Principal NX/CATIA Design Engineer, Automotive Launch

Join the mission

Imagine guiding a high-visibility exterior program from sketch to series production. You architect the CAD, validate it with CAE, freeze the design with your customer, and release pristine data—every checkpoint inside Magna’s PDP nailed. Along the way, you mentor engineers, scout for patentable innovations, and ensure the manufacturing floor can build it faster, safer, and more cost-effectively. If this is your ideal arena, welcome to Magna Exteriors.

Purpose of the role

Lead the design and release of internal and external CAD data and drawings for new product launches, while sustaining current production with VA/VE studies and Manufacturing-led CI support.

Where you’ll make an impact

• Transform verbal and written concepts into complete 3D models, layouts, and detailed drawings for prototypes and production.
• Drive end-to-end design activities and coordinate across internal and external stakeholders; adjust designs to customer feedback.
• Plan and conduct design reviews; keep deliverables aligned to scope, schedule, and cost.
• Run and interpret CAE (Moldflow, FEA, Warpage) to de-risk designs.
• Build robust documentation—drawings, renderings, reports—in line with company and customer standards.
• Perform cost analyses and tolerance stack-ups; maintain drawing systems and 3D data integrity.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to customer design teams; recommend parameters that uphold manufacturability and value.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives and research enhancements to processes and products.
• Generate innovative, patent-eligible concepts; navigate Magna and U.S. Patent Office submissions; track patent status internally and externally.
• Collaborate with Product and Manufacturing Engineering to achieve best-in-class DfM.
• Execute Change Requests (CR) and Change Notices (CN) via the Magna Change X tool.
• Capture lessons learned to elevate future programs.
• Support prototype, pre-production, and production builds; protect intellectual property throughout.
• Foster strong, positive relationships with customers, suppliers, and internal partners.
• Partner with program management on product/process development and prototype tooling/builds.

Operating model

• Location: North America or Global
• Process: Product Delivery Process (PDP) – Gated Launch

Portfolio tiers

• DE2 — Design Engineer: Medium scope (2–4 programs at once), Standard complexity, Leads programs
• DE3 — Senior Design Engineer: Large scope (1–3 programs at once), High complexity, Mentors and trains others

PDP & TraX milestones you will own

1. ME-003 Intellectual Property / Patent Searches
2. ME-030 Critical Design Review (CDR)
3. ME-035 CAE (Moldflow, FEA, Warpage Analysis, Other)
4. ME-039 Customer Design Freeze
5. ME-040 Data Release

What you need to succeed

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering or a Technical field

Experience bands

• DE2: 4–9 years | DE3: 10+ years
• Customer/supplier engagement: DE2 Skilled | DE3 Expert
• New product launches and gated launch execution: DE2 Skilled | DE3 Expert
• Automotive OEM environment: DE2 Skilled | DE3 Expert
• CAD platforms (CATIA, NX, other): DE2 Skilled | DE3 Expert

Skilled: Manages moderate complexity independently; can lead programs without mentorship; choices have lasting impact.

Expert: Orchestrates complex, large programs; fully proficient; mentors and trains; accountable for high-risk decisions.

Software and toolchain

• Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word
• NX, CATIA, or equivalent CAD systems

Professional competencies

• Communication and English Proficiency: Professional writing, reading, and speaking; effective one-on-one presentation; strong interpersonal and listening skills.
• Ethics and Initiative: Integrity-driven; proactive; comfortable navigating ambiguity.
• Safety and Customer Focus: Adheres to safety; uses materials responsibly; cultivates strong customer partnerships.
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Alignment: Aligns diverse stakeholders to shared goals.

Technical requirements & credentials

Required

• CAD proficiency
• Strong mathematics capability
• GD&T fluency; blueprint interpretation
• Ability to support and maintain DFMEA, Open Issue Lists, and timelines

Desired

• Active membership in a design-related professional engineering organization
• ASME GD&T certification

Broader proficiency set

• GD&T
• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing)
• PFMEA
• Supplier Management
• CAD Software
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
• Product Design Experience
• Engineering Degree
• Supplier Negotiation Experience

Tech you’ll use

• NX CAD (Siemens) and related CAD tools

Work style & travel

• Limited travel to support supplier and customer needs
• Hands-on presence on the manufacturing floor for extended periods; on-site customer support when requested
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds