Senior Lighting Design Engineer

Position Summary

The Senior Lighting Design Engineer is responsible for leading the design, development, and commercialization of advanced lighting assemblies for automotive applications. This role involves creating production-ready and concept designs, supporting new technology research, and collaborating across sales, engineering, manufacturing, and customer-facing teams. The position requires strong expertise in 3D/2D design, optics integration, material selection, and design-for-manufacturability to deliver innovative and cost-effective lighting solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Development

• Lead the design and engineering of full lighting assemblies, including plastics, enclosures, and mechanical systems.
• Develop 3D/2D CAD models, prototypes, and proof-of-concept properties using SolidWorks, NX, or Catia.
• Apply GD&T, DFMEA, and design-for-manufacturability principles to ensure robust and efficient designs.
• Select appropriate materials and evaluate manufacturing methods for cost, performance, and reliability.
• Support optical and electrical integration for lighting performance.

Program & Customer Support

• Provide technical support to the sales team through presentations, RFQ models, and customer meetings.
• Interface with OEM studios, engineering groups, and suppliers to align designs with customer requirements.
• Build and evaluate engineering samples and prototypes, presenting results to internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to BOM creation and design documentation for both concept and production programs.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Research and document emerging lighting technologies, materials, and processes.
• Drive innovation in lighting design, contributing to patentable concepts.
• Identify opportunities to improve product quality, reduce costs, and streamline processes.
• Participate in Lean and cross-functional initiatives to enhance engineering practices.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Mentor and support cross-functional teams with technical expertise.
• Ensure clear communication and alignment across sales, hardware, software, quality, purchasing, and manufacturing teams.
• Act as a trusted steward of sensitive data, ensuring confidentiality and accountability in all project work.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Industrial or Mechanical Engineering (preferred) with 10+ years of related experience, or 15+ years automotive experience in lighting/mechanical fields.
• Strong program management and project execution skills, with ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously.
• Proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks, NX, Catia) and Microsoft Office.
• Experience with 3D printing, scanning, measuring, and testing equipment.
• Familiarity with automotive standards and procedures (ISO, SAE, IPC, etc.).
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated creativity, problem-solving ability, and focus on manufacturability.

Additional Requirements

• Must maintain confidentiality of sensitive customer and company information.
• Accountable for securing documents, data, and intellectual property.
• Must demonstrate integrity, trustworthiness, and professional accountability.

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.