Lead Engineer - Automotive Engineering Design

Engineer ED & BOM As a Lead Engineer – Engineering Design, you will be a key contributor to our Global Engineering Design/CAD team in Chennai, reporting to the CAD Manager LL6. This role is integral to our product development cycle, focusing on systems-level design ownership across diverse automotive domains such as Interior or Exterior commodities, Such as IP/CNSL, Door Trim, Hard Trims / Frt and RR Fascias and Functional Trims. You may lead a small team of designers or own a system or subsystems , guiding them in creating designs that adhere to Ford Engineering requirements and Design Standards using Catia V5 / V6 environment. A core part of your responsibility will be to ensure timely and quality CAD design deliverables in line with Ford GPDS timelines. This position requires strong technical acumen in digital pre-assembly, BOM management, clearance checks, and the ability to implement design actions based on CAE/CFD analysis and testing. You will also be expected to manage the CAD design lifecycle within the PML tool (Teamcenter /3DX) and continuously seek opportunities for efficiency and innovation. Execute projects and establish systems-level design ownership, working either as an individual contributor or as the leader of a small design team. Perform Design of Interior Exterior Plastics commodities in Catia V5, in line with Engineering requirements and Ford Design Standards. Meet Ford GPDS timelines and quality standards for CAD design deliverables. Demonstrate good knowledge in Digital Pre-assembly process and BOM. Perform Dynamic and static clearance checks. Ensure CAD / BOM alignment. Implement Design actions based on analysis using CAE / CFD / outdoor & indoor tests. Develop designs according to Plastics design specifications & manufacturing processes. Manage CAD design Lifecycle in PML tool (Teamcenter). Run Design reviews. Actively participate in efficiency and innovation initiatives. Perform Engineering Design with minimal supervision. Collaborate with D&R Engineers and other cross functional teams to perform all CAD related deliverables with respect to Ford standards. Ensure every Gateway/Milestone targets are achieved with respect to Ford standards and Design rule requirements. Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical/Automobile) or related disciplines. Experience: Min 6 years of experience in the Automotive Industry. Minimum 6 years of design experience (CATIA V5) in any of the automotive systems. Candidates should ideally have 6+ years in Automotive Product Development. Functional/Technical Skills: In-depth CAD tool skills (Catia V5 / V6). Expertise in vehicle systems and sub-systems (Door Trims/ IP/CNSL, Exterior Plastics, Interior Trims, etc), Work experience with PLM tools (Teamcenter /3DX). Knowledge of engineering quality tools: FMEAs, Six Sigma, etc. Knowledge of applied systems engineering, Six Sigma methodologies. Knowledge in New Product Introduction process, its milestones, and its delivery success criteria for engineering. Knowledge of material cost, business equations, and basic finance. Excellent Written and Verbal communication Working knowledge with Office Tools Experience Level Senior Level