Lead Design Engineer

The Lead Design Engineer is responsible for driving the concept development, engineering design, and validation of new products.. This role combines creativity, advanced engineering principles, and hands-on development to transform early-stage ideas into practical, manufacturable solutions. The ideal candidate will leverage advanced materials, rapid prototyping, CAD technologies, and analytical tools to bridge innovation with execution across automotive and non-automotive product applications.

Key Responsibilities
Lead the development of innovative product concepts by applying analytical methods, engineering expertise, and creative problem-solving techniques to identify optimal technical solutions.
Manage and coordinate local engineering activities related to innovation and new product development projects.
Support the successful integration of innovation programs by ensuring compliance with internal processes, documentation standards, and effective communication of project data.
Build strong cross-functional relationships with internal stakeholders to promote a culture of innovation and accelerate adoption of new concepts, technologies, and processes.
Develop 3D CAD models, assemblies, and detailed technical drawings for components based on product requirements, installation constraints, and engineering specifications.
Perform or coordinate engineering analysis such as CAE/FEM simulations to evaluate and optimize product performance, durability, and feasibility.
Research, evaluate, and recommend materials, manufacturing processes, and emerging technologies to support future product development initiatives.
Plan and execute concept validation activities, including proof-of-concept testing, rapid prototyping, and design verification aligned with DVP requirements.
Provide clear project status updates to leadership and innovation teams, supporting technical reviews and milestone meetings.
Drive structured project execution from concept design through prototype development and manufacturing readiness.
Conduct technology scouting, market research, and competitive benchmarking to identify trends and opportunities that strengthen the innovation pipeline.
Apply expertise in plastic injection molding to ensure designs are optimized for manufacturability, tooling efficiency, quality, and cost competitiveness.
Support product development initiatives across automotive and commercial furniture / office seating markets.
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design Engineering, or related technical field; equivalent experience considered.
Minimum of 5 years of engineering and product design experience within automotive, industrial, furniture, or related manufacturing environments.
Strong proficiency in 3D CAD software with working knowledge of CAE/FEM analysis tools.
Experience creating concept-level and production-ready CAD models for prototyping, visualization, and engineering release.
Strong structured problem-solving skills with the ability to challenge conventional thinking and develop innovative alternatives.
Comfortable working in ambiguous, fast-paced environments focused on early-stage innovation.
Hands-on mindset with experience in prototyping, experimentation, and proof-of-concept development.
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across multiple functions.
Strong decision-making ability with the capacity to work independently and manage priorities effectively.
Proficiency with standard engineering software and Microsoft Office applications.
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