Senior Automotive Product Designer (Solidworks)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Automotive Product Designer (Solidworks)

Company: Horsepower Automotive Group

Location: Chandler, Arizona, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design / Engineering Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-11

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (3+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end product design process for premium, made-in-America aftermarket automotive accessories, focusing on aesthetic appeal and structural integrity.

• Translate complex vehicle data, including 3D scans and physical parts, into manufacturable CAD models using SolidWorks.

• Collaborate closely with a prototype engineering team to move designs from concept to physical reality, ensuring seamless integration into production.

• Develop detailed manufacturing drawings and specifications for sheet metal and tubular assemblies, adhering to high-quality standards.

• Contribute to the innovation and development of next-generation accessories for popular off-road vehicles like Ford Raptors, Broncos, and Ram TRXs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role leans heavily into the creative and design aspects of product development within an operations context. While not a traditional "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" role, it requires strong operational execution in product development, process adherence, and cross-functional collaboration with manufacturing. The "Senior" title and focus on end-to-end ownership suggest a need for demonstrated leadership and process improvement capabilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop complex 3D CAD models and assemblies in SolidWorks for automotive aftermarket accessories, including bumpers, racks, and other off-road components.

• Process and utilize 3D scan data to create accurate digital representations of vehicles for product integration and development.

• Generate detailed manufacturing drawings, including GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) where applicable, for sheet metal fabrication, tube bending, and welding processes.

• Work in close partnership with the prototype engineering team, providing design support and iterating based on physical prototype feedback and manufacturing constraints.

• Refine and improve existing product designs based on feedback, performance data, and evolving market trends to enhance manufacturability and customer satisfaction.

• Participate in design reviews, offering constructive feedback and ensuring designs meet aesthetic, functional, and structural performance targets.

• Contribute to the development and optimization of design processes and workflows to improve efficiency and product quality.

• Maintain clear and organized CAD file management and documentation for all design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to CAD modeling and a strong understanding of manufacturing processes relevant to aftermarket automotive parts. The "partner with prototype engineering" aspect highlights the operational workflow from design to physical production.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a background in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related technical field is highly beneficial for understanding manufacturing processes and product performance.

Experience: A minimum of 3 years of professional CAD design experience is required, with a strong emphasis on practical application in a manufacturing environment.

Required Skills:

• SolidWorks Proficiency: Demonstrated expertise in creating complex 3D models, assemblies, and detailed manufacturing drawings within SolidWorks.

• Sheet Metal Design: Proven experience designing sheet metal components, including understanding material properties, bend allowances, and fabrication techniques.

• Welded Assemblies: Expertise in designing welded structures, understanding weld types, joint design, and assembly sequencing for robust products.

• Manufacturing Drawing Creation: Ability to produce clear, concise, and accurate manufacturing drawings that convey all necessary information for production.

• 3D Scanning Data Processing: Experience working with and processing 3D scan data (mesh models) to drive design initiatives.

• Product Development Lifecycle: Understanding of the product development process from concept ideation through to manufacturing handover.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address design challenges and manufacturing constraints.

Preferred Skills:

• Automotive Aftermarket Experience: Prior experience designing parts specifically for the automotive aftermarket industry.

• GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing): Familiarity with GD&T principles for precise control of form, orientation, location, and profile.

• Fixture Design: Experience designing jigs, fixtures, or tooling for manufacturing or assembly processes.

• Off-road Enthusiast: A personal passion for off-road vehicles and the aftermarket industry can provide valuable insights into product design and customer needs.

• Parametric Modeling: Advanced skills in parametric modeling for efficient design iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Nice to Have" skills are crucial differentiators. Experience in GD&T and fixture design indicates a higher level of technical understanding essential for creating complex, repeatable, and high-quality manufactured parts. An off-road enthusiast background suggests a deeper connection to the product and customer base.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 complex CAD projects, ideally within the automotive or heavy equipment sector.

• Clearly present examples of both sheet metal and tubular/welded assemblies.

• Include examples of detailed manufacturing drawings, highlighting clarity and completeness.

• Demonstrate experience processing and utilizing 3D scan data in your design workflow.

• If available, include projects that showcase GD&T application or fixture design. Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process from initial concept to manufacturing readiness.

• Explain how you handle design revisions and incorporate feedback from engineering or manufacturing teams.

• Detail your approach to ensuring designs are optimized for specific manufacturing methods (laser cutting, bending, welding).

• Be ready to articulate how you ensure design intent is accurately translated into final production parts.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Product Designer, a portfolio is critical. It should not just be a collection of models but a narrative of how the candidate approaches design problems, utilizes specific tools like SolidWorks for manufacturing, and collaborates within an operational framework to bring products to market.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the "Senior" title, 3+ years of experience, and specialized SolidWorks skills in a niche industry (automotive aftermarket), a competitive salary range in Chandler, Arizona, for this role is estimated to be between $75,000 and $100,000 annually. This range reflects the blend of design creativity, technical CAD proficiency, and manufacturing understanding required.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Includes health, dental, and vision insurance to support employee well-being.

• Life Insurance: Provides financial security for employees and their families.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Standard PTO for vacation, personal days, and sick leave.

• Employee Discount: Significant discounts on HPAG's premium aftermarket accessories, allowing employees to benefit directly from the products they help create.

• Employee Referral Program: Incentives for referring qualified candidates, fostering team growth.

Working Hours: Full-time position, Monday through Friday, with an 8-hour day shift. This schedule is typical for manufacturing and design roles, allowing for consistent project work and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for experienced CAD designers in specialized fields, adjusted for the cost of living and general salary trends in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The benefits package is standard for full-time employees and offers unique perks relevant to the company's product line.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Aftermarket. Horsepower Automotive Group (HPAG) operates within a dynamic and rapidly growing sector that caters to vehicle customization, performance enhancement, and aesthetic upgrades. The company's multi-brand structure (Addictive Desert Designs, DV8 Offroad, Flatline Van Co, Rago Fabrication, C4) indicates a broad market reach and diverse product offerings.

Company Size: HPAG is a growing, multi-brand organization. While the exact number of employees isn't specified, its growth trajectory suggests a dynamic environment where individual contributions can have a significant impact. This size often fosters a culture of agility and direct collaboration.

Founded: The founding date isn't explicitly stated, but the company's description as a "leader in the growing automotive aftermarket industry" and its multi-brand portfolio imply a well-established presence with a history of successful product launches and brand acquisition.

Team Structure:

• Design & Engineering: The core product design team, including this Senior Designer role, likely works closely with a dedicated prototype engineering team.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Expect close collaboration with manufacturing (laser cutting, bending, welding), R&D, marketing, and potentially sales teams to ensure product market fit and production feasibility.

• Reporting: The Senior Designer will likely report to a Design Manager, Engineering Lead, or Head of Product Development, with direct interaction with prototype engineers.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Utilizes 3D scan data and customer feedback to inform design decisions.

• Iterative Development: Employs a hands-on approach, moving from CAD to physical prototypes rapidly to test and refine designs.

• Manufacturing-Centric Design: Focuses on creating designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical and cost-effective to manufacture using established processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: HPAG's culture appears to be driven by passion for off-road vehicles and a commitment to high-quality, American-made products. The emphasis on a collaborative environment and diverse perspectives suggests an inclusive workplace. The multi-brand structure may offer opportunities to work on a variety of vehicle platforms and product types.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Product Designer role, indicating a level of expertise and autonomy beyond entry-level or mid-level positions. It implies the ability to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers, and contribute strategically to product development processes. The focus is on both creative design execution and operational efficiency in translating concepts to manufacturable products.

Reporting Structure: The role will likely report to a Design Lead or Engineering Manager, with direct day-to-day interaction and collaboration with the prototype engineering team. This structure allows for clear guidance and feedback loops essential for rapid product development.

Operations Impact: The Senior Product Designer plays a crucial role in the operational success of HPAG by:

• Reducing Rework: Ensuring designs are manufacturable from the outset minimizes costly revisions during production.

• Accelerating Time-to-Market: Efficient design processes and close collaboration with prototyping speed up the introduction of new products.

• Enhancing Product Quality: Designs that are both aesthetically superior and structurally sound contribute directly to customer satisfaction and brand reputation.

• Optimizing Manufacturing Costs: Designs that consider material usage and fabrication processes can lead to cost efficiencies.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into a Design Lead or Engineering Management role, overseeing design teams and strategic product roadmaps.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific product categories (e.g., truck bumpers, SUV accessories) or advanced design techniques (e.g., complex surfacing, simulation).

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into roles related to R&D management, manufacturing process improvement, or product management within the automotive aftermarket sector.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers, sharing expertise and guiding their professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation implies an expectation of leadership and strategic input, not just execution. Growth opportunities are tied to both technical depth and the ability to manage design processes and teams within an operational context.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site at the Chandler, Arizona facility. This is a hands-on role that benefits from proximity to the prototype engineering team and manufacturing floor.

Office Location(s): Chandler, Arizona. This location is part of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, offering a substantial talent pool and a growing industrial base.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The description emphasizes a collaborative culture, suggesting an open-office layout or team-based workstations that facilitate communication and idea sharing.

• Hands-on Access: Proximity to prototype workshops means designers can readily interact with physical parts, observe testing, and quickly iterate on designs.

• Tooling and Technology: Access to high-end CAD software (SolidWorks), 3D scanners, and potentially rapid prototyping equipment (3D printers, CNC machines) is expected.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time, Monday-Friday, 8-hour day shift. This predictable schedule allows for focused design work and consistent interaction with the team, while also accommodating personal life.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is crucial for this role, enabling the close collaboration with prototype engineering and manufacturing that is highlighted as a key aspect of the job. This environment is designed for rapid iteration and practical problem-solving.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess technical skills, experience, and cultural fit.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion about SolidWorks proficiency, sheet metal/welded assembly design principles, and experience with 3D scanning. Expect questions about past projects and design challenges.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, discussing their design process, problem-solving approaches, and the impact of their work.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: Potentially a practical test involving a small design task or a review of a provided CAD problem to assess real-time design skills and thought process.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: Focus on cultural fit, collaboration style, understanding of the automotive aftermarket, and alignment with HPAG's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your SolidWorks skills, sheet metal and welded assembly experience, and manufacturing drawing capabilities. Prioritize automotive aftermarket examples if possible.

• Tell the Story: For each project, explain the problem you were solving, your design process, key decisions made, challenges encountered, and the outcome. Quantify results where possible (e.g., improved manufacturability, reduced material waste).

• Highlight Manufacturing Focus: Emphasize how your designs consider manufacturing constraints and facilitate efficient production. Show examples of detailed drawings.

• Demonstrate 3D Scanning Proficiency: If you have projects using 3D scan data, clearly explain your workflow from raw scan to usable CAD model.

• Be Ready for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about specific SolidWorks features, design for manufacturing (DFM) principles, and material properties.

Challenge Preparation:

• Review SolidWorks Fundamentals: Refresh your knowledge of key features for sheet metal and surfacing.

• Understand Manufacturing Processes: Be familiar with laser cutting, CNC bending, and common welding techniques relevant to aftermarket parts.

• Think DFM: Practice approaching design problems with a focus on manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.

• Prepare to Articulate Your Process: Be ready to clearly explain your steps for tackling a new design task.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential design challenge underscores the practical, hands-on nature of this role. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their technical skills and articulate their design methodology in detail.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• SolidWorks: This is the core CAD software requirement. Proficiency in creating parametric models, complex assemblies, sheet metal parts, and detailed drawings is essential.

• 3D Scanning Software: Tools for processing and cleaning up 3D scan data (e.g., Geomagic, PolyWorks, or similar mesh editing software).

• CAM Software (Potentially): While not explicitly stated, familiarity with CAM software for generating toolpaths for laser cutters or CNC machines could be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• PDM (Product Data Management) System: Likely used for managing CAD files, revisions, and engineering documentation.

• Project Management Tools: Standard tools for tracking design tasks and project progress.

CRM & Automation:

• ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) System: HPAG likely uses an ERP system for managing inventory, production scheduling, and order fulfillment, with which the design data will integrate.

📝 Enhancement Note: SolidWorks is the non-negotiable primary tool. Experience with 3D scanning software is also a key differentiator. Understanding how design data flows into manufacturing and ERP systems is crucial for operational efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion for Automotive Excellence: A shared enthusiasm for off-road vehicles, performance, and high-quality aftermarket accessories drives the team.

• Commitment to Quality: Dedication to producing "premium, made-in-America" products that meet rigorous aesthetic and structural standards.

• Innovation & Creativity: Encouragement of bold ideas and creative solutions to design challenges.

• Collaboration & Open Participation: A value placed on teamwork, open communication, and diverse perspectives to foster a dynamic work environment.

• Hands-on Execution: A bias for action, moving quickly from concept to physical reality and valuing practical problem-solving.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Teamwork: Close working relationships with prototype engineers, manufacturing personnel, and potentially R&D are fundamental.

• Iterative Feedback Loops: A culture where feedback is actively sought, given, and incorporated quickly to refine designs.

• Project-Based Teams: Designers will likely work in project-specific teams, collaborating closely with engineers and fabricators dedicated to specific product lines.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing design best practices and manufacturing insights across the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture is a blend of passion for the automotive aftermarket and a results-oriented, collaborative approach to product development. Success depends on the ability to work effectively with diverse technical teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Aesthetics and Manufacturability: Creating visually striking designs that are also practical and cost-effective to produce using existing manufacturing capabilities.

• Rapid Iteration Cycles: The fast-paced nature of the aftermarket industry requires quick design turnaround times and the ability to adapt to evolving trends and customer demands.

• Integrating 3D Scan Data: Effectively processing and utilizing often imperfect 3D scan data to create precise CAD models.

• Managing Revisions: Efficiently handling design changes based on prototype feedback, testing, or market shifts while maintaining design integrity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced SolidWorks Techniques: Opportunities to master advanced features, surfacing techniques, or complex assembly management within SolidWorks.

• Deep Dive into Manufacturing Processes: Gaining hands-on understanding of laser cutting, CNC bending, welding, and other fabrication methods relevant to aftermarket parts.

• Product Development Strategy: Exposure to market analysis, product roadmapping, and competitive landscaping within the automotive aftermarket.

• Mentorship and Leadership: As a senior role, opportunities to guide junior designers and contribute to process improvement initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a product design role in a fast-moving manufacturing sector. Growth opportunities focus on deepening technical expertise and developing leadership skills within the operations of product development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a complex vehicle model (e.g., from a 3D scan) and designing an aftermarket accessory that integrates seamlessly."

• "Walk me through a challenging sheet metal design you created. What were the constraints, and how did you overcome them?"

• "How do you ensure your CAD designs are optimized for manufacturing processes like laser cutting and welding?"

• "Tell me about a time you received critical feedback on a design. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about the automotive aftermarket industry, and specifically HPAG's brands?"

• "How do you approach collaboration with manufacturing and prototype engineering teams?"

• "Describe your understanding of 'made-in-America' quality standards in product design."

• "What are your thoughts on balancing aggressive styling with functional requirements for off-road vehicles?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the key design decisions, and the tangible results (e.g., manufacturability improvements, aesthetic success).

• Showcase Technical Prowess: Highlight your SolidWorks skills, particularly in sheet metal, welded assemblies, and drawing creation. Be ready to explain specific features you used.

• Demonstrate Process: Explain your workflow from concept to final CAD data, including how you incorporated feedback or resolved issues.

• Be Enthusiastic: Convey your passion for automotive design and the specific types of products HPAG creates.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both technical proficiency in SolidWorks and a strong understanding of manufacturing operations within the automotive aftermarket context. The portfolio is the primary tool for showcasing this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Automotive Product Designer position:

• Submit your resume and a comprehensive portfolio through the provided application link on the Horsepower Automotive Group careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your strongest SolidWorks projects, specifically those involving sheet metal, welded assemblies, and manufacturing drawings. Prioritize automotive or heavy equipment examples.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly states your years of SolidWorks experience, proficiency in relevant design areas (sheet metal, assemblies), and any automotive aftermarket experience. Use keywords like "SolidWorks," "CAD Design," "Sheet Metal," "Welded Assemblies," and "3D Scanning."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and experience with manufacturing considerations. Be ready to present your portfolio confidently and answer technical questions about SolidWorks.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Horsepower Automotive Group's brands (Addictive Desert Designs, DV8 Offroad, etc.) and their product offerings. Understand their commitment to quality and the off-road community.

⚠️ 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.

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