• 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

Ideal candidates will have

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