CAD Designer

Position Summary

The CAD Designer will primarily be responsible for product design of pick-up truck bed covers (a.k.a. Tonneau Covers) and related components. This position requires knowledge and experience in automotive exterior design (Class A surfaces, injection molding, extrusions, hardware, etc.). This role includes conceptual development all the way through start of production, as well as advanced concept engineering. Projects mainly target the aftermarket product lines, with growth potential into OEM product lines available as well.

Core Functions

• Responsible for creating innovative design concepts and complete product designs in 3D and drawing release per engineering direction to meet customer requirements.
• Create designs in SolidWorks from concept through production implementation (using the DFMA toolbox skills i.e. DOE, DFMA etc.).
• Coordinate design-related workload with designated Design Engineer.
• Create models, drawings, and/or support test sample builds.
• Coordinate with the CAD Administrator and related RealTruck Brands, if applicable.
• Utilize creative and critical thinking to develop new product concepts that have high customer appeal, function, and/or aesthetics. Apply knowledge of various engineered materials and processes towards new product ideas and concepts.
• Create drawings for prototype and production release. Follow drawing release and engineering change processes applicable to the brand/division.
• Design for Manufacturing as required or driven by the Brand’s manufacturing engineers.
• Troubleshoot with the team to develop options for success during complex situations.
  
  

Qualifications & Requirements

Education and Experience

• Minimum 2-year Associate of Applied Science in CAD/Design or equivalent degree is required.
• 2-5 years of hands-on, professional product engineering experience working in body / exterior / sealing / mechanisms or equivalent is preferred.
• Experience designing injection molded parts, including an understanding of designing to draft angle, under-surface detail involving lifter design and gating, texture/grain, etc. is highly desired for this role.
  
  

Skills And Abilities

• Ability to design extruded aluminum profiles, extruded and molded weather seals, brackets, latches, and mechanisms.
• Skilled in SolidWorks (or Catia), including parametric modeling practices.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong critical thinking skills with a focus on root-cause analysis.
  
  

Travel

Must be able to travel locally (Metro-Detroit) and domestically on occasion. Travel estimated to be roughly <5% (initially higher due to learning curve). Estimated to be 1-2 weeks per year max.

COMPETENCIES

• Analytical – Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition, experience and mechanical aptitude to complement data.
• Design – Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into images; Uses feedback to modify designs; Applies design principles; Demonstrates attention to detail.
• Innovative – Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas.
• Interpersonal Skills – Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Quality – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Supports everyone’s efforts to succeed.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• This position is subject to Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involved sitting most of the time. Walking and standing are required only occasionally.
  
  

Physical Activities

• This position is subject to the following physical activities: lifting, talking, and hearing.
  
  

Visual Acuity

• The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; expansive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts and/or operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; and/or assembly of fabrication of parts at distances close to the eyes.
  
  

Working Conditions

• The position is located within a technical office environment with proper HVAC where a private desk/cubicle will be provided. Further, there are shop facilities which are both environmentally controlled, and not environmentally controlled (Machine Shop, Vehicle and Mock-up areas). These facilities are separate from production facilities.