Senior Product Designer – Mechanical

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer – Mechanical

Company: Mobis North America

Location: Plymouth, Michigan, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering / Design (Product Design, Mechanical Engineering)

Date Posted: February 28, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Focus on the mechanical product design and development of advanced automotive exterior lamp systems, integrating Class-A surfaces and creating precise 2D drawings.

• Manage complex CAD data workflows, ensuring seamless import/export and release processes between global teams, suppliers, and OEM partners.

• Collaborate extensively with international design studios, MOBIS HQ, and manufacturing plants to drive concept through final design stages.

• Utilize advanced CAD software such as CATIA, with NX TCE experience being a significant advantage, for detailed component design and integration.

• Contribute to a dynamic R&D environment within a leading Tier 1 automotive supplier, part of the Hyundai Motor Group.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a mechanical product designer with a strong emphasis on automotive exterior lighting systems. The description implies a need for someone who can bridge engineering design with aesthetic surface requirements (Class-A) and manage the intricate data exchange inherent in automotive development cycles. The "Senior" title suggests a need for independent work, problem-solving, and potentially mentoring junior team members.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support the mechanical product design and development of OEM automotive exterior lamp systems, ensuring functional and aesthetic requirements are met.

• Execute Class-A surface integration into 3D CAD models and generate detailed 2D manufacturing drawings with precise GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).

• Manage and control CAD data, including import/export of 2D drawings and 3D models, ensuring data integrity across OEM, MOBIS HQ, suppliers, and internal engineering teams.

• Facilitate all necessary STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product model data) releases and upload required CAD data packages according to OEM development timelines and specifications.

• Coordinate closely with MOBIS HQ throughout the product lifecycle, from concept initiation through final design validation, including participation in design reviews and feasibility assessments.

• Ensure timely and accurate control and delivery of mechanical engineering data and documentation between OEM clients, MOBIS HQ, and manufacturing facilities.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with internal team members, OEM customers, and cross-functional departments such as R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on detailed technical design (3D modeling, 2D drawings, Class-A surfaces) and robust project/data management within a complex automotive supply chain. The need to coordinate with MOBIS HQ and OEM partners underscores the importance of communication and international collaboration skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Minimum of an Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Design, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Approximately 5+ years of progressive experience in mechanical design, with a strong focus on plastic component design and electronic CAD design.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in CATIA: Extensive experience with CATIA V5 or V6 for 3D modeling, surface design, and 2D drawing creation.

• Mechanical Design Fundamentals: Strong understanding of mechanical principles, materials (especially plastics), and manufacturing processes relevant to automotive components.

• CAD Data Management: Ability to effectively manage, import, export, and release CAD data, ensuring version control and accuracy.

• Class-A Surface Integration: Experience integrating Class-A surfaces into 3D models for aesthetic and functional design requirements.

• 2D Drawing Creation: Skill in creating detailed 2D engineering drawings with appropriate dimensions, tolerances, and specifications.

• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities to address design challenges and identify effective solutions.

• Project Management Basics: Ability to manage tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet project deadlines.

Preferred Skills:

• NX TCE Experience: Familiarity or proficiency with Siemens NX and Teamcenter (TCE) for CAD and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM).

• Die-Cast Aluminum & Sheet Metal: Experience with the design and manufacturing considerations for die-cast aluminum components and sheet metal stampings.

• International Collaboration: Proven ability to collaborate effectively with international design studios and global teams, understanding cultural nuances and time zone differences.

• Self-Starter Mentality: Demonstrates initiative, ownership, and a proactive approach to work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on CATIA is critical. The preferred skills like NX TCE and experience with die-cast aluminum/sheet metal suggest a broader scope of potential projects or a desire for candidates with wider manufacturing process knowledge. The "Senior" designation implies that candidates should be able to work independently and handle complex tasks without constant supervision.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of mechanical product designs, particularly for automotive exterior components or similar complex assemblies.

• Include detailed 3D models and 2D drawings that demonstrate proficiency in CAD software (ideally CATIA), highlighting precision and adherence to industry standards.

• Present case studies that illustrate the design process from concept to production-ready data, emphasizing problem-solving approaches and design iterations.

• Demonstrate experience with Class-A surface integration and how aesthetic requirements were balanced with functional and manufacturing constraints.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal design process, including how they approach new design challenges, conduct analysis, and document their work.

• Be ready to explain how they manage CAD data revisions, collaborate with cross-functional teams on design changes, and ensure data integrity throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Discuss experience with OEM or Tier 1 supplier development processes, including understanding of release cycles, gateway reviews, and required documentation standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Product Designer role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just show finished products but also the thought process, problem-solving techniques, and the candidate's ability to manage complex data and collaborate within a structured development framework. Highlighting experience with automotive-specific development processes (like STEP releases and OEM coordination) is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Covering medical needs for employees and their families.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Including a 401(k) with employer matching contributions to support long-term financial goals.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure work-life balance.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, training, and certifications in relevant engineering and design software.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for personal and professional challenges.

• Potential for Performance Bonuses: Based on individual and company performance.

Working Hours:

• Standard business hours are typically Monday through Friday, approximately 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, totaling 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be required to accommodate project deadlines, OEM events, and critical development milestones, potentially involving additional hours or occasional weekend work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on similar roles in the automotive industry in the Detroit metropolitan area, considering the "Senior" title and required experience. Benefits are standard for a Tier 1 automotive supplier in the US. The working hours reflect the demanding nature of automotive product development cycles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Parts Manufacturing (Tier 1 Supplier)

Company Size: Mobis North America is part of the global Hyundai MOBIS group, a significant player in the automotive supply chain. Within North America, the R&D center (Mobis Technical Center of North America - MTCA) likely employs several hundred professionals, contributing to a mid-to-large sized organizational presence.

Founded: Hyundai MOBIS was founded in 1977. The Technical Center of North America was established to serve the growing needs of the automotive market in the region.

Team Structure:

• The Mechanical Product Design team is likely part of a larger Engineering or R&D department.

• Team members will report to a Design Manager or Engineering Lead, with close collaboration with Program Managers, other engineering disciplines (Electrical, Software), and cross-functional departments such as Quality, Manufacturing, and Purchasing.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Utilizing CAD tools and simulation (FEA, CFD if applicable) to inform design decisions and validate performance.

• Agile Development Principles: While not strictly software agile, automotive development often follows structured phases with iterative reviews and rapid adaptation to changes.

• Global Collaboration: Employing robust communication protocols and PLM systems to ensure seamless information flow with MOBIS HQ and international partners.

• Customer-Centric Approach: Prioritizing OEM requirements and feedback throughout the design and development process.

Company Website: [Mobis North America Website - typically mobisna.com or similar]

📝 Enhancement Note: Mobis, as a major automotive supplier, operates within a highly structured and demanding industry. The culture likely values precision, efficiency, collaboration, and adherence to strict development timelines and quality standards, common in the automotive sector and within the Hyundai Motor Group ecosystem.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Product Designer – Mechanical

This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the product design and mechanical engineering track. It requires a strong technical foundation, independent problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to manage significant design responsibilities. A Senior Designer is expected to contribute significantly to project success, mentor junior colleagues, and potentially lead specific design tasks or sub-projects.

Reporting Structure:

The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Mechanical Design Manager or a Lead Engineer. They will work closely with Program Managers and collaborate extensively with engineers from other disciplines (e.g., electrical, software, testing), as well as stakeholders from OEM clients and manufacturing.

Operations Impact:

The work of a Senior Mechanical Product Designer directly impacts the quality, performance, manufacturability, and cost of automotive exterior lamp systems. Successful designs contribute to:

• Enhanced product aesthetics and brand perception for OEMs.

• Improved safety and functionality of vehicle lighting.

• Reduced manufacturing costs through optimized designs.

• Faster time-to-market by efficiently managing design cycles and data.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like advanced lighting technologies, material science for automotive plastics, or complex surface modeling.

• Leadership Development: Transition into roles such as Lead Product Designer, Engineering Team Lead, or Managerial positions overseeing design teams.

• Cross-Functional Expansion: Move into roles in Program Management, Systems Engineering, or Advanced Engineering, leveraging design expertise in broader product development contexts.

• International Assignments: Potential opportunities for project involvement or short-term assignments with MOBIS HQ in Korea.

• Continuous Learning: Access to training and certifications in the latest CAD software, design methodologies, and automotive technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a clear path for advancement, either through deeper technical mastery or into management. The role's impact is substantial, directly influencing product quality and market competitiveness.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily an office-based role within a professional engineering R&D center (Mobis Technical Center of North America - MTCA). This environment is designed for technical work, collaboration, and professional interaction.

Office Location(s): Plymouth, Michigan, USA. This location places the company within a major hub for the automotive industry, facilitating close relationships with OEMs and other industry partners.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment will likely include meeting rooms, design review areas, and open workspaces designed to foster teamwork and knowledge sharing among designers and engineers.

• Technology Access: Employees will have access to high-performance workstations equipped with industry-standard CAD software (CATIA, NX), PLM systems, and other necessary engineering tools.

• Lab Environment: Access to engineering labs for prototype testing, material analysis, and component validation may be available, requiring a willingness to work in these settings when necessary.

• OEM Facility Visits: Frequent onsite work at OEM facilities is expected, requiring adaptability to different corporate environments and adherence to their specific protocols.

Work Schedule:

• While standard business hours are expected, the role demands flexibility to meet project deadlines and OEM requirements. This can include extended hours and occasional weekend work, particularly during critical design phases or product launch timelines. The goal is to ensure timely delivery of design milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is typical for a senior engineering role in the automotive sector: professional, collaborative, tech-enabled, with a need for flexibility and frequent interaction with external clients (OEMs).

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter conducts a phone screen to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

2. Technical Interview (Hiring Manager/Team Lead): Focuses on mechanical design principles, CAD proficiency (CATIA), experience with automotive components, and problem-solving skills. Candidates may be asked to walk through specific projects from their resume.

3. Portfolio Review & Technical Deep Dive: A more in-depth session where candidates present their portfolio. This includes detailed discussions on design choices, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and collaboration experiences. Technical questions will target specific skills like Class-A integration, GD&T, and manufacturing processes.

4. Cross-functional/Team Interview: Interaction with potential team members or engineers from related disciplines (e.g., electrical, testing) to assess collaboration style, communication, and ability to work in a team environment.

5. Final Interview (Senior Management/HR): A final discussion to confirm overall fit, career aspirations, and address any remaining questions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in mechanical product design, automotive components, and CAD proficiency (especially CATIA). Prioritize projects that demonstrate Class-A surface integration or complex plastic component design.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, outline the challenge, your role, the design process (including ideation, CAD work, integration), the solutions implemented, and the impact/outcome. Use visuals (renders, drawings, photos) effectively.

• Highlight Complexity: Showcase designs that involved intricate geometries, tight tolerances, or challenging manufacturing constraints. Explain how you overcame these.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Be prepared to discuss how you worked with OEMs, MOBIS HQ, and internal teams. Use examples of communication, problem-solving, and design review participation.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics such as cost savings, weight reduction, performance improvements, or successful milestone achievements.

Challenge Preparation:

• CAD Exercise: Be prepared for a practical CAD exercise, potentially involving creating a simple part, modifying an existing model, or demonstrating specific surfacing techniques in CATIA.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Expect hypothetical design problems related to automotive lighting systems. Focus on your analytical approach, decision-making process, and how you would leverage your technical skills and collaborate with others.

• Technical Q&A: Brush up on fundamental mechanical engineering principles, materials science (plastics, aluminum), manufacturing processes, and automotive industry standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a strong technical assessment, particularly around CAD skills and design problem-solving, followed by a thorough portfolio review. Candidates need to be ready to articulate their design process and collaborative experiences.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CATIA: Essential for 3D modeling, surface design (Class-A), and 2D drawing creation. Proficiency at a senior level is expected.

• NX TCE (Teamcenter Enterprise): Preferred but not essential. Experience with Siemens NX for CAD and Teamcenter for Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) is a significant advantage for data management and workflow integration.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard tools for documentation, presentations, and communication (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Analytics & Reporting:

• CAD-based Analysis Tools: Potentially integrated within CATIA or NX for basic simulations, stress analysis, or tolerance stack-up analysis.

• Data Management Systems: Experience with PLM systems (like Teamcenter) or internal company databases for tracking design data, revisions, and release status.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing customer relationships via CRM, understanding how design data feeds into broader systems (like ERP or MES) for manufacturing and supply chain management is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: CATIA is the core requirement. Experience with PLM systems like Teamcenter is highly desirable for managing complex product data in an automotive context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Quality: A commitment to accuracy in design, documentation, and execution, ensuring high-quality automotive components.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively with internal teams, MOBIS HQ, and OEM partners to achieve common goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas and methodologies to enhance product performance, manufacturability, and efficiency.

• Ownership & Accountability: Taking responsibility for design outcomes, meeting deadlines, and proactively addressing challenges.

• Customer Focus: Dedication to meeting and exceeding OEM expectations through excellent product design and service.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Active participation in cross-departmental meetings and design reviews to ensure alignment across engineering disciplines, manufacturing, and program management.

• Open Communication: Encouraging direct and honest communication, both internally and with external partners, to resolve issues quickly and efficiently.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to constructive criticism and the ability to provide professional feedback to peers and junior designers to foster collective growth and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values reflect the rigorous demands of the automotive industry, emphasizing technical excellence, collaborative problem-solving, and a strong customer-centric orientation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Constraints: Juggling aesthetic Class-A surface requirements with strict functional performance, manufacturing feasibility, and cost targets.

• Global Coordination: Managing design iterations and data exchange across different time zones, cultures, and engineering standards with MOBIS HQ and OEM partners.

• Rapid Development Cycles: Adapting to fast-paced automotive development timelines and pressure to deliver high-quality designs under tight deadlines.

• Technological Evolution: Staying current with advancements in lighting technology, materials, and CAD software to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced CAD Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in CATIA or learn advanced modules and techniques.

• Specialized Automotive Design: Gaining in-depth knowledge of specific automotive systems, regulations, and industry trends, particularly in lighting technology.

• Material Science & Manufacturing Processes: Expanding knowledge in the behavior and application of plastics, aluminum, and other materials in automotive manufacturing.

• Leadership Training: Development programs for those aspiring to move into lead or management roles within the engineering department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to complex automotive product development, requiring strong technical aptitude and excellent interpersonal skills. Growth paths are clearly defined, offering both technical specialization and leadership opportunities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for integrating Class-A surfaces into a mechanical design while ensuring manufacturability. What are the key considerations?" (Focus on your workflow, tools, and problem-solving approach).

• "Walk me through a challenging mechanical design project you worked on. What was the problem, how did you approach it, what was the outcome, and what did you learn?" (Prepare a detailed case study from your portfolio).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Mobis North America and this specific role as a Senior Product Designer?" (Research Mobis, its products, and its role in the automotive industry. Connect your skills to their needs).

• "How do you approach collaboration with international teams or partners who have different working styles or time zones?" (Provide specific examples of successful global collaboration).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality renders, clear CAD screenshots, and simplified flowcharts to illustrate your design process and solutions.

• Focus on "Why": For each project, explain the rationale behind your design decisions, not just what you did.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, especially in team projects.

• Address Challenges: Be open about obstacles encountered and how you overcame them, demonstrating resilience and problem-solving.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your portfolio walkthrough to ensure it's concise, engaging, and within the allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of mechanical design principles, CAD expertise, and a structured approach to problem-solving and collaboration within the automotive context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer – Mechanical position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Mobis North America recruiting portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight your experience in automotive exterior lamp systems, Class-A surface integration, and CATIA proficiency. Select projects that best showcase these specific skills.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly state your years of experience, proficiency in CATIA, and any experience with NX TCE, die-cast aluminum, or sheet metal. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Reduced component weight by 15%").

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving methodologies, and collaboration experiences. Prepare a compelling presentation of your portfolio, focusing on key projects relevant to automotive lighting design.

• Company Research: Understand Mobis's position in the automotive supply chain, its key products, and its relationship with Hyundai Motor Group. Familiarize yourself with the company's mission and values.

⚠️ 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.