Senior CAD Designer

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior CAD Designer will work hand in hand with Design Engineers to design innovative aftermarket accessories for Trucks, Jeeps and Passenger Cars.  This position will require strong knowledge and experience in automotive exterior design (Class A surfaces, injection molding, extrusions, hardware, etc.).  This role will work from conceptual development all the way through start of production, including advanced concept engineering.  Projects will mainly target the aftermarket product lines, with growth potential into OEM product lines as well.

CORE FUNCTIONS

• Responsible for creating innovative design concepts and completing product designs in 3D and drawing release, per engineering direction.
• Create designs in Catia or NX for the intention of and production implementation (using the DFMA toolbox skills i.e. DOE, DFMA etc.).
• Provide direction for innovative and new product design solutions to meet customer requirements. 
• Coordinate design-related workload with designated Design Engineer.
• Create models, drawings, and/or support test sample builds. 
• Coordinate with the CAD Administrator and related RealTruck Brands, if applicable.
• Utilize creative and critical thinking to develop new product concepts that have high customer appeal, function, and/or aesthetics.  Apply knowledge of various engineered materials and processes towards new product ideas and concepts.
• Create drawings for prototype and production release. Follow drawing release and engineering change processes applicable to the brand/division.
• Design for Manufacturing as required or driven by the Brand’s manufacturing engineers.
• Lead and engage in trouble shooting with the team to develop options for success during complex situations.
• Mentor junior level designers as necessary.
• Establish and maintain corporate design standards as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

• 2-year Associate of Applied Science in CAD/Design or equivalent degree is required.
• 5 years of hands-on, professional product design experience working for an OEM or Tier 1 in body/exterior/sealing/mechanisms or equivalent required, or previous experience in consumer product space.
• Experience designing injection molded parts, including an understanding of designing to draft angle, under-surface detail involving lifter design and gating, texture/grain, etc. is highly preferred. 

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to design complex plastic parts, extruded aluminum profiles, extruded and molded weather seals, brackets, latches, and mechanisms based on direction from Design Engineers
• Strong problem-solving skills. 
• Skilled working with Catia or NX, including parametric modeling practices.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to write, speak, and comprehend English.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills and critical thinking skills with a focus on root-cause analysis.

Travel

• Must be able to travel locally (Metro-Detroit) and domestically on occasion.  Travel estimated to be roughly <5% (initially higher due to learning curve).  Estimated to be 1-2 weeks per year max.

About RealTruck 

RealTruck is the premier manufacturer of functional aftermarket accessories and digital destination for truck, Jeep®, Bronco® and off-road enthusiasts. Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich. with over 5,000 associates across 47 locations throughout North America, RealTruck continuously designs, develops, manufactures and sells industry-defining products with more than 630 patents and growing. RealTruck’s extensive product offering is a leader in each of its primary categories. The company’s omni-channel approach makes it easy for people to find the right products to transform their vehicle, gain expert advice and secure professional installation whether they’re shopping for products online at RealTruck.com or through the more than 12,000 dealer locations and automotive (OEM) partnerships who sell their products. RealTruck is engineered to deliver a seamless consumer experience from idea to installation. For more information, visit realtruck.com!