Advanced Innovation Design Engineer

Position Summary / Objective

The Advanced Innovation Design Engineer leads the concept, simulation, and advanced development of next-generation automotive lighting systems and illuminated products. This role blends mechanical design, optical engineering, simulation, and production feasibility to transform early concepts into production-ready technologies. This position requires strong expertise in 3D design, optical ray tracing, thermal simulation, and cross-functional integration, supporting innovation from ideation through validation and commercialization. The engineer will work closely with electrical, optical, software, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to ensure new technologies are robust, manufacturable, and aligned with OEM standards.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Concept & Innovation Development

• Lead concept creation and advanced development of new lighting technologies and illuminated systems.
• Develop patentable designs and innovative lighting architectures.
• Create and evaluate physical properties, demonstration units, and advanced proof-of-concept prototypes.
• Identify emerging materials, optical systems, coatings, and lighting technologies for future application.

3D Design & Product Development

• Design production-intent components and assemblies using CATIA, NX, or SolidWorks.
• Develop full 3D models, 2D drawings, GD&T documentation, and BOMs.
• Ensure designs meet packaging, structural, and manufacturability requirements.
• Collaborate with suppliers and prototype shops to execute concept builds.

Optical Engineering & Ray Tracing

• Perform optical modeling and ray tracing to optimize light distribution, uniformity, efficiency, and appearance.
• Work with light guides, micro-optics, reflectors, diffusers, and surface treatments.
• Support optical validation through simulation and physical testing.
• Collaborate with electronics teams to integrate LEDs and drivers into optical systems.

Simulation & Analysis

• Conduct and/or support
• Optical ray tracing simulations
• Thermal simulations (in coordination with Mechanical Engineering)
• Structural and feasibility analyses
• Develop thermal management strategies to maintain LED and electronic performance at elevated temperatures.
• Validate design performance through simulation prior to prototype and tooling release.

Electrical & Cross-Functional Integration

• Support integration of electronics with optical and mechanical systems.
• Collaborate with electrical engineering on heat generation, packaging constraints, and system robustness.
• Ensure system-level performance across optical, mechanical, and electronic domains.

PLM & Documentation

• Utilize Teamcenter (or equivalent PLM system) to manage CAD data, revisions, and release processes.
• Maintain organized documentation aligned with internal quality systems.
• Support product lifecycle management from concept through validation and release.

Customer & Business Support

• Participate in OEM meetings, technical reviews, and design studio interactions.
• Support technical sales efforts, quoting activities, and concept presentations.
• Represent Muth at industry expos, technology conventions, and innovation forums.

Required Skills & Knowledge

• Strong proficiency in CATIA (primary), NX and/or SolidWorks.
• Experience with optical simulation and ray tracing tools (e.g., LucidShape, LightTools, Speos, Zemax, or similar).
• Experience with thermal simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, FloTHERM, SolidWorks Thermal, or similar).
• Deep understanding of automotive lighting systems and illuminated product design.
• Working knowledge of LED systems, light guides, micro-optics, coatings, and decorative finishes.
• Familiarity with Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and automotive validation practices.
• Experience using Teamcenter or similar PLM systems.
• Ability to translate early concepts into production-feasible designs.
• Strong communication skills for cross-functional and OEM interaction.

Core Competencies

• Systems thinking across mechanical, optical, and electrical domains.
• Innovation mindset with production discipline.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical capability.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
• High level of organization and accountability.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline (required).
• 7+ years of experience in automotive lighting, optical systems, or illuminated product development.
• Demonstrated experience in simulation-driven design.
• Experience developing patentable concepts is strongly preferred.

Why work at Muth?

• Competitive wages.
• Clean, safe and climate-controlled environment.
• Paid time off.
• Paid holidays.
• Company provided STD, LTD and life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program provides 100% confidential 24/7 support, resources, and referrals for work and personal life challenges at no cost to employees and family members.
• 401(K) with company match.
• Onsite fitness center.
• Employee game room.
• Tuition assistance program.
• Employee referral program.
• Monthly employee appreciation anniversary day.
• Offsite wellness center.