Exterior Lighting Engineer

Altentechnologyusa; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ALTEN Technology USA is seeking an Exterior Lighting Engineer to lead development of advanced exterior lighting systems from concept through vehicle launch. You will own system requirements, optical performance, packaging integration, validation, and regulatory compliance, collaborating with cross-functional teams and suppliers to deliver high-quality lighting solutions.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in engineering, 3+ years in automotive lighting, and strong knowledge of LED tech,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• 3+ years of engineering experience, preferably in automotive lighting or related systems.
• Strong understanding of LED technology, optics, thermal management, electronics, and system validation.
• Knowledge of automotive lighting regulations, design practices, and compliance, IIHS requirements.
• Proven ability to lead technical projects and drive results in a cross-functional environment.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, integration, and validation of exterior lighting systems.
• Define system requirements and ensure seamless interaction between optical, mechanical, electrical, and software components.
• Drive component and vehicle-level testing to ensure performance, durability, quality, and regulatory compliance.
• Evaluate and implement emerging lighting technologies, architectures, and cost-effective innovations.
• Partner with suppliers and internal teams to resolve technical challenges and support successful vehicle launches.
• Support warranty investigations, quality improvement activities, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance across engineering teams.

Skills

LED technology

Optics

Thermal management

Electronics

System validation

Cross-functional collaboration

Project leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering

Master's degree in Engineering (preferred)

Tools

NX

Teamcenter

Job description

We’re ALTEN Technology USA, an engineering company helping clients bring groundbreaking ideas to life—from advancing space exploration and life‑saving medical devices to building autonomous electric vehicles. With 3,000+ experts across North America, we partner with leading companies in aerospace, medical devices, robotics, automotive, commercial vehicles, EVs, rail, and more.

As part of the global ALTEN Group—57,000+ engineers in 30 countries—we deliver across the entire product development cycle, from consulting to full project outsourcing.

When you join ALTEN Technology USA, you’ll collaborate on some of the world’s toughest engineering challenges, supported by mentorship, career growth opportunities, and comprehensive benefits. We take pride in fostering a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow.

Job Description:

• Join a team shaping the future of automotive lighting.
• As a Exterior Lighting Engineer, you will lead the development of advanced exterior lighting systems—including headlamps, fog lamps, and illuminated grilles—from concept through vehicle launch.
• In this role, you will be responsible for system requirements, optical performance, packaging integration, validation, and regulatory compliance.
• You will collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams and suppliers to deliver innovative, high‑quality lighting solutions that exceed customer expectations while meeting cost, timing, and performance targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, integration, and validation of exterior lighting systems.
• Define system requirements and ensure seamless interaction between optical, mechanical, electrical, and software components.
• Drive component and vehicle‑level testing to ensure performance, durability, quality, and regulatory compliance.
• Evaluate and implement emerging lighting technologies, architectures, and cost‑effective innovations.
• Partner with suppliers and internal teams to resolve technical challenges and support successful vehicle launches.
• Support warranty investigations, quality improvement activities, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance across engineering teams.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• 3+ years of engineering experience, preferably in automotive lighting or related systems.
• Strong understanding of LED technology, optics, thermal management, electronics, and system validation.
• Knowledge of automotive lighting regulations, design practices, and compliance, IIHS requirements.
• Proven ability to lead technical projects and drive results in a cross‑functional environment.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and problem‑solving skills.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Engineering or related field.
• Automotive exterior lighting development experience.
• Experience with driver modules, lighting electronics, advanced LED and laser technologies.
• Working knowledge of DFMEA, DVP&R, Design for Six Sigma, and structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• Experience managing suppliers and leading cross‑functional teams.
• Hands‑on vehicle development and validation experience.
• Proficiency with NX and Teamcenter.
• Strong organizational skills with a focus on quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy.

Compliance Notice:

Alten USA is a federal contractor subject to the requirements of the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Executive Order 11246. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Drug Screening Requirement:

As a federal contractor, Alten USA maintains a drug‑free workplace. All candidates selected for employment will be required to successfully complete a pre‑employment drug screening as a condition of hire.