CAD Product Designer - 6 month Mission

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: CAD Product Designer - 6 Month Mission

Company: L.E.A.SE. S.A.

Location: Arlon, Wallonia, Belgium

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: Product Design & Engineering Operations

Date Posted: April 13, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the end-to-end product development lifecycle for industrial components, specifically wiper systems and their associated parts, from conceptualization through to production readiness.

• It requires extensive hands-on CAD design expertise, particularly with CATIA V5, for both 3D modeling and 2D drafting to support manufacturing processes.

• The position involves critical technical analysis, including FEA, tolerance studies, and collision checks, to ensure design integrity and manufacturability.

• A key aspect is managing and releasing technical documentation and CAD data, ensuring compliance with engineering standards and customer specifications (OEM).

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "CAD Product Designer," the inclusion of responsibilities like technical analysis (FEA, tolerance, collision checks), DFMEA follow-up, and acting as a Project Leader on selected components indicates a role that blends pure design with aspects of product engineering and project coordination within a manufacturing/industrial operations context. The "6-month mission" designation strongly suggests a contract or freelance role, requiring immediate availability and project-specific focus.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop complex 3D models and detailed 2D drawings for wiper systems and components using CATIA V5.

• Create comprehensive manufacturing drawings for various production tools, including those for injection molding, stamping, and extrusion processes.

• Conduct rigorous technical analyses such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA), tolerance stack-up studies, and collision detection to validate designs.

• Interpret and implement customer (OEM) specifications into product designs, ensuring adherence to all requirements.

• Manage the release, version control, and archival of all technical documentation and CAD data in compliance with engineering standards.

• Provide direct support to prototype development teams and participate in testing phases, analyzing results to inform design iterations.

• Take on Project Leader responsibilities for specific components, which includes coordinating design efforts, managing timelines, and overseeing DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a candidate who can not only perform CAD tasks but also understand the manufacturing implications of their designs and manage the associated technical project elements. The mention of specific manufacturing processes (injection, stamping, extrusion) and analyses (FEA, tolerance, collision) points to a deep understanding of product engineering within an industrial manufacturing environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in CAD design and product development within an industrial or manufacturing sector.

Required Skills:

• Mandatory: Expert-level proficiency in CATIA V5 (3D and 2D).

• Strong background in mechanical engineering principles and product design methodologies.

• Experience in creating detailed drawings for manufacturing tooling (injection, stamping, extrusion).

• Proficient in performing technical analyses: FEA, tolerance analysis, collision checks.

• Experience managing and releasing technical documentation and CAD data.

• Fluency in English (written and spoken).

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of FEA/simulation tools beyond CATIA's integrated capabilities.

• Familiarity with DFMEA processes and participation in FMEA reviews.

• Experience working with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and understanding their specification requirements.

• Fluency in French.

• Experience in project leadership or coordination roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on CATIA V5 being "mandatory" is a critical filter. The experience level (5-10 years) suggests a need for a seasoned professional capable of independent work and potentially mentoring junior designers. The mention of specific manufacturing processes and technical analyses implies a need for practical, hands-on engineering knowledge beyond basic CAD operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least two detailed case studies demonstrating the complete product development process from concept to production, highlighting your role and contributions.

• Include examples of complex 3D models and detailed 2D manufacturing drawings created in CATIA V5, with annotations explaining design intent and manufacturing considerations.

• Present evidence of technical analysis performed (e.g., FEA reports, tolerance stack-up studies, collision analysis outcomes), explaining the methodology and impact on design decisions.

• Demonstrate experience in managing technical documentation, including examples of BOMs (Bills of Materials), technical specifications, and release processes.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your personal workflow for designing components, from initial concept generation and requirements gathering to final design release.

• Explain your approach to performing technical analyses and how you integrate the results back into the design process for optimization.

• Detail your methods for ensuring design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) within your design process, especially concerning injection molding, stamping, and extrusion.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a contract role focused on product development, a portfolio is crucial to quickly assess a candidate's practical skills and experience. The emphasis should be on demonstrating tangible results, clear process understanding, and proficiency with the required tools and analyses. Candidates should be ready to walk through their portfolio and explain their decision-making process.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As this is a 6-month mission for a contractor, compensation will likely be structured as a competitive hourly or daily rate, reflecting the specialized skill set (CATIA V5 expertise, product development, technical analysis) and the contract nature of the role.

• Based on market rates for experienced CAD Product Designers with CATIA V5 expertise in Belgium and surrounding regions, a typical range for a contractor could be between €350 - €600 per day, depending on the candidate's exact experience, the specific complexity of the projects, and the negotiation.

• Methodology: This estimate is derived from consulting industry salary surveys for contract engineering roles in Western Europe, factoring in the specific CATIA V5 requirement, the 5-10 year experience level, and the industrial/automotive component development focus.

Benefits:

• As a contractor, benefits are typically managed through the contractor's own business or umbrella company. However, L.E.A.SE. S.A. may offer standard contractor support or access to certain company facilities.

• Potential for contract extension based on project needs and performance.

• Opportunity to work on interesting product development projects within the automotive component sector.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project demands and team agreement.

• The role is based on-site in Arlon, Belgium, requiring consistent availability during core business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: For contractor roles, salary is usually the primary compensation component. The range provided is an estimate for the Belgian market for experienced contract engineers with specialized software skills. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their expected rate and understand that benefits are usually handled independently.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Component Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering. L.E.A.SE. S.A. operates within the specialized field of developing and manufacturing automotive components, likely focusing on systems like wipers, which require precision engineering and adherence to strict automotive industry standards.

Company Size: L.E.A.SE. S.A. is part of the larger L.E.A.SE. group, which is a significant player in the automotive supply chain. While the exact size of the Belgian entity isn't specified, the group's presence suggests a structured, professional environment with established processes.

Founded: Information on the exact founding date of the specific Belgian entity is not readily available, but the group's established presence indicates a stable company with a history in its sector.

Team Structure:

• The CAD Product Designer will likely be part of a broader Engineering or Product Development department, working closely with mechanical engineers, manufacturing engineers, and potentially R&D specialists.

• The reporting structure will probably involve a Lead Engineer or Engineering Manager, who will oversee project assignments and performance.

Methodology:

• Data-driven design validation through technical analyses (FEA, tolerance, collision).

• Iterative design processes, incorporating feedback from prototype testing and manufacturing.

• Strict adherence to engineering standards and OEM specifications for product quality and consistency.

• Project management principles applied to component development, including DFMEA for risk assessment.

Company Website: https://www.lease.lu

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on automotive components implies a culture of precision, quality, and continuous improvement. The contractor nature of this role means integration into existing teams and processes is key. Understanding the importance of OEM standards and rigorous testing will be crucial for success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is for an experienced professional, positioned as a Senior CAD Product Designer or a specialized Contract Design Engineer. It requires a high degree of autonomy and the ability to lead specific component development efforts, suggesting a mid-to-senior level of expertise.

Reporting Structure: The CAD Product Designer will report to an Engineering Manager or a Senior Project Lead within the product development team. While this is a contract role, clear reporting lines are expected for task delegation and performance review.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the company's ability to deliver high-quality, manufacturable automotive components. Successful product design and development are critical for meeting customer deadlines, ensuring product performance, and maintaining the company's reputation with OEM clients. Efficient and accurate CAD work directly contributes to reduced prototyping costs, faster time-to-market, and overall manufacturing efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• While this is a fixed-term 6-month contract, successful performance could lead to contract extensions or opportunities on other projects within L.E.A.SE. S.A. or the broader group.

• The role offers an excellent opportunity to deepen expertise in CATIA V5 and gain hands-on experience with specific manufacturing processes (injection molding, stamping, extrusion) relevant to the automotive industry.

• Exposure to OEM client interactions and project leadership responsibilities can enhance resume credentials and prepare for future roles with greater project management scope.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a contractor role, "growth" is often measured by project success, skill enhancement, and potential for repeat business or extension. This position offers a chance to work on specialized industrial components and hone specific engineering skills within a professional manufacturing environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is specified as on-site in Arlon, Belgium. This indicates a typical office and/or engineering workshop environment within a manufacturing facility.

Office Location(s): Arlon, Wallonia, Belgium. This location is in the Luxembourg province of Belgium, close to the borders with Luxembourg and France, offering a strategic position in a key industrial region.

Workspace Context:

• The CAD Product Designer will have access to a workstation equipped with the necessary CATIA V5 software and potentially other engineering analysis tools.

• Collaboration will involve working within a dedicated engineering team, likely with access to shared resources like 3D printers for prototyping or collaboration spaces for design reviews.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is anticipated, aligning with typical operational hours in the manufacturing sector.

• While specific flexibility details are not provided, contract roles usually require adherence to core business hours to facilitate team collaboration and project progress.

📝 Enhancement Note: As an on-site role, candidates should expect a traditional office or engineering department setting. The key is the professional engineering environment and the tools made available to support the design and analysis tasks.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess CATIA V5 proficiency, relevant experience, and alignment with role requirements.

• Technical Interview: A deep dive into your CATIA V5 skills, experience with specific manufacturing processes, and technical analysis capabilities. Expect questions about your approach to problem-solving and design challenges.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio, explaining your design process, technical decisions, and the outcomes achieved.

• Cultural Fit/Team Interview: Discussion about your work style, autonomy, and ability to integrate into an existing engineering team.

• Final Offer: Based on successful completion of all interview stages.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• CATIA V5 Mastery: Clearly demonstrate your advanced skills in CATIA V5, including complex surfacing, assembly design, and detailed 2D drafting.

• Process Walkthrough: For each case study, articulate your design process step-by-step, from understanding requirements to final release. Explain why you made certain design choices.

• Technical Analysis Showcase: Present concrete examples of FEA, tolerance, or collision analyses you've performed. Explain the problem, your methodology, the tools used, and how the results influenced the final design.

• Manufacturability Focus: Highlight designs that consider Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA), especially for injection molding, stamping, or extrusion.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most relevant projects and outcomes within the allotted time.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for potential technical questions or a brief design exercise during the interview to assess your problem-solving skills and CAD proficiency under pressure.

• Prepare to discuss your experience with DFMEA and your role in managing technical documentation and CAD data releases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize your practical CAD skills and engineering judgment. A well-prepared, visually rich portfolio that clearly articulates your process and results is essential for this role. Focus on demonstrating your ability to translate requirements into robust, manufacturable designs.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CATIA V5: This is the core mandatory software for 3D modeling, 2D drafting, and potentially basic FEA. Proficiency in all modules relevant to product design (Part Design, Generative Shape Design, Assembly Design, Draft) is expected.

• FEA Software: While CATIA V5 has integrated analysis tools, experience with dedicated FEA packages (e.g., Abaqus, ANSYS, MSC Nastran) is a plus and may be used for more complex simulations.

• PLM/PDM Systems: Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) or Product Data Management (PDM) systems for managing CAD data, revisions, and documentation (e.g., Siemens Teamcenter, Dassault Systèmes ENOVIA) is highly beneficial for managing technical documentation and CAD data releases.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Less relevant for this specific design role, as the focus is on product creation rather than sales or customer relationship management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily centered around CATIA V5. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate deep expertise in this software. Familiarity with PDM/PLM systems is a significant advantage for managing the technical documentation and CAD data lifecycle effectively.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision and Quality: A strong emphasis on accuracy in design and adherence to high-quality standards, critical for automotive components.

• Innovation within Constraints: Developing creative solutions that meet strict OEM specifications and manufacturing limitations.

• Collaboration and Communication: Working effectively with cross-functional teams to ensure designs are robust and manufacturable.

• Efficiency and Timeliness: Delivering designs and documentation on schedule to meet project milestones and production deadlines.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a collaborative environment where engineers share knowledge and provide feedback on designs.

• Open communication channels are likely in place to discuss technical challenges and ensure alignment across departments (design, manufacturing, quality).

• A proactive approach to problem-solving and a willingness to adapt designs based on input from other stakeholders will be valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely mirrors the automotive industry's demands for rigor, collaboration, and results. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of these values and how they translate into daily work processes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Tight Deadlines: A 6-month contract often implies aggressive timelines for design and development. Effective time management and prioritization will be crucial.

• Complex OEM Specifications: Adapting designs to meet diverse and sometimes stringent OEM requirements can be challenging, requiring meticulous attention to detail and thorough understanding.

• Integration into Existing Processes: Quickly understanding and integrating into L.E.A.SE. S.A.'s established design and documentation processes.

• Technical Problem-Solving: Addressing unexpected technical issues that may arise during the design or prototype phase, requiring analytical skills and creative solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• CATIA V5 Mastery: Further honing advanced CATIA V5 skills through practical application on complex projects.

• Specialized Manufacturing Processes: Gaining deeper insights into the practicalities of injection molding, stamping, and extrusion processes and how they influence design.

• Automotive Industry Standards: Understanding the specific engineering standards and quality requirements of the automotive sector.

• Project Leadership Experience: Developing skills in managing specific component development, including DFMEA, which can be valuable for future career progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: This contract role presents an opportunity to tackle specific engineering challenges within a focused timeframe, enhancing practical skills and industry knowledge.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a product from concept to a production-ready design, focusing on your CATIA V5 workflow and technical analysis."

• "How do you ensure your designs are optimized for manufacturability, particularly for processes like injection molding or stamping?"

• "Walk me through a challenging design problem you encountered and how you used technical analysis (FEA, tolerance) to overcome it."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about this specific 6-month mission with L.E.A.SE. S.A.?"

• "How do you approach working autonomously on a project, and how do you ensure timely delivery?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• STAR Method: For each example, structure your explanation using the Situation, Task, Action, and Result (STAR) method to clearly articulate your contributions and outcomes.

• Visuals are Key: Use high-quality renderings, screenshots of CATIA V5 models, and diagrams of your technical analyses to visually support your explanations.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, present quantifiable achievements (e.g., "reduced material usage by X%," "improved component strength by Y%," "met all OEM tolerance requirements").

• Focus on "Why": Be prepared to explain the rationale behind your design decisions, tool choices, and analysis methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare specific examples that highlight their CATIA V5 expertise, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of manufacturing processes. The interview will likely assess both technical competence and the ability to work effectively within a project-driven environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on join.com.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your CATIA V5 expertise, years of experience in product design and mechanical engineering, and specific manufacturing process knowledge (injection molding, stamping, extrusion). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate your portfolio to showcase 2-3 strong case studies demonstrating your end-to-end product development process using CATIA V5. Include examples of designs, technical analyses, and manufacturing considerations. Be ready to present and discuss these in detail.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common technical questions related to CATIA V5, FEA, tolerance analysis, and design for manufacturing. Practice explaining your design process using the STAR method.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with L.E.A.SE. S.A. and the automotive component industry to understand their market position and operational context.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.