Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: US Farathane

Location: Auburn Hills - Technology Center, MI

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / Engineering

Date Posted: 2026-08-07

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop automotive plastic components from concept to production-ready CAD files, ensuring adherence to customer-specific standards and engineering requirements.

• Leverage advanced CAD software (Catia V5 or NX) for 3D modeling, surfacing, and detailed drawing creation, focusing on complex automotive interior and exterior applications.

• Collaborate closely with internal and customer engineering teams to translate design inputs into robust, manufacturable product designs.

• Apply expertise in plastic injection molding, 2-shot molding, compression molding, and extrusion processes to optimize designs for efficient and high-quality production.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for bridging the gap between conceptual design and manufacturing feasibility within the automotive plastics sector. The emphasis on customer standards and OEM systems highlights the need for meticulous attention to detail and a thorough understanding of automotive industry protocols.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Maintain and update 3D math models, drawings, and assemblies using NX or Catia V5 CAD software according to engineering specifications.

• Interpret and integrate design inputs from internal teams and customers, including marked prints, sketches, and presentations, into CAD models.

• Generate multiple design concepts rapidly while adhering to design direction and program timelines.

• Ensure all part designs comply with customer-specific standards and procedures for seamless integration into OEM systems.

• Work collaboratively with the Engineering Team to guarantee that all Body CAD requirements are met and validated.

• Communicate effectively with the Design Manager regarding project deliverables, progress, and any potential scheduling impacts.

• Meet program design and drawing deliverable schedules consistently to support project milestones.

• Apply Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) principles accurately to engineering drawings to define critical dimensions and tolerances.

• Create complex 3D math models utilizing sketcher and parametric modeling techniques within the specified CAD software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a hands-on CAD role with a strong emphasis on the entire design lifecycle, from initial concept generation to detailed engineering documentation. The need to meet "customer standards" and "OEM systems" implies a requirement for strict quality control and adherence to established industry practices.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate's degree in Design Technology, Mechanical Design, or a related field. Equivalent relevant job experience will be considered.

Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of hands-on product design experience specifically within the automotive industry.

Required Skills:

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience using Catia V5 or NX software for advanced CAD modeling.

• 1-5 years of experience specifically with Catia V5 or NX drawing creation and detailing.

• Strong understanding and practical application of automotive interior and exterior plastic design principles.

• Expertise in Class 'A' surfacing techniques, including creating surfaces from master sections, scans, and existing surfaces.

• Proven experience designing injection molded components, with a solid understanding of backside lifter/slide design, 'A' surface graining, and mold design considerations (e.g., draft angles).

• Familiarity with Automotive OEM Global Requirements and their application in product design.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) for documentation and communication. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with other CAD software relevant to automotive design.

• Knowledge of 2-shot injection molding, compression molding, and extruded design processes.

• Understanding of material properties and their impact on plastic component design.

• Familiarity with CAE analysis tools for design validation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for both 5 years of software usage and 1-5 years of drawing experience suggests a need for candidates who are not only proficient in the software but also adept at producing production-ready technical documentation. The emphasis on specific molding processes and Class 'A' surfacing indicates a need for specialized expertise in automotive plastics.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct automotive plastic component design projects that demonstrate proficiency in Catia V5 or NX.

• Include examples of 3D models, detailed engineering drawings with GD&T, and potentially renderings or prototypes.

• Highlight projects that involved complex injection molding, 2-shot molding, or extrusion processes.

• Present projects where Class 'A' surfacing was a critical design element, with clear examples of surface quality and aesthetics.

• Demonstrate how customer standards and OEM requirements were incorporated into the design process and final deliverables. Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of a structured design process, from initial concept to final release.

• Illustrate how design iterations and concept development were managed and documented.

• Detail the steps taken to ensure design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA), particularly for plastic components.

• Show examples of how technical challenges were overcome through design modifications and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, as it will serve as the primary evidence of a candidate's CAD skills, understanding of automotive plastics, and ability to meet industry-specific design and documentation requirements. The portfolio should clearly articulate the candidate's role in each project and the impact of their design decisions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Product Designers with 5-10 years of experience in the automotive sector in the Metro Detroit area, the estimated salary range is $75,000 - $100,000 per year. This estimate considers the specialized skills in Catia V5/NX, automotive plastics, and Class 'A' surfacing required for this role.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.

• Company-paid Short-Term & Long-Term Disability insurance.

• Company-paid Life Insurance coverage.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match.

• Generous Paid Holidays and Vacation time.

• Opportunities for Job Promotion and Career Growth within the organization.

• Other benefits as outlined by the company.

Working Hours: This is a full-time, on-site position typically operating on a standard 40-hour work week. Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry data for similar roles in the specified geographic location and experience level. Actual compensation may vary based on individual qualifications, experience, and the company's compensation structure. The benefits package is comprehensive and competitive for the automotive manufacturing sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Plastics Manufacturing. US Farathane is a long-standing leader in providing comprehensive plastic solutions to the automotive industry, with over 50 years of experience. They specialize in everything from conceptual design to advanced composite materials, TPEs, TPOs, and specialized extrusion and compression technologies.

Company Size: US Farathane is a significant player in its market, with a growing presence and year-over-year growth, indicating a stable yet dynamic environment. The specific employee count is not provided, but the scope of their services suggests a substantial organization.

Founded: Over 50 years ago, indicating a deep history of expertise and stability within the automotive supply chain.

Team Structure: The Product Designer will be part of the Design team, reporting to a Design Manager. This team likely collaborates closely with the broader Engineering department, Quality Assurance, and potentially Manufacturing and Sales teams.

• Design Team: Focused on conceptualization, CAD development, and surfacing.

• Engineering Team: Oversees technical specifications, validation, and integration with vehicle systems.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Essential for ensuring designs are manufacturable, meet customer requirements, and align with overall program goals.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Utilizing customer requirements, engineering feedback, and manufacturing constraints to inform design decisions.

• Iterative Design Process: Employing a cycle of concept development, refinement, and validation to achieve optimal outcomes.

• Standardization & Best Practices: Adhering to established OEM standards and industry best practices for CAD modeling, surfacing, and documentation.

Company Website: https://www.usfarathane.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: US Farathane's established presence and focus on advanced plastics for automotive applications suggest a culture that values technical expertise, innovation, and reliability. The company's commitment to growth implies opportunities for employees to contribute to and benefit from its expansion.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Product Designer role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level, requiring substantial hands-on experience and specialized technical skills. It involves significant responsibility for translating complex requirements into tangible design outputs that directly impact product development and manufacturing.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to a Design Manager, indicating a clear line of communication and a structured hierarchy within the design department. This relationship is key for project alignment and professional development.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work is foundational to the success of new automotive components. Their ability to create accurate, manufacturable, and aesthetically compliant designs directly influences production efficiency, cost, quality, and ultimately, the customer's satisfaction with the final vehicle.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced surfacing, specific molding technologies, or emerging design tools and methodologies within the automotive plastics domain.

• Project Leadership: Progress to leading design aspects of specific projects, mentoring junior designers, and taking on more complex design challenges.

• Cross-Functional Advancement: Transition into roles within broader engineering functions, program management, or even technical sales, leveraging deep product knowledge.

• Continuous Learning: Opportunities to stay current with evolving CAD software, manufacturing processes, and automotive industry trends through internal training and external resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Product Designer in the automotive industry often involves building deep technical expertise and then leveraging that knowledge to take on more complex projects or leadership responsibilities. US Farathane's mention of "Job Promotional and Career Growth Opportunities" suggests a commitment to internal development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is based at the Auburn Hills - Technology Center, which implies a professional office setting dedicated to engineering and design functions.

Office Location(s): Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA. This location places the role within a major hub for automotive engineering and manufacturing in the United States.

Workspace Context:

• Professional Office: A controlled environment conducive to detailed CAD work and collaborative design sessions.

• Access to Technology: Expected to have access to high-performance workstations equipped with Catia V5 or NX, and potentially other design and collaboration software.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with fellow designers, engineers, and management to discuss projects and share insights.

• Plant Exposure: Occasional exposure to manufacturing plant environments is noted, requiring adaptability to potentially louder conditions and varying temperatures.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday. Flexibility may be required to meet critical project deadlines, which is common in the fast-paced automotive industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Auburn Hills location is a significant advantage for automotive professionals, offering proximity to OEMs and other industry players. The blend of office-based CAD work with potential exposure to manufacturing environments provides a holistic view of the product lifecycle.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: The interview process is likely to involve multiple stages to assess technical proficiency, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit.

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to confirm qualifications and relevant experience.

• Technical Assessment: A hands-on CAD test using Catia V5 or NX, potentially involving creating a model or surfacing task based on provided specifications.

• Design Challenge/Case Study: Presentation of a past design project from the candidate's portfolio, focusing on their role, design decisions, challenges overcome, and outcomes. This may also involve a hypothetical design problem.

• Behavioral & Managerial Interviews: Discussions with the Design Manager and potentially other engineering leads to evaluate problem-solving approach, communication skills, teamwork, and alignment with company values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant automotive plastic design projects.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions and decision-making processes in each project.

• Showcase Technical Skill: Include examples of complex surfacing, robust 3D modeling, and detailed engineering drawings with GD&T.

• Demonstrate Process: Explain your design methodology, including concept development, iteration, and problem-solving.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): Mention any improvements in manufacturability, cost reduction, or performance achieved through your designs.

• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to walk through your portfolio, answer in-depth questions about your designs, and explain your reasoning.

Challenge Preparation:

• Practice CAD Skills: Reacquaint yourself with key Catia V5/NX functionalities, especially those related to surfacing and parametric modeling.

• Review GD&T: Refresh your understanding of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing standards.

• Study Automotive Plastics: Familiarize yourself with common plastic materials, molding processes (injection, 2-shot, compression), and design considerations (draft, wall thickness, gating, venting).

• Prepare a Case Study: Structure a presentation of one of your portfolio projects, focusing on the problem, your solution, the process, and the results.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong emphasis on a portfolio and potential practical CAD assessment means candidates should proactively prepare these elements. Demonstrating a clear understanding of automotive plastics and manufacturing processes will be key to success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Catia V5 or NX (mandatory, with significant experience required).

• CAD Drawing: Experience creating detailed engineering drawings from 3D models.

• 3D Modeling: Proficiency in sketcher, wireframe, surface, and solid modeling techniques.

• Parametric Modeling: Ability to create and manipulate parametric models effectively.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Word for documentation, PowerPoint for presentations, Excel for data management and basic analysis.

• Potential for PLM/PDM Systems: Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management or Product Data Management systems for managing design data.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how designs feed into manufacturing and supply chain systems is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Catia V5 or NX is the cornerstone of this role's technical requirements. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their mastery of these specific CAD platforms, particularly in the context of automotive plastic component design and surfacing.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to high-quality design, precision in CAD work, and deep understanding of manufacturing processes.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within design and engineering teams, and with external customer stakeholders.

• Customer Focus: Designing to meet specific customer requirements and OEM standards.

• Innovation: Developing creative solutions within technical and manufacturing constraints.

• Reliability: Delivering designs on time and ensuring they are robust and manufacturable.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Designers will work closely with engineers, managers, and potentially manufacturing personnel.

• Communicative: Open communication about design progress, challenges, and potential solutions is essential.

• Feedback Integration: Willingness to receive and incorporate feedback from various stakeholders to refine designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values precision, technical expertise, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving, all within the demanding framework of the automotive industry.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Meeting Stringent OEM Standards: Navigating and consistently applying the complex and evolving design standards set by various automotive OEMs.

• Balancing Aesthetics and Manufacturability: Creating visually appealing Class 'A' surfaces while ensuring they are cost-effective and feasible to produce via molding processes.

• Rapid Design Cycles: Adapting to tight project timelines and the need for quick concept generation and iteration.

• Complex Geometry: Designing intricate plastic components that require advanced surfacing and modeling techniques.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced CAD Training: Opportunities to master new features or modules within Catia V5/NX, or explore complementary design software.

• Material Science & Manufacturing Processes: Deepen knowledge of polymers, molding techniques, and their impact on design.

• Automotive Industry Trends: Staying abreast of new vehicle technologies, material innovations, and OEM design preferences.

• Project Ownership: Taking on lead roles in design projects, which can foster leadership and project management skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for growth for individuals passionate about automotive design and engineering. The challenges presented are typical of the industry and serve as catalysts for skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a challenging automotive plastic component you designed. What were the key technical hurdles, and how did you overcome them using Catia V5/NX?" (Focus on problem-solving, technical application, and GD&T)

• "Walk me through your process for creating Class 'A' surfaces. What are the critical considerations for achieving high aesthetic quality and manufacturability?" (Focus on surfacing expertise and DFM)

• "How do you ensure your designs meet specific OEM standards, and what is your experience with integrating designs into OEM systems?" (Focus on compliance and industry knowledge) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working at US Farathane and specifically in the automotive plastics sector?" (Focus on motivation and industry fit)

• "How do you approach collaboration with engineering teams and customer representatives?" (Focus on teamwork and communication)

• "Describe your experience with different plastic molding processes (injection, compression, extrusion) and how it influences your design decisions." (Focus on manufacturing understanding) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose projects that best showcase your Catia V5/NX skills, automotive plastic design experience, and Class 'A' surfacing capabilities.

• Narrative Structure: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role and approach, the design solutions implemented, challenges faced, and the final outcome or impact.

• Visual Aids: Use high-quality renderings, 3D model views, and clear engineering drawings to illustrate your work effectively.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss specific design choices, material considerations, manufacturing constraints, and the application of GD&T.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate both their technical CAD prowess and their strategic thinking regarding automotive design principles. A well-prepared portfolio and clear communication about past projects will be key differentiators.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your resume and portfolio through the US Farathane Applicant Tracking System (ATS) via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features automotive plastic design projects, highlighting your expertise in Catia V5/NX, Class 'A' surfacing, and various molding processes. Tailor the showcased projects to align with the job description's core responsibilities.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly list your proficiency with Catia V5 and NX, specifying years of experience. Quantify achievements where possible, such as contributions to successful product launches or improvements in design efficiency. Use keywords from the job description like "automotive interior/exterior plastic design," "injection molding," "Class 'A' surfacing," and "GD&T."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and problem-solving skills. Be ready to walk through your portfolio projects in detail and discuss specific design challenges and solutions. Prepare for potential hands-on CAD assessments.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with US Farathane's products, services, and their position within the automotive supply chain. Understand their commitment to innovation and customer solutions to demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.