Designer

Automotive Lighting Systems Designer

Responsible for 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.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Develop 2D and 3D lighting concepts in Catia V5 from initial feasibility through production.

• Work with the Designer to develop and implement solid design concepts to meet the requirements defined in customer contract. Designs should demonstrate understanding of Magna's Best Practices, plastic injection molding, OEM specifications, and manufacturing and other best practices.

• Perform vehicle level packaging studies, balancing physical space limitations, legal functional requirements, and manufacturing limitations.

• Strong understanding of dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T). Able to independently devise dimensioning schemes that suit fit & function of parts while accounting for mating condition to other components in an assembly.

• Works 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 the CAD deliverables are progressing along the expected timeline and propose action plans should problems arise.

• Maintain and update Magna's Design Checklist's prior to Gate Reviews.

• Exercise expert knowledge and skill when executing internal CAD change management, and when adapting to customer change management systems, in order to ensure accuracy and proper protocol when submitting math data.

• Maintain and revise Magna's design responsible, computer aided design files within our Customer's data management system.

• Support data translation at the request of our supply base to facilitate tool builds and concurrent design activity in CAD packages.

• Drives CAD file management best practices, and individual CAD file data integrity, based on company standards.

• Maintain Component Change Logs after TKO to ensure proper tracking and change management.

• Maintain and update Magna's Design Checklist's prior to Gate Reviews.

• Ensures accurate execution of assignments related to Engineering Change Notices while maintaining proper revision levels and change sequencing.

Skills: Design, Catia v5, Catia, Lighting, Gd&t, Exterior lighting, Ug nx, Plastic, 3d modeling

Top skills details: Design, Catia v5, Catia, Lighting, Gd&t, Exterior lighting

Additional skills and qualifications:

MUST HAVES:

• 4+ years in automotive design experience related to Exterior Lighting and complex systems with subsystems/components.

• Expert in Catia V5 CAD software (Has successfully completed Lighting Design Program utilizing Catia V5)

• Understands and applies standard plastics geometries to ensure manufacturing controls (ie: draft, wall stock, radii and fillets) are incorporated.

• Ability to work and communicate with international Design team members (Will have 1 to 2 evening meetings with 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 currently in use.

• Demonstrated 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.

Experience level: Expert level

Job type and 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 Mar 27, 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.