Senior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer

Company: HI-LEX CONTROLS INC

Location: Rochester Hills, MI, USA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / Engineering Operations

Date Posted: 2026-10-30

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This Senior Product Designer role is instrumental in driving product innovation and engineering excellence within the automotive sector, focusing on the creation and refinement of complex mechanical systems.

• The position requires a deep understanding of 3D CAD modeling, robust design principles, and the ability to translate conceptual ideas into detailed, manufacturable product designs.

• Success in this role hinges on strong collaboration with cross-functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, and program management, to ensure product feasibility, performance, and adherence to stringent industry standards.

• The role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving, continuous improvement, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable product solutions that meet customer specifications and market demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the company's focus on automotive components like window regulators and door modules, and the explicit mention of "automotive center" in Rochester Hills, this role is deeply embedded within the GTM strategy through product development and engineering. The emphasis on RFQ preparation and customer interaction highlights its direct link to sales enablement and market competitiveness.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Product Design & Development: Create new and revise existing product designs using advanced 3D CAD software (Catia V5, NX), ensuring comprehensive layouts and final product designs from initial concepts and sketches.

• Feasibility & Validation: Conduct thorough feasibility studies, including packaging and glass drop studies, based on customer-provided data to validate design concepts and identify potential constraints.

• Design Robustness & Tolerance Analysis: Provide critical input into design and tolerance stack studies to ensure product robustness, reliability, and optimal performance under various operating conditions.

• RFQ Support & Cost Optimization: Prepare detailed drawing packages and design concepts for Request for Quotations (RFQs), emphasizing quality, cost-effectiveness, and rapid turnaround times to support sales initiatives.

• Standards & Best Practices: Adhere to and implement documented Engineering and Design standards, including Lessons Learned from previous projects, to maintain consistency and drive continuous improvement in design processes.

• Problem Resolution & Prototyping: Evaluate prototypes, recommend and implement design modifications to resolve field concerns, and enhance product performance and reliability based on testing and feedback.

• Material & Process Recommendation: Make informed decisions on the suitability of design choices based on product materials and production processes, and recommend appropriate material selections for products and their components.

• Customer Collaboration: Confer directly with customers as required to discuss design problem areas, present solutions, and ensure the final product meets all specified requirements and expectations.

• CAD Detailing Guidance: Instruct and guide CAD detailers on design requirements, tolerances, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), and standard drafting practices to ensure accurate and high-quality documentation.

• Team Environment & Development: Promote a positive and collaborative associate relations environment consistent with long-term management objectives, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility for preparing drawing packages/concepts for RFQs directly impacts the sales pipeline and GTM strategy by enabling competitive bidding. Direct customer interaction on design issues also strengthens the sales-engineering interface.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A 2-year degree in engineering or computer-aided drawing/design is preferred, providing a foundational understanding of engineering principles and design software. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of comprehensive drafting and design experience is required, demonstrating a deep well of practical knowledge in product development lifecycles.

• Proven experience in system and product design/packaging is essential, showcasing an ability to conceptualize and execute complex component integrations.

• Strong knowledge of the characteristics and implications of various production processes is necessary to ensure designs are manufacturable and cost-effective. Required Skills:

• 3D CAD Proficiency: Mastery in using core CAD systems, specifically Catia V5 and NX, for complex modeling and design creation.

• GD&T Expertise: Thorough understanding and application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles to define product specifications accurately.

• Product Development & Design: Proven ability in product development and design, from conceptualization through to detailed design documentation.

• Technical Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective interaction with internal teams, management, and external customers.

• Problem Solving & Critical Thinking: Demonstrated ability to analyze complex problems, identify root causes, and develop effective, innovative solutions.

• Time Management: Strong time management skills to effectively prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and meet program deadlines critical for successful product launches.

• Adaptability & Continuous Improvement: A mindset geared towards adapting to changing project requirements and a commitment to continuous improvement in design processes and product quality.

Preferred Skills:

• FEA Knowledge: Familiarity with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and basic skills in performing such analyses to predict product performance and identify potential failure points.

• Sketching & Conceptualization: Ability to translate simple sketches and ideas into fully realized 2D and 3D designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 10+ years of experience, coupled with specific CAD software (Catia V5, NX) and GD&T knowledge, indicates a need for a highly skilled and experienced individual capable of independently managing complex design challenges. The emphasis on RFQ preparation and customer interaction suggests this role bridges engineering and sales support functions.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• 3D CAD Modeling Examples: Showcase complex 3D models created in Catia V5 or NX, demonstrating proficiency in part design, assembly, and surfacing techniques relevant to automotive components.

• 2D Drawing Packages: Present examples of fully dimensioned 2D drawings, including detailed layouts, critical dimensions, GD&T callouts, and material specifications that were used for manufacturing.

• Design Study Documentation: Include documentation of feasibility, packaging, or tolerance stack studies, illustrating the analytical process used to ensure design robustness and identify potential issues early in the development cycle.

• Problem Resolution Case Studies: Provide examples of how you have identified and resolved field concerns or design challenges through modification and prototyping, highlighting the impact on product performance and reliability.

• RFQ Concept Presentations: If possible, include examples of design concepts or drawing packages prepared for RFQ processes, showcasing your ability to deliver quality, cost-effective, and timely solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in documenting and optimizing design workflows, from initial concept generation to final drawing release, highlighting efficiency gains or improvements in design quality.

• Standards Implementation: Illustrate how you have applied or helped to develop engineering and design standards, including Lessons Learned, to ensure consistency and best practices across projects.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Protocols: Detail processes for effective collaboration with manufacturing, engineering, and sales teams during the design phase, emphasizing communication strategies and feedback loops.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Product Designer role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just showcase technical output but also the thought process, problem-solving skills, and collaboration involved. Demonstrating experience with RFQ packages is particularly important given the role's impact on sales support.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Product Designer with 10+ years of experience in the automotive sector in the Rochester Hills, MI area, the estimated salary range is between $95,000 - $135,000 annually. This range accounts for the required specialized technical skills (Catia V5, NX, GD&T), extensive experience, and the critical nature of product design within the automotive supply chain. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage designed to support employee well-being.

• Retirement Savings Plan: A 401(k) plan with potential company match to aid in long-term financial planning.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay to ensure work-life balance and opportunities for rest and rejuvenation.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, training, and potential support for further certifications or advanced education in design and engineering.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Coverage to provide financial security for employees and their families.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and work-related challenges.

Working Hours:

• Standard First Shift operations, typically Monday through Friday, with an expected 40-hour workweek. Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and customer demands, particularly during critical phases of product development or RFQ responses.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data from industry compensation surveys for senior engineering and design roles in the automotive sector within the Michigan region, considering the specified experience level and technical requirements. Benefits are standard for a full-time position in a manufacturing company of this size and industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing, specifically focusing on components such as window regulators, door modules, power lift gate systems, and mechanical control cables. HI-LEX also serves power sports, marine, construction equipment, and medical device sectors, indicating a diversified yet technically focused engineering environment.

Company Size: HI-LEX employs over 12,000 associates globally, with a significant presence in the Americas, including ten manufacturing facilities across the US, Mexico, and Brazil. The Rochester Hills automotive center houses key corporate functions like Finance, Sales, Engineering, Testing, Program Management, HR, Purchasing, and IT, suggesting a substantial and integrated regional operation.

Founded: Founded in 1946, HI-LEX has a long-standing history and established reputation in the automotive supply chain, indicating stability, experience, and a deep understanding of industry evolution.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Product Designer will likely be part of the Engineering department within the Rochester Hills automotive center. This department is expected to be structured to support product development from concept to production, with specialized teams for design, testing, and program management.

• Reporting structure will likely be to an Engineering Manager or Director, with close collaboration with Program Managers, Sales teams, Manufacturing engineers, and CAD detailers.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, involving frequent interaction with Sales for RFQ input and customer discussions, Manufacturing for production process insights, and Testing for design validation. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasizes the use of customer data, feasibility studies, and technical analyses (e.g., tolerance stack studies, FEA) to inform design decisions.

• Standardized Processes: Relies on documented Engineering and Design standards, and incorporates Lessons Learned to ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency in the design process.

• Customer-Centric Development: Involves direct customer engagement to understand requirements, address design concerns, and ensure product satisfaction, aligning product development with market needs.

Company Website: HI-LEX.com

📝 Enhancement Note: HI-LEX's long history and global presence, coupled with a dedicated automotive center, suggest a mature and structured engineering operation. The emphasis on collaboration with Sales and Manufacturing highlights the importance of GTM alignment within the product development cycle.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Senior" Product Designer, indicating a mid-to-senior level within the engineering/design hierarchy. It requires a significant depth of experience and a high degree of autonomy in executing design tasks, problem-solving, and contributing to strategic product decisions. The role implies mentorship capabilities for less experienced designers.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report to an Engineering Manager or Director. They will collaborate closely with Program Managers, Sales Engineers, Manufacturing Engineers, and CAD Detailers, requiring strong interpersonal and cross-functional communication skills.

Operations Impact: The Senior Product Designer's work directly impacts the company's revenue and market competitiveness by:

• Developing innovative and cost-effective product designs that meet customer specifications, leading to successful bids and contract wins.

• Ensuring product quality and reliability, reducing warranty claims and enhancing customer satisfaction, which supports repeat business and brand reputation.

• Contributing to faster product development cycles and efficient RFQ responses, enabling the company to capture market opportunities more quickly.

• Providing technical expertise that supports sales efforts and customer relationship management. Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific product lines (e.g., power lift gates, window regulators) or advanced design techniques (e.g., FEA, advanced surfacing).

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into a Lead Product Designer role, overseeing design teams, mentoring junior designers, and taking on greater project management responsibilities.

• Cross-Functional Transition: Possibility of transitioning into related roles such as Program Management, Technical Sales Support, or Advanced Engineering, leveraging deep product knowledge.

• Continuous Learning: Access to training and development resources to stay current with the latest CAD technologies, automotive industry standards, and manufacturing processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and the explicit responsibilities for customer interaction and RFQ support indicate this role is critical for GTM success, bridging product development with commercial objectives. Growth opportunities are likely tied to technical leadership and project management within the engineering function.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is situated in an office environment within the HI-LEX automotive center in Rochester Hills, MI. It is described as an "open seating work environment with ability to change work location daily (if needed)," suggesting a flexible and potentially collaborative workspace.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Rochester Hills, MI 48309, USA. This facility serves as the automotive center for the Americas region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Atmosphere: The open seating arrangement and the presence of multiple functional departments (Finance, Sales, Engineering, HR, IT) foster a collaborative environment where cross-functional communication and idea sharing are encouraged.

• Dynamic Environment: The office experiences typical noise levels from cellphones, group conversations, and virtual meetings, requiring adaptability and focus. The ability to change work locations daily implies a need for flexibility and self-sufficiency.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard 3D CAD systems (Catia V5, NX), potentially FEA software, and other engineering design tools will be available to support daily tasks.

Work Schedule:

• The position is designated as "First Shift" and "Full-Time," typically aligning with a standard Monday-Friday workweek, totaling approximately 40 hours. While core hours exist, flexibility may be necessary to meet project deadlines, customer demands, or participate in critical design reviews.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "open seating" and "ability to change work location daily" aspects highlight a modern, potentially agile work environment. This requires individuals who are comfortable with dynamic setups and can maintain productivity amidst typical office noise.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly experience with Catia V5, NX, GD&T, and 10+ years of drafting/design experience.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve detailed discussions about your experience with 3D CAD modeling, design principles, and problem-solving methodologies. Expect questions related to packaging studies, tolerance stack-ups, and material selection.

• Portfolio Review: A critical part of the process where you will present examples of your work. Be prepared to walk through specific design projects, explaining your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the outcomes achieved. Focus on projects demonstrating your expertise in automotive components.

• Cross-Functional/Behavioral Interview: You may meet with members of the Sales, Program Management, or Manufacturing teams to assess your collaboration skills, communication effectiveness, and ability to work within a cross-functional GTM environment. Behavioral questions will focus on your problem-solving, adaptability, and continuous improvement mindset.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss your strategic fit, long-term career aspirations, and overall contribution to the company's goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in automotive product design, specifically highlighting work done with Catia V5 or NX.

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your design process, key decisions made, technical challenges overcome, and the positive outcomes (e.g., improved performance, reduced cost, successful RFQ). Quantify results where possible.

• Demonstrate Process: Explain your approach to feasibility studies, tolerance analysis, and material selection. Show how you used GD&T effectively.

• Customer & RFQ Relevance: If possible, include examples or discuss your experience in preparing design concepts for RFQs and interacting with customers on design matters. This directly relates to the role's GTM function.

• Visual Aids: Use clear renderings, CAD models, and 2D drawings to illustrate your work. Be prepared to explain complex assemblies and features.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be given a hypothetical product design challenge or a problem with an existing design and asked to outline your approach to solving it, including the tools and analyses you would employ.

• CAD/GD&T Exercise: A practical exercise involving a specific design task or a question requiring interpretation of GD&T might be presented.

• Process Improvement: Be ready to discuss how you would improve a given design process or workflow, drawing on your experience with standards and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes technical proficiency and practical application. A strong portfolio showcasing relevant automotive design work, especially with Catia V5/NX and GD&T, and demonstrating impact on RFQs and customer requirements, will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D CAD Software:

  • Catia V5: A core requirement, expected to be used for complex part design, surfacing, and assembly modeling of automotive components. Proficiency in its various modules will be essential.
  • NX (Unigraphics): Another primary CAD system required. Candidates should be adept at using NX for similar design and modeling tasks, potentially for different product lines or legacy projects.

• 2D Drafting Software: Tools for generating fully dimensioned engineering drawings, layouts, and manufacturing documentation based on 3D models.

• Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T): Not a software tool, but a critical system of symbolic representations used on engineering drawings to define tolerances and specifications. Mastery is essential for accurate design communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• FEA Software (Preferred): Familiarity with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, or integrated modules within Catia/NX) is preferred for performance simulation and validation.

• Statistical Analysis Tools: Basic understanding of statistical methods may be beneficial for tolerance stack studies and performance analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how product designs feed into sales quoting systems (potentially integrated with CRM) is advantageous. Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems could also be beneficial for managing design revisions and documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Catia V5 and NX as core CAD systems is a critical technical requirement. FEA knowledge is listed as preferred, indicating a desire for candidates with simulation capabilities to enhance design validation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Reliability: A core value, driven by the demanding standards of the automotive industry. This translates to meticulous design work, robust testing, and a commitment to producing defect-free products.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: HI-LEX seeks associates who can bring fresh ideas, challenge existing processes, and actively contribute to enhancing product performance, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

• Customer Focus: A strong emphasis on understanding and meeting customer needs, collaborating closely with clients to resolve issues and ensure satisfaction, directly impacting sales and long-term partnerships.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: The company values a cooperative environment where associates work together across departments (Engineering, Sales, Manufacturing) to achieve common goals and support the overall Go-To-Market strategy.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards and maintaining a professional demeanor in all interactions, both internally and externally.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a collaborative style that involves frequent interaction with Sales for RFQ requirements and customer feedback, Manufacturing for production feasibility, and Program Management for project timelines.

• Process-Oriented Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on designs and processes, utilizing documented standards and Lessons Learned to refine workflows and improve outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: The open seating environment and emphasis on teamwork suggest an openness to sharing knowledge and best practices, particularly among experienced designers and junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values align with the expectations of a high-performing engineering team within the automotive sector. The emphasis on customer focus and cross-functional collaboration underscores the role's integration with the broader GTM and operational strategy.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Rigor with Market Demands: Effectively translating complex customer requirements and stringent industry standards into designs that are also cost-effective and manufacturable within tight timelines.

• Managing Design Revisions & Field Issues: Proactively identifying and resolving design flaws or field concerns, requiring thorough analysis, effective communication, and timely implementation of modifications.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Keeping pace with advancements in CAD software, simulation tools, and manufacturing processes to maintain a competitive edge in product design.

• Navigating Cross-Functional Dependencies: Ensuring seamless communication and alignment with Sales, Manufacturing, and Program Management teams, whose input and feedback are critical throughout the design lifecycle.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced CAD & Simulation Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Catia V5, NX, and potentially advanced simulation tools like FEA.

• Automotive Industry Standards: Continuous learning regarding evolving automotive standards, regulations, and best practices relevant to product design and safety.

• Product Line Specialization: Gaining in-depth knowledge of specific HI-LEX product families, becoming a subject matter expert in areas like power lift gates or window regulators.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Potential to mentor junior designers, contribute to team leadership, and take on more complex project management responsibilities within the engineering department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior engineering role in a fast-paced industry like automotive. Growth opportunities are tied to both technical deepening and potential leadership expansion within the engineering function, supporting career progression.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Describe your process for taking a product concept from initial sketch to a fully dimensioned, manufacturable drawing package. How do you ensure all requirements are met?" (Focus on your structured approach, use of CAD, GD&T, and collaboration points).

• Problem Solving: "Walk me through a time you encountered a significant design challenge or field concern. What was the issue, how did you diagnose it, what solutions did you propose, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight your analytical skills, decision-making, and impact).

• Customer Interaction: "How do you approach discussions with customers regarding design problem areas or to ensure a product meets all requirements?" (Emphasize clear communication, technical articulation, and customer-centric problem-solving).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Industry Knowledge: "What do you see as the key trends or challenges in automotive component design today?" (Show awareness of industry dynamics relevant to HI-LEX).

• Collaboration: "Describe your experience working with sales or manufacturing teams. How do you ensure effective collaboration and alignment?" (Demonstrate your understanding of cross-functional GTM integration).

• Continuous Improvement: "How do you stay updated with new design technologies or processes? Can you give an example of how you've implemented continuous improvement in your work?" (Highlight your proactive learning and initiative).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Structure your portfolio presentations as stories – problem, solution, impact. Clearly define your role and contributions.

• Quantify Results: Wherever possible, use numbers to illustrate the success of your designs (e.g., "reduced weight by 15%", "improved cycle time by 10%", "supported an RFQ that led to a $XM contract").

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to dive deep into the technical details of your CAD models, GD&T applications, and material choices. Explain the 'why' behind your decisions.

• Connect to HI-LEX: Whenever possible, relate your examples to the types of products HI-LEX manufactures (window regulators, door modules, etc.) and the automotive industry context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical expertise but also the ability to apply it within a collaborative, customer-focused, and business-oriented environment like HI-LEX. Highlighting experience relevant to RFQs and customer interactions will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Paycom link, ensuring all requested information is accurately filled out.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to prominently feature your 10+ years of drafting and design experience, specifically highlighting your proficiency with Catia V5 and NX, and your strong command of GD&T. Use keywords from the job description such as "automotive industry," "product development," "packaging studies," and "RFQ preparation."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases your best work in automotive component design. Include examples of complex 3D CAD models, detailed 2D drawings with GD&T, and documentation of design studies or problem resolutions. Prioritize projects that demonstrate your ability to support RFQs and customer requirements.

• Research HI-LEX: Familiarize yourself with HI-LEX's product lines, their position in the automotive supply chain, and their company values. Understand their focus on window regulators, door modules, and control cables.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to discuss your design process, problem-solving methodologies, and experience with cross-functional collaboration, particularly with sales and manufacturing teams. Rehearse presenting your portfolio, focusing on clear communication and quantifiable impact.

⚠️ 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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