Project Lead – Automotive (CATIA V5, UGNX – Interiors/Exteriors, Plastics & European/US Standards)
Position Details:
• Position: Project Lead Automotive Engineer
• Experience: 15–18 years
• Location: Hybrid Working
• Employment Type: Full-time
About the Role:
• We are looking for a highly skilled Project Lead in Automotive with extensive experience in CATIA V5, PLM systems, and interior plastic component design.
• The ideal candidate must have prior exposure to European OEM/Tier-1 projects, strong knowledge of European automotive regulations, and proven expertise in developing high-quality interior & exterior systems.
• The candidate should also have strong experience in managing engineering teams and delivering projects in a global environment.
Key Responsibilities:
• Lead the design and development of plastic interior components, including instrument panels, consoles, door trims, pillars, seat trims, and other cabin plastic systems.
• Contribute to trims, closures interfaces, and BIW integration (added advantage).
• Create, modify, and validate 3D CAD models and 2D drawings in CATIA V5 / UGNX (Part Design, Assembly, Drafting modules).
• Ensure all designs comply with European/US automotive standards, regulations, and project-specific codes.
• Collaborate with styling, manufacturing, CAE, quality, and supplier engineering teams within European/US project environments.
• Utilize PLM systems such as ENOVIA or Teamcenter for data management and engineering release processes.
• Conduct feasibility studies, packaging checks, and plastic design validations including draft analysis, wall thickness checks, ribs, bosses, clips, and tolerance stack-ups.
• Lead and support DFM/DFA activities and DFMEA preparation and reviews.
• Support prototype builds (Proto builds), validation, and issue resolution.
• Develop product documentation, BOM structures, and design reports for European customer programs.
• Interact with European OEMs/Tier-1 customers to gather requirements, resolve issues, and ensure design acceptance.
• Lead and manage a team of ~20 engineers, ensuring quality and timely delivery of projects.
• Mentor junior engineers and enforce best practices in plastic design and CAD methodology.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s in mechanical/automotive engineering or related field.
• 15–18 years of hands-on experience in automotive interiors, plastic components design & development.
• Strong experience in managing teams (15–20 members) and leading projects.
• Expert proficiency in CATIA V5 / UGNX (Part Design, Assembly, Drafting).
• Strong knowledge of PLM systems and engineering release workflows.
• Deep understanding of plastic part design fundamentals including drafts, splits, ribs, clips, mounting, warpage considerations, and tooling feasibility.
• Strong experience in automotive trims, plastics, and closures systems (BIW exposure is an added advantage).
• Experience in DFM, DFA, DFMEA, and prototype build processes.
• Experience working on European OEM/Tier-1 projects with understanding of standards and coding systems.
• Knowledge of European automotive regulatory requirements including safety, crash, ergonomic, and environmental standards.
• Strong familiarity with GD&T.
• Excellent communication and customer interaction skills.