Description: " Location: Michigan Hub Southfield MI
Candidate Location Requirements:
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.
" Number of openings: 1
" Submittal limit per supplier: 2
" Estimated start date: 9/4/2026
" Estimated end date: 12/31/2026
" Bill rate max: *** Hourly OT40
" Daily schedule and OT estimate: 40 hours with potential for OT
" Workspace type: Onsite
" Program office contact: aherd***motors.com
Travel/Expenses: Minimal. Travel is expected to be rare.
Chance for Extension: Yes. Strong performers may have the opportunity for extension and potential conversion to FTE.
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 *** 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
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 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
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
Top 3 Required Hard Skills
1. Automotive Interior Components Development
5+ years
Design, validation, release, and launch experience
2. Product Development Lifecycle Management
5+ years
Concept creation through production launch
3. CATIA V5/V6 or Equivalent CAD Tools
5+ years
"3D modeling
"Packaging studies
"Engineering drawings
"DFM/DFA evaluations
"Design reviews
Green Flags
Look for candidates who:
"Have experience owning smaller, high-impact products (cupholders, coolers, storage solutions, accessories, etc.)
"Enjoy shorter development cycles and rapid execution
"Can research suppliers and perform competitive benchmarking/reverse engineering
"Demonstrate entrepreneurial thinking
"Use market research to influence design decisions
"Have a passion for automotive products and customer experience
"Take feedback and obstacles as opportunities rather than roadblocks
"Are resourceful with budgets and cost targets
"Show creativity in solving design and manufacturing challenges
"Are automotive enthusiasts who care about delivering premium products
Red Flags
Avoid candidates who:
"Are highly specialized in only one component or subsystem
"Demonstrate resistance to new ideas or alternative approaches
"Lack flexibility to support multiple product categories
"Prefer highly structured environments over ambiguous, fast-paced development work
Custom Fields:
Name: Office Location
Value: USA_USMI_MichiganHub
Name: Onsite / Remote Work Capability
Value: Onsite
Name: Previously Worked At ***?
Value: No
Name: Division
Value: None
Name: Line
Value: DEFAULT-Default
Name: Employee Class
Value: Contractor
Name: Region
Value: North America
Name: Country
Value: United States
Name: Department
Value: VENG-Vehicle Engineering
Name: Sub-Department
Value: BDYENG-BDYENG-Body Engineering
Name: Business Unit
Value: Research & Development