Contract Designer

Contract Designer

Responsible for the design and release of automotive lighting systems and components from initial concept through production release. Collaborating with the Senior Designer, you will implement solid design concepts aligned with customer contract requirements. Conducting lamp level or component level packaging studies, you'll balance physical space limitations while defining CAD files that articulate design intent across various assembly levels.

Responsibilities

• Develop 2D and 3D lighting concepts in Catia V5 from initial feasibility through production. Design responsibility will range from single components to full assemblies.
• Work with the Senior Designer to develop and implement solid design concepts to meet the requirements defined in customer contracts. Designs should demonstrate understanding of best practices, plastic injection molding, OEM specifications, and manufacturing best practices.
• Perform vehicle level packaging studies, balancing physical space limitations, legal functional requirements, and manufacturing limitations.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T). Devise dimensioning schemes that suit fit and function of parts while accounting for mating condition to other components in an assembly.
• Collaborate with Product Engineers to provide data necessary for CAE studies. Understand and interpret CAE results (Thermal, Vibration) and modify designs accordingly based on results.
• Participate in weekly customer meetings and present CAD data as necessary.
• Ensure CAD deliverables are progressing along the expected timeline and propose action plans should problems arise.
• Maintain and update design checklists prior to Gate Reviews.
• Execute internal CAD change management and adapt to customer change management systems to ensure accuracy and proper protocol when submitting math data.
• Maintain and revise design-responsible CAD files within the customer's data management system.
• Support data translation to facilitate tool builds and concurrent design activity in CAD packages.
• Drive CAD file management best practices and ensure individual CAD file data integrity based on company standards.
• Maintain Component Change Logs after TKO to ensure proper tracking and change management.
• Ensure accurate execution of assignments related to Engineering Change Notices while maintaining proper revision levels and change sequencing.

Essential Skills

• 4+ years in automotive design experience related to Exterior or Interior Lighting and complex systems with subsystems/components.
• Expert in Catia V5 CAD software, having successfully completed a Lighting Design Program utilizing Catia V5.
• Understanding and application of standard plastics geometries to ensure manufacturing controls (e.g., draft, wall stock, radii, and fillets) are incorporated.
• Ability to work and communicate with international design team members, with potential for 1 to 2 evening meetings with the team in Korea per week.
• Demonstrated understanding of Standard Drafting Practices and the ability to define and interpret the principles of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing.
• Comprehensive understanding of manufacturing processes and techniques, such as Injection Molding, Coating systems, and Assembly techniques.
• Knowledge of BOM assemblies, extensions, LED lamps, A Surfacing, and reflectors and front-end modules.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Work Environment

The position is based in a clean office environment in Novi, MI. This site is considered a Center of Excellence and serves as a Technical R&D center.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Plymouth, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $50.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Plymouth, MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 6, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands.