Position: Theme Development Engineer (GSR7 / GSR8)

Epitec is seeking to support a leading global U.S. automaker in hiring a Theme Development Engineer to help translate advanced design vision into production?feasible vehicle surfaces and models.

Location

• Hybrid – 4 days onsite (Monday–Thursday) Metro Detroit area

W2 Contract

• Long-Term Contract Opportunity

Pay Range: $38+ per hr.

• Medical Benefits & PTO Included

Role Overview

This role bridges Design Studio creativity with Engineering and Manufacturing feasibility. You’ll lead surface development, studio data integrity, and feasibility activities while preserving emotive design intent through the full development lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Studio property setup and data integrity (ride height, manikin drop, pedigree)
• Own Design Feasibility FC process from FC0 through K6
• Complete Design Development Checklists and Hardpoints Plans
• Integrate engineering and manufacturing inputs into A?surface
• Guide theme setup ahead of functional, supplier, and attribute inputs
• Maintain Surface Scaffold files for physical and digital models
• Develop alternative concepts to reconcile functional and thematic intent
• Optimize and balance studio inputs while supporting future theme vision
• Manage data flow within and across the Design Studio

Must-Have

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (or automotive equivalent)
• 3+ years of complete vehicle layout / packaging experience
  • Including Body & Trim systems
• Near?expert CATIA capability
  • Independently creating complex 3D proposals
• Strong CAD fundamentals, including:
  • Packaging
  • A?surface & surface scaffolds
  • Integration & studio data management
• Comfortable working cross?functionally with:
  • Design Studio
  • Engineering
  • Manufacturing

Nice-to-Have

• Some Design Release Engineer (DRE) exposure (even basic)
• Basic Structural Engineering understanding
  • BIW, load paths, constraints
•  Familiarity with legislative requirements impacting feasibility
  • Visibility
  • Pedestrian safety
  • Lighting regulations
• Strong understanding of production processes
  • Tooling
  • Assembly
  • Stack?ups, gaps & flush
  • Forming limits
• Proven experience presenting or leading in high?visibility forums

#LI-KT1 #INDOEM #ThemeDevelopment #CATIA #AutomotiveDesign #VehicleEngineering #HybridJobs #DearbornMI