Design Engineer 2

Akidev Corporation; Southfield (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Akidev Corporation in Michigan/Southfield seeks an Engineering & IT Design Engineer 2 who can work independently and drive design for automotive interior components from concept through production release. The role offers ownership of projects with collaboration across Design, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, and Suppliers.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in automotive interior development, strong CATIA skills, and experience leading cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of automotive interior components and systems development experience.
• Experience with APQP, GD&T, tolerance stack analysis, and DFMEA will be beneficial.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration across Design, Manufacturing, Quality, and Suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop automotive accessory components and systems.
• Create CAD models, engineering drawings, 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 cost optimization and continuous improvement efforts.
• Mentor junior engineers as needed.

Skills

Automotive Interiors

3D Modeling

CATIA V5/V6

DFM/DFMA

Engineering Drawings

Design Reviews

Packaging studies

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5/V6 CAD Tools

Job description

Start/End Dates: 07/09/2026 - 17/04/2027

Sourcing / Candidate Location: Michigan Hub Southfield

Job Title: Engineering & IT - Design Engineer 2

Michigan: Seeking a more senior engineer who can work independently and design with limited oversight.

Bay Area: Open to less experienced candidates due to greater mentorship and coaching opportunities.

Equipment/Software XP Required

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

Top 3 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 modeling
• Packaging studies
• Engineering drawings
• DFM/DFA evaluations
• Design reviews

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing premium or luxury automotive interior systems.
• Experience launching multiple vehicle programs from concept through production.
• Experience with APQP, GD&T, tolerance stack analysis, FMEA facilitation, and automotive quality processes.
• Working knowledge of craftsmanship, fit-and-finish, durability, NVH, ergonomics, safety, and customer-perceived quality requirements for interior systems.
• Experience mentoring engineers and leading technical development activities across global and cross-functional teams.
• A love for elegant engineering.

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 our vehicles.

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

Candidates Lacking

• Automotive interior systems development experience
• Full product lifecycle ownership experience
• CATIA/CAD proficiency
• Required engineering degree
• Best vs. Average Candidate

Ideal Candidates Will Have

• Multiple vehicles launch 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

Success Will Be Measured By

• Achievement of engineering milestones
• Product launch execution
• Design quality and manufacturability
• Cost optimization
• Effective supplier and cross-functional collaboration
• Resolution of technical issues